Digital Trends

GlobalSat GPS Data Logger DG-100 August 21st, 2007 | by Jason Tomczak

Google Maps & Google Earth

The DG-100 can easily convert GPS data logs for use with Google Maps and Google Earth. Google Earth needs to be installed on your computer, whereas Google Maps is integrated into the Data Logger program itself. Both options will allow for some fun and educational geotracking activities. The Data Logger program can export data points in several formats, including KML (Google Earth), CSV (Excel), and TXT.

Real Life Test

In order to test the DG-100 out in several real world scenarios, I took the it on some errands around town, and then I took it on a hot air balloon ride through the Oregon wine country. (Tough job, I know.) With the DG-100 set in walking mode (balloons don't move very quickly, so 30 second intervals was fine) I went airborne for about 90 minutes. Four hundred photos and about 170 GPS data points later, I touched down in a cornfield, ready to use the Data Logger software to track my flight.

Who else do you know that would test a GPS device from a hot air balloon?

Once I plugged the DG-100 into my computer, I had all my GPS data points downloaded and mapped in less than 3 minutes. I was able to select and map individual points (down to the very second) as well as entire segments of my journey with little to no trouble at all.

The only downside to the Google Maps segment of the Data Logger program is the inability to easily export the tagged maps in JPG format. There are ways around that, but it'd be better if it was added as a program function.

My route using Google maps

Mac Users

At present, the GlobalSat application is Windows-only. If you want to run the app on your Mac, you'll most likely need to run it under BootCamp with Windows XP. I found that the app was buggy when running under Parallels. Results may vary, so feel free to experiment.


Conclusion 

The GlobalSat Data Logger DG-100 is an inexpensive and easy way to log GPS coordinates and enjoy basic geotracking activities. While the software interface leaves plenty to be desired aesthetically (and hampers the full enjoyment of the DG-100), it does a solid job of tracking, logging, and mapping. For an average of $90 USD, it's very easy to recommend the DG-100 for GPS tracking.


Pros:

• Affordable GPS tracking
• Very easy to use
• User configurable, if desired
• USB for data transfer and charging
• GPS-Mouse mode

Cons:

• Slightly ugly software
• No Bluetooth
• Windows-only