GlideTrack

GlideTrack is a simple mobile tracker for glider flying. It works in conjunction with the http://glideport.aero track visualization and analysis web app. It sends high-resolution flight track data to GlidePort.aero so that spectators can view your flights in real-time (or later). GlideTrack also allows you to send text messages that can be seen in GlidePort.aero.

This is a reference implementation, it illustrates how to use the GlidePort.aero API. GlideTrack source code is available at https://github.com/glideport/GlideTrack. However, GlideTrack is fully functional, you can use it to track your flights in real-time!


# Setup

Create a GlidePort.aero user account if you do not already have it. To create a user account go to http://glideport.aero and register. When you submit your registration information you will receive an activation email. Click the link in the email to complete the registration process. If you don't receive the registration email, check your spam folder.

Once you have your GlidePort.aero account, run GlideTrack on your mobile phone, enter your GlidePort login name (your email), and click save. If needed, update the glider information that will be associated with this tracker.


# Tracking

Prior to your flight, if you need to update your glider information, tap "Settings". Alternatively, you can edit your track in GlidePort.aero after the flight.

When you tap "START" to start tracking, GlideTrack uses the phone GPS to record your track and to periodically send it to GlidePort.aero, nominally every 2 minutes. If there is no cellular phone connectivity, it will keep retrying until it is able to successfully send data. If you stop tracking and start again within 15 minutes, the old track will be continued.

To send a message, enter your message and tap "Send". To resend a recent message, tap the message so that it appears in the message box, and tap "Send". Note that messages can only be sent when tracking is ON.

Tap "STOP" when back on the ground.


# Tips and Tricks

* It is recommended to run the app and start tracking a few minutes before you fly. That way the GPS will have time to get a good position lock.
* It is important that your phone has a good view of the sky in order to get a good quality track. For example, if you keep the phone in your pocket, you will not get a good quality track.
* GlideTrack is not optimized for battery life. It is recommended that you plug it into an external battery if you plan to do long flights.