GPS Custom Layer FAQ

Note: GPSLayer is currently built at 10.0 and is not compatible with 9.X - click HERE for a version compatible with 9.X

• Why I can't see my GPS collector?

  GPSLayer uses standard ArcObjects to manage the GPS feed. If you cannot see the GPS collector in ArcMap using the out-of-the-box GPS toolbar, then you are most likely missing a piece of middleware that should be provided by your unit's manufacturer.

  Troubleshooting Tips:

  1. First of all, make sure the GPS unit will work with ArcMap's GPS toolbar.
  2. Make sure the GPS unit has been configured to operate in compliance with NMEA-0183: 4800 Baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.
  3. If the Detect button still doesn't work, make sure the correct COM port appears in the dropdown list. Some drivers may assign a nonstandard COM port ID which could create problems.
  4. Make sure no other application is reading the GPS. That can cause a port conflict.

• Why am I not seeing the GPS point if the dialog is displaying data?
  1. In ArcReader, be sure to refresh the display after activating the layer. This is a bug in that is not fixed in 9.3 or 10.0.
  2. Make sure the data frame coordinate system and units are set when the PMF is published.
  3. Check if the map has a reference scale set that would shrink the symbol to invisibility (see below).

• Why does the GPS point get larger or smaller as I zoom in or out?

  If the map has a reference scale set, that will affect the sizing of the GPS point. To disable this, in ArcMap set the reference scale to "None" before publishing to PMF.

• Can I change the GPS point symbol?

  Yes! As of version 3, you can set the symbol from an ESRI ServerStyle file and save it in user settings or in the PMF when published. See GPSLayer.pdf in the download for details.