This application will feature two nice additions to current GPS systems found in cars, which are Location Based Reminders and Notes using GPS Technology.

As this is my graduation project in the year 2006 (Update: Google Maps/Smartphones with GPS didn't exist), The application helped to be notified of pre-set reminders depending on the place I am currently located in real time, and I think it's the first in this category in location based reminders/notes.

1)Location based reminder: if you wish to be notified to buy groceries if you pass near a certain supermarket or a convenience store, you would click on the store location on the map then click "Add Note", then would type in the text box "Buy groceries" and click OK, Next time if you pass by this exact store, a popup visual message accompanied with a sound beep, would tell you to buy groceries, and many similar cases apply, imagine if you would to visit a doctor, shop everyday needs in different places.

Using this application, you will not miss a meeting, a shopping list item, and you will also save fuel and time.

2)Chat: If used as a base station to send messages between users to set location based notes and chat messages.

Detailed Description

GPS Companion Software Application User functional requirements:

The following basically describes what the system should do:

1. The GPS receiver will receive the current coordinates from the satellites.

2. The computer will communicate with the GPS receiver though the serial port interface to receive data.

3. The software will start parsing this data to get the current position’s coordinates.

4. The software will store the position’s name along with its specific coordinates in a database.

5. As the user travels along and changes position, the system will track his/her position on the map relating to time.

6. The system will be able to take notes and reminders of a place depending on the user’s choice.

7. The system will be able to alert the user if he/she approaches a specific place as a visual and/or audible alert. The system would be previously programmed using notes and/or reminder modules. For example, I want to be alerted if I reach the proximity of a certain Supermarket because I need to be reminded to buy bread for example, or else I would forget.

The project consists of the application software, Garmin GPS receiver (which is connected to the serial port) and a laptop so it can be carried away with you all time.

The application is ready, the source code is compiled, and the application is working in a very good condition.

I would be glad to work with OpenStreetMap to enhance my application and it's features.

Eng. Loay