The GPSD server talks to the GPS as an only application, it forwards data to anyone (e.g. Maemo Mapper). It should be able to feed data to Maemo Mapper, Wayfinder and e.g. a gps logging program at the same time (unlike when a program accesses a BT GPS directly. That could also be done via GPSD instead). If the GPS needs the GPSD for it to stay hot then it means that the GPSD must either be running 24/7, or, if possible, it should be able to instead store the last ephemeris on file and feed the GPS when it starts. (If it turns out to be true that the GPS chip doesn't have any way to hold on to it by itself).