[Xastir-dev] args to data_add()

[Curt, WE7U]

On Sat, 10 Apr 2004, Owen DeLong wrote:

> Actually, if I were looking at it, what I'd be doing is using the
> GPS NMEA string from the simulated panel-mounted GPS (OK, I'm
> making an assumption here, but, I suspect it's fairly safe) into
> XASTIR as the "my station" input.  I'd also use synthetic APRS
> strings for other aircraft to potentially simulate TCAS.  The TCAS
> stuff might require adding some capabilities to XASTIR (3D
> awareness kind of things), but, those could be generically useful.

Yes, if it would solve the purposes, that is exactly how I'd go
about it as well.  It fits our paradism quite well.


> Eventually, I think it would be useful for the XASTIR geocoder
> capabilities to have an API that allowed the following
> capabilities:
>
> 	1.	Call XASTIR autorouter from another program and get route waypoints.
> 	2.	Have XASTIR feed geocoder output to an external autorouter and make good
> 		use of the result (as if it's own autorouter had been called).
> 	3.	Have multiple autorouters (automotive, aviation, rail?  aquatic?)
>
> Anyway, I think this has some interesting possibilities.  I agree
> that non-XASTIR functionality should be kept external, but, I
> think there are some features that could be added to XASTIR to
> support those external capabilities that would also be useful for
> other things in XASTIR.
>
> Realistically, I think XASTIR is evolving into a generic
> GIS/Tracking/Solution Plotting system with APRS and NMEA as
> primary inputs, rather than just another APRS widget.
> That's a good thing!

Agreed.  It also fits into the Unix philosophy of "small" tools that
can be strung together to perform the larger task, although we're
severely pushing the "small" category.

--
Curt, WE7U			    archer at eskimo dot com
Arlington, WA, USA		http://www.eskimo.com/~archer
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