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Using OwnTracks with GeoPulse

OwnTracks is a popular open-source location tracking application for iOS and Android. GeoPulse supports integration with OwnTracks through two different connection methods: HTTP and MQTT.

This guide provides the necessary steps to configure both GeoPulse and the OwnTracks app.

Step 1: Configure GeoPulse​

First, create a new location source in GeoPulse to receive data from your device.

  1. In your GeoPulse account, navigate to Settings -> Location Sources.
  2. Click Add New Source and select OwnTracks.
  3. Choose your desired Connection Type:
    • HTTP: A simple and direct web request from your phone to GeoPulse. Recommended for most users.
    • MQTT: A more complex but potentially more real-time method that requires a separate MQTT broker. See Deployment Guide how to install GeoPulse with MQTT broker
  4. Enter a unique Username and a strong Password. You will need these credentials for the OwnTracks app.
  5. Click Save to create the new location source.

Step 2: Configure the OwnTracks App​

After setting up the source in GeoPulse, open the OwnTracks app on your mobile device and configure it based on the connection type you chose.

HTTP Configuration​

This is the simplest method to get started.

  1. In the OwnTracks app, go to Preferences -> Connection.
  2. Set the Mode to HTTP.
  3. In the Host field, enter the full URL for your GeoPulse OwnTracks endpoint. You can find this URL on the Location Sources page in GeoPulse. It will look like this: 
    https://geopulse.yourdomain.com/api/owntracks
  4. Enable Authentication.
  5. Enter the Username and Password you created in GeoPulse.

MQTT Configuration​

This method requires that you have the GeoPulse MQTT broker enabled and accessible from the internet.

  1. In the OwnTracks app, go to Preferences -> Connection.
  2. Set the Mode to MQTT.
  3. Configure the following connection details:
    • Host: Enter the public domain or IP address of your GeoPulse server (do not include http:// or https://).
    • Port: 1883 (or your custom MQTT port if you have changed it).
    • Authentication: Enable this and enter the Username and Password you created in GeoPulse.
    • TLS: Ensure that TLS/SSL is disabled, as the default GeoPulse broker does not use it.

Once saved, the OwnTracks app will begin sending location updates to your GeoPulse account, which will be automatically processed to build your timeline.