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I've used it a bit on Android. It's important to note that OwnTracks only takes care of publishing your location to an MQTT server (and also subscribing to and

I've used it a bit on Android. It's important to note that OwnTracks only takes care of publishing your location to an MQTT server (and also subscribing to and displaying other published locations). If you want to save historical location data, and display it on a map, you'll need to hook up some more software, likely this: https://github.com/owntracks/recorder https://github.com/owntracks/recorder As far as the Android app goes, I had no complaints. I didn't notice any significant battery drain issues or anything like that.

vosper 11y ago
Thanks for the link. Do you happen to know what the behaviour is when there's no network connection? I'm going to be going to a lot of countries, and I doubt I'll have a SIM card everywhere (plus I'll be off-the-grid hiking and exploring a bunch).
- beardicus 11y ago
  I think that'll be a problem. Since you'd be recording your historical data off of the MQTT server, and your phone wont be updating the MQTT server, you'd have gaps in your data. Sounds like you want to record data right on your phone. Some other commenters have mentioned possible alternatives that probably would work better for you.
- caffinatedmonk 11y ago
  [According to the documentation:][1] > When the device determines that it's moved a significant distance, it contacts a server via 3G or WiFi (hopefully one of those is available, but we queue messages many thousands on the app until connectivity can be established) [1]: http://owntracks.org/booklet/guide/whathow/ http://owntracks.org/booklet/guide/whathow/
- brenschluss 11y ago
  From the booklet (http://owntracks.org/booklet/guide/whathow/ http://owntracks.org/booklet/guide/whathow/): > When the device determines that it's moved a significant distance, it contacts a server via 3G or WiFi (hopefully one of those is available, but we queue messages many thousands on the app until connectivity can be established) and says "hey, I'm here", whereby "here" is specified with a bit more precision.

vosper 11y ago

Thanks for the link. Do you happen to know what the behaviour is when there's no network connection? I'm going to be going to a lot of countries, and I doubt I'll have a SIM card everywhere (plus I'll be off-the-grid hiking and exploring a bunch).

beardicus 11y ago
I think that'll be a problem. Since you'd be recording your historical data off of the MQTT server, and your phone wont be updating the MQTT server, you'd have gaps in your data. Sounds like you want to record data right on your phone. Some other commenters have mentioned possible alternatives that probably would work better for you.
caffinatedmonk 11y ago
[According to the documentation:][1] > When the device determines that it's moved a significant distance, it contacts a server via 3G or WiFi (hopefully one of those is available, but we queue messages many thousands on the app until connectivity can be established) [1]: http://owntracks.org/booklet/guide/whathow/ http://owntracks.org/booklet/guide/whathow/
brenschluss 11y ago
From the booklet (http://owntracks.org/booklet/guide/whathow/ http://owntracks.org/booklet/guide/whathow/): > When the device determines that it's moved a significant distance, it contacts a server via 3G or WiFi (hopefully one of those is available, but we queue messages many thousands on the app until connectivity can be established) and says "hey, I'm here", whereby "here" is specified with a bit more precision.