APRSdroid integration !
Not planned
Being a licensed ham and traveling to teach all over the North American continent, i use the aprsdroid app for tracking and messaging when in areas with digipeater access but no cell service. I also do disaster relief work and provide medical education to disaster responders.
Integrating APRSdroid with Gaia GPS would make your great app (both apps) even better.
When in groups in remote areas, APRS users can locate others and communicate through simplex (no need for digipeaters or repeaters), being able to see the location of other group members right on the Gaia app (with the excellent maps available) would be ideal !
APRS would be very useful for disaster responders and SAR teams. Integration with quality nav systems is the logical next step.
Please consider this, Backcountry Navigator just came out with APRSdroid integration that is still in beta,
-
Official comment
Hi everyone,
Thanks for posting. I can definitely see how this would be a helpful feature.
While this currently isn't on the roadmap, I appreciate the feedback and wanted to let you know that we are listening.
I encourage folks to continue to show their interest in this feature by upvoting this thread.Comment actions -
Apple user as well and think an APRS feature on Gaia would be a great asset for many especially SAR-ES and any emergency responders. However I would like to see it with an APRS platform that is supported by more than just droid devices. Would be better with aprs.fi or similar. Like I said, support for all devices and platforms.
-
I have over 30 years of Emergency Management and public safety supervisory experience, and APRS would be very useful for all levels of emergency aid and assistance, as well as for hobby purposes such as off-roading, hiking and other pursuits. Integration with quality nav systems is the logical next step, and I am primarily an IOS user, but use Android as well. I respectfully request that GAIA begin the requested APRS support for these common platforms, as Backcountry Navigator has begun in Beta. Thanks for your consideration!
-
As an iOS user I have to reluctantly say I don't see a clear path for integrating APRS into GaiaGPS on iOS. Since iOS doesn't support serial bluetooth, the only method for getting offline APRS is via the headphone port. For me that's a deal killer since I use my headphone jack to connect to my truck's music player. This would also require GaiaGPS's developers to dive into decoding audio packet data.
However, GaiaGPS for Android could relatively easily integrate with APRSDroid, which is compatible with Mobilinkd bluetooth TNC.
So, that's my long way of saying I'd LOVE to see this come to GaiaGPS for Android. I'd switch to an Android tablet from my iPad if that happened.
I do think that APRS integration aligns really well with GaiaGPS's use in S&R and emergency operations. Even more so for us 4-wheelers who are in large numbers moving to ham radio.
-
Found a link to this from a forum asking for support of the request.
As both a Beta User on Android and a paid premium user on Ios I do not support this addition directly. Early on I requested Spotwalla integration to compliment/replace the RECORD button. Spotwalla is a free tracking hub that integrates Spot, Bubbler, SWConnect, Inreach, Wireie, and finally APRS. It allows all users to have access not just a specific licensed group of Ham radio operators like myself.
APRS integration is a nice option, but Spotwalla is more universal for all users
-
The RAVEN, the desire for APRS integration is because so many use both GaiaGPS and APRS in areas without any cell coverage. Spotwalla looks like a neat service but it is web based so will require a data connection. APRS shares location and messages without the need for data, if GaiaGPS added APRS support (via APRSdroid running a background service) it could allow you to see the location of other users and repeaters integrated on the same map you are using for navigation all without needing data service.
-
The Raven, I think you misunderstand the desired functionality behind this feature request. Spotwalla’s APRS integration requires internet service to work. Integrating with APRSDroid would allow APRS users to see nearby APRS stations with an internet connection. APRSDroid listens to radio transmissions (through an attached ham radio) with GPS data in them in order to place them on a map. This is useful in remote areas. Spotwalla would certainly be a valuable integration but isn’t as complete a substitute for APRS as you’d suggest.
-
I do not use Gaia currently, I just joined this to comment due to the efforts of one of your users to promote interest in this feature. I'm one of possibly a good number of individuals who would likely purchase Gaia if it had APRS functionality that integrated well. I'd most likely get it if for no other reason than to tinker with that feature. Who is to say I would not start using it primarily if I was introduced for another reason.
I currently use and am fond of BackCountry Navigator, they are attempting to implement APRS functions but it is currently very basic and cumbersome in practice. Adding APRS that worked well and gained the support of users would potentially bring in new users and keep you competitive with BCN.
-
Just a followup to my earlier comment. To give the advocate of this feature the benefit of the doubt I approached it as many newcomers would. I purchased APRSdroid, a Baofung HT, an external antenna and followed all the instructions I could find for APRS. I ended up having the ability to read my packet via a packet translator on my ipad that was captured on my FT60. Though I could not get any on the digirepeaters to pickup my signal and could not update my location in Maryland where I am now.
Needless to say I stick to my prior feelings on the system. While it may be useful to some, or those using APRS-is I just see the equipment requirement and the technical requirements far surpass the needs of the average user.
I should also mention that I also purchased Backcountry Navigator (Which I do like in some ways better than Gaia) to test the APRS functionality and found it clunky to use at best.
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
240 comments