Source
r/Android•
MagnificentMath

GPS Check in for Hiking/Backpacking

I am trying to find an Android app that replicates the functionality of the SPOT messenger Checkin/OK feature. Basically, I want to be able to quickly send a message (text, buzz, or whatever) that indicates that I'm OK and where I am.

Ideally, however, I would love to have it integrated with GPS waypoints. That way, whenever I get a specific waypoint, the phone turns on the radio (I typically keep it in airplane mode while hiking), and sends a message indicating I'm where I need to be. It would also be nice to have my phone periodically send updates.

I suppose I could create a tasker profile to replicate this, but I would rather have a prebuilt solution.

Posted Mar 21, 2011, 2:47 AM UTC

616
adrianmonk•

You can do something kinda similar with Google Latitude, which is accessible through the latest version of the Maps app.

If you want something that's independent of google services, you could open the Camera app, make sure Store Location is set to on, take a photo, and then share that photo (by tapping on it and going to the gallery) by one of several means. The timestamp and the GPS coordinates will be embedded in the photo in the EXIF data. Some destinations you share it with might be able to put photos on a map. (I just tried PicasaWeb, and it seems like it doesn't know to use the EXIF data even though it's clearly there after uploading and even though PicasaWeb has a maps feature.)

EDIT: In the PicasaWeb preferenes, there is a checkbox called "Automatically map photos if they contain location data", which appears to be off by default.

EDIT2: Forgot to include a link about Latitude Checkin.

3
MagnificentMathOP•

I played around with Latitude but couldn't get checkin to work as I wanted. From playing with it, when I hit checkin, it just pulls up a list of restaurants around. I'm not sure if I can just checkin with just my GPS coordinates. I could just open up latitude since that seems to update my GPS coordinates, but that won't send an "OK" message.

The photo idea is a cool one. I have a Flickr account and that definitely has the ability to display geotagged images on a map. I also would have the ability to have some coarse permission controls. However, I don't think I'll be able to upload a full image on the very weak connection that I'll have while backpacking.

Thank you for the suggestions.

2
Wifflepig•

Footprints - that comes in some android phones will do this - but it's not exactly what you're lokoing for - android market has a few coordinate stamping apps. Just head there, search for "hiking"

1
MagnificentMathOP•

Yeah, I've played around with many GPS tracking applications, but none seem to have the ability to easily send my GPS coordinates to a few people.

1
morkoq•

Give r/gps a shot too maybe.

2
[deleted]•

Buzz automatically geotags posts. Their widget works nice for this. Also, you can post Buzz through email.

Compass will work with Catch notes to record and share lat,long and heading to your social network or email.

2
MagnificentMathOP•

Do you know if I can have buzz send text messages without the people I'm trying to notify having to configure anything? Likewise for catch.

Regardless, thank you for the suggestions.

1
[deleted]•

I haven't used either for texting. Catch notes might do it. I don't think Buzz will.

But hope is not lost! Found two free apps for you:SMzone lite, and Imcoming. I haven't tried either of them yet, but they seem to fit your needs.

1
RatlettuceSensation. ICS ARHD 6.6.4•

I am also very interested in this

1
mrcandymanSamsung Galaxy Nexus - Purity•

The spot messenger transmits to the satellites. Our phones do not have satellite transmitters in them to accomplish this.

1
MagnificentMathOP•

I don't want the actual satellite uplink functionality; I just want a replication of the checkin/OK feature. But that does remind me, I came across this nifty device coming soon from SPOT: the SPOT connect, which is a satellite link device that you pair with your phone via bluetooth.

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bitter_cynical_angry•

Out of curiousity, where do you go backpacking that has a cellphone signal?

1
MagnificentMathOP•

I most likely won't have a signal. I just thought it would be nice to check in if I happen to have one wherever I camp each night.

1
Wifflepig•

Head over to the android market and just search for hiking - there's quite a bit of apps that do a variation of what you're looking for. When you're backcountry backpacking/hiking, I don't think you really need something as a "checkin" - the simple fact that your GPS coords are stamped and marked is a "checkin". If you've stopped moving in 24 hours, time to call in the search party.

Of course, if you're within cell range where you can check in - you're really not back-country backpack/hiking, either.

I've had some variation of a GPS unit doing my backcountry hikes (disappear into the rockies for 2-3 weeks at a time), and generally only waypoint where I started my trail in, then turn it off and in the bag it goes - it's a backup in case I get lost, forget how to read topo maps and compasses, and need to easy-way my way out. Whenever you go backcountry, you generally sign a permit that indicates when you're coming out so they know when to sell your stuff ... err, search for you.

1
MagnificentMathOP•

Head over to the android market and just search for hiking - there's quite a bit of apps that do a variation of what you're looking for. When you're backcountry backpacking/hiking, I don't think you really need something as a "checkin" - the simple fact that your GPS coords are stamped and marked is a "checkin". If you've stopped moving in 24 hours, time to call in the search party.

There are a lot of apps that allow me to record my GPS coordinates (which I use already for training purposes), but I didn't see any that let me easily share them with people. Do you have any specific suggestions?

Of course, if you're within cell range where you can check in - you're really not back-country backpack/hiking, either.

I'm not expecting to get any signal, but if I do, it would be nice to be able to check in.

you generally sign a permit that indicates when you're coming out so they know when to sell your stuff ... err, search for you.

Right. This is more for easing worrying loved ones. When I head out, I leave copies of itineraries, let the ranger know when I should be expected back, etc.

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Wifflepig•

Footprints - is that in your phone? Latitude? I signed in to some thing with Google - Footprints and Latitutde - on my Evo 4G - and it was showing me little icons of where all my friends were - I had to tell it to announce my location.

Played with it for a bit, then thought it was really big-brother-y - because I could see exactly where my friends were at all times (the ones that signed in to the thing).

It was basically a Google Maps with points where everyone else was, and you could watch those things move. It was creepy.

1