Ground Station - arthurbenemann/ardupilot GitHub Wiki

http://ardupilot-mega.googlecode.com/svn/ArduPilotMegaImages/chasecam.gif

What is a Ground Control Station (GCS)?

A Ground Control Station (GCS) is typically a software application, running on a computer on the ground, that communicates with your UAV via wireless telemetry. It displays real-time data on the UAVs performance and position and can serve as a "virtual cockpit", showing many of the same instruments that you would have if you were flying a real plane.

A GCS can also be used to control a UAV in flight, uploading new mission commands and setting parameters. It is often also use to monitor the live video stream from a UAV's cameras.

Note: APM defaults to a baud rate of 57600 baud on its telemetry port. Please set your Xbee modules and GCS software accordingly.

APM is supported by several GCSs, with more coming. As they reach maturity, they will be added here (see menu items at left). The current options are:

• HappyKillmore GCS: Windows. This is a full-featured GCS that supports many autopilots, and has been designed with the DIY Drones team for full APM compatibility.
• APM Mission Planner: Windows. This is the same utility that you will use for much of the APM mission setup. It also includes a good basic GCS.
• QGroundControl: A powerful and highly customizable GCS from the academic team that designed the MAVLink protocol that APM uses. Linux, Windows, and Mac.