I am writing a Mappoint add-in (VB6) and would like to know how/where I can capture the current GPS coordiantes from Mappoint (when the GPS is being used to navigate). I have looked through the COM objects and can't seem to find the Collection, Method or Property where they are stored or set by mappoint. I noticed that Mappoint will display the current Lat/Lon in a small dialog box when the GPS is hooked up, but I have no clue where it is getting the coords (VIA direct access to the com port?). Any help would be greatly appreciated, I am completely lost on this. Thanks.

You might want to get a resource like this book:
"Visual Basic Programmer's Guide to Serial Communications"
Here's the author's web site:
http://www.hardandsoftware.net/

Eric

The GPS coordinates are not accessible via the programing interface, however, rather than getting involved in GPS sentences and serial port interfaces yourself, it might be worth considering using a ready made plug-in. One of the better ones is available here at http://franson.biz/gpstools. The registration fee is not too bad at $49 and there are no further distribution royalties.

Roger

Thank you both!

If I can't get the current GPS location directly from the MapPoint API, can I run a second program that monitors the incoming GPS stream at the same time that MapPoint (or Streets & Trips) is running with GPS tracking? Wouldn't MapPoint have the COM port open, thus blocking access to any other program?

I spend a lot of time in my car, and I would really like to write an add-in, or background utility that enhances the normal MapPoint GPS tracking experience. For instance, I want to add voice cues, and one-click progress notifications (so I don't have to fumble with mouse and menus while I'm driving), to show me the next couple of directions and how far I have to go, etc.

Am I going to have to replace MapPoint with my program? I'd really rather just add-on to the mostly perfect app I'm already running!

Thanks!

There are several existing add-ons... try AGPS, MobileGPSOnline, there are others that are not coming to mind right now..

Eric