Since Zubax GNSS 2 supports standard NMEA protocol, it can be used with virtually any software designed to work with GNSS receivers. This tutorial shows how to use Zubax GNSS 2 with GIS software using QGIS as an example. QGIS is a free and open source cross-platform geographic information system that works on Windows, Linux, and Mac. Explanations provided in this tutorial are also applicable to other software products.
Installing QGIS
QGIS installation files for Windows, Mac, and Linux can be freely downloaded from http://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html.
On some Linux distributions it is also possible to install it from software repository, e.g. on Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install qgis.
Once QGIS is installed, launch it, and connect Zubax GNSS 2 to the computer via USB. Note that if you’re running Windows version older than 10, you will likely need to install the driver - please refer to the USB interface documentation page for details.
Configuring QGIS
In order to make QGIS receive measurements from your Zubax GNSS 2 in real time, enable the GNSS information panel by clicking View → Panels → GPS Information Panel.
A panel will appear like shown on the screenshot below. On the panel:
- Select
Serial device - Select the right serial port number in the dropdown list.
- Press
Connect.
Now the software is connected and receiving measurements from Zubax GNSS 2. The current position will be indicated with a cross. However, right now it’s not of much use, so in the steps below we’ll add a map.
Click Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins.... A window like shown below will appear. In the window, find the plugin OpenLayers Plugin using the search bar, select it, and press Install plugin.
Having installed the plugin, click Web → OpenLayers plugin → OpenStreetMap → OpenStreetMap
The result is shown on the screenshot below.
