Xastir provides mapping, tracking, messaging, weather, weather
alerts, and Search & Rescue features over radio or internet and
runs on a variety of platforms. Xastir is an open source software
project maintained by Developers and Contributors from all over the
globe, provided free under the GNU General Public License.
From its early beginnings, Xastir
has evolved into a very robust client with a rich feature set
that rivals other APRS clients.
Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)
(also known as "Automatic Position Reporting System") is an
amateur radio based digital communication system for real-time
exchange of digital information to users on the network. APRS
was originally developed by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR more than 20
years ago. It has since evolved into a robust system of interconnected
networks. Xastir is a computer application that provides client
access to this network using the APRS protocol.