Simple GPS tracking App

#1

We’re building an all-in-one concept for an internet and security solution for yachts.

We’ve sorted out the internet and security solution, but we would like to add GPS locating and tracking to the mix, using the GPS data from the Pepwave MAX or InControl 2.
We are looking for a simple GPS app that does nothing more than show the current location of the yacht, and maybe the movement of the last 12/24 hours.
The ability to use geo-fencing would be a great addition.

The goal of the app is to enable the owner to check on the location of his yacht at all times.
The app has to be insanely simple, so that everyone can use it, no matter how digital illiterate you are.
It also has to work on Android and iOS.

Does anyone have experience with this setup?
Has anyone maybe done this before?

All tips and tricks are appreciated.

#2

Hi Joey. Wondering if you have tried marinetraffic.com? If these “boats” have AIS (and I expect they do), it’s a simple matter to track any vessel. If they don’t, AIS is a relatively inexpensive addition. I use the iOS app and their web site – have not tried Android.

In brief, one can use the site pretty much free. Additional costs arise when one wants to track via satellite-based location – e.g., when out of range of shore stations. One also gets free usage if one has a receiver that feeds into their network.

This likely does not meet your very reasonable criteria of “_all-in-one.” However, it is easy, inexpensive, does not require fiddling, and "just works. Just a thought …

#3

Hey Rick,

Thanks for your thoughts!

I am aware of the marinetraffic.com site and the app.
One of the big downsides is that this app is not free (€ 4,99).
Besides that, the app is very detailed (which is good, but not for these end-users).

The ideal app would be something with 3 options and nothing more:

  • Locating the vessel
  • Look at the movement of the last 12/24 hours
  • Set a geo-fence

We were thinking to make the app talk with the InControl 2 API.
The biggest challenge will probably be finding an GPS app that’s not a complete maze for someone that has almost none to no experience at all with these technologies.
We have to assume our customers are all ‘digital idiots’, so the app has to be fit for idiots. :smiley:

#4

OK, I got it. Roger on the “digital idiots.” :grinning:

#5

Joey we should talk. Am in the middle of building almost exactly that now for one of the Mongol Rally cars. PM me you’re contact details and lets see what we can make happen.