Getting Started with Location Tracking: Overcoming Common Development Challenges

When new developers start building a location tracking app, they face these types of challenges like providing the accurate real-time location data and managing updates when the app is running in the background. If these issues aren't handled properly, then users may get frustrated and lose trust in app.

As we worked on our own location tracking app, GroupTrack, we faced these common challenges. It was important for us to make sure users could count on the app for accurate location information, even when they weren't using it. In this post, we'll share some of the specific problems that beginners face and the simple solutions we found to solve them.

1. Ensuring Accurate Real-Time Location Tracking

Common Challenge
One of the most common issue in developing location-based services is ensuring accurate real-time tracking. GPS signals can be unreliable due to environmental obstructions, such as buildings and trees, leading to inconsistent location data. This inconsistency can result in a frustrating user experience and also break the trust users have in the app.

Our Experience with GroupTrack
To overcome these challenge we implemented several key strategies. Let's understand that one-by-one :

• Fused Location Provider API :- We have used the Fused Location Provider API, which combines data from GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers to provide more accurate location tracking. This hybrid approach ensures that users receive the best possible location data, regardless of their environment.

• Dynamic Update Intervals :- We have added dynamic location update intervals based on user activity. For example, when a user is moving quickly, the app increases the frequency of updates, while reducing updates when the user is stationary. This not only improves accuracy but also help helps conserve battery life.

• Error Handling :- We integrated error handling mechanisms to alert users when location data is temporarily unavailable. This transparency helps manage user expectations and encourages feedback to further improve our location tracking algorithm.
  

@Singleton
class LocationManager @Inject constructor(@ApplicationContext private val context: Context) {

    private var request: LocationRequest
    private var locationClient: FusedLocationProviderClient =
        LocationServices.getFusedLocationProviderClient(context)

    init {
        request = createRequest()
    }

    suspend fun getLastLocation(): Location? {
        if (!context.hasCoarseLocationPermission) return null
        return locationClient.lastLocation.await()
    }

    private val locationUpdatePendingIntent: PendingIntent by lazy{
        val intent = Intent(context, LocationUpdateReceiver::class.java)
        intent.action = ACTION_LOCATION_UPDATE
        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.S) {
            PendingIntent.getBroadcast(
                context,
                0,
                intent,
                PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT or PendingIntent.FLAG_MUTABLE
            )
        } else {
            PendingIntent.getBroadcast(context, 0, intent, PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT)
        }
    }

    private fun createRequest(): LocationRequest =
        LocationRequest.Builder(Priority.PRIORITY_HIGH_ACCURACY, LOCATION_UPDATE_INTERVAL)
            .apply {
                setGranularity(Granularity.GRANULARITY_PERMISSION_LEVEL)
                setMinUpdateIntervalMillis(LOCATION_UPDATE_INTERVAL)
                setWaitForAccurateLocation(true)
            }.build()

    internal fun startLocationTracking() {
        if (context.hasFineLocationPermission) {
            locationClient.requestLocationUpdates(request, locationUpdatePendingIntent)
        }
    }

    internal fun stopLocationTracking() {
        if (!context.isBackgroundLocationPermissionGranted) {
            locationClient.flushLocations()
            locationClient.removeLocationUpdates(locationUpdatePendingIntent)
        }
    }

    fun startService() {
        context.startService(Intent(context, BackgroundLocationService::class.java))
    }

    fun stopService() {
        context.stopService(Intent(context, BackgroundLocationService::class.java))
    }
}

2. Managing Background Location Tracking

Common Challenge
Another challenge is that effectively managing background location track. Users expect the app to provide real-time updates, even when it's not in the foreground, but they also want to preserve battery life and ensure their privacy.

Our Experience with GroupTrack
In GroupTrack, we recognized the importance of balancing accurate background tracking with user privacy and battery conservation. Here’s how we approached this challenge:

• Geofencing:- We implemented geofencing features, allowing users to create virtual boundaries. The app triggers location updates only when users enter or exit these areas, significantly reducing unnecessary location tracking and conserving battery life.

• Optimized Background Services :- We utilized Android’s WorkManager to manage background tasks effectively, ensuring that location updates are performed in line with power-saving guidelines. This approach allows us to schedule updates based on the device’s activity and network conditions, optimizing performance.

• User Control and Transparency :- We prioritized giving users control over background tracking. GroupTrack allows users to easily toggle background location tracking on or off and clearly explains how their data is used. This transparency builds trust and ensures compliance with privacy regulations.

i. Background Location Tracking with Service

@AndroidEntryPoint
class BackgroundLocationService : Service() {

    @Inject
    lateinit var locationManager: LocationManager

    override fun onStartCommand(intent: Intent?, flags: Int, startId: Int): Int {
        super.onStartCommand(intent, flags, startId)
        locationManager.startLocationTracking()
        return START_STICKY
    }

    override fun onBind(intent: Intent?): IBinder? {
        return null
    }

    override fun onDestroy() {
        super.onDestroy()
        locationManager.stopLocationTracking()
    }
}

ii. Geofencing with GeoFenceService

@Singleton
class GeoFenceService @Inject constructor(
    @ApplicationContext private val context: Context,
    private val client: GeofencingClient
) {

//Other Code

    private fun createGeofence(
        key: String,
        place: ApiPlace
    ): Geofence {
        return Geofence.Builder()
            .setRequestId(key)
            .setCircularRegion(place.latitude, place.longitude, place.radius.toFloat())
            .setTransitionTypes(GEOFENCE_TRANSITION_ENTER or GEOFENCE_TRANSITION_EXIT)
            .setExpirationDuration(Geofence.NEVER_EXPIRE)
            .build()
    }
}

Conclusion

Building a location tracking app like GroupTrack presents unique challenges, but they can be overcome with thoughtful strategies. By focusing on accurate tracking, effective background management and user privacy, we have created an app that users can trust and rely on.

As you embark on your own development journey, remember that these challenges are common, and sharing solutions can help the entire community. We encourage you to experiment, gather feedback, and continually improve your app. If you found something interesting in this blog, consider giving our GitHub repository a '⭐' at the end. And don’t forget to download the GroupTrack app to see our solutions in action!

🔗 Explore GroupTrack on GitHub:

canopas / group-track-android

An open-source Android app employing MVVM architecture and Jetpack Compose. Enhance family safety with real-time location sharing.

GroupTrack - Stay connected, Anywhere!

Enhancing family safety and communication with real-time location sharing and modern UIs.

Overview

Welcome to GroupTrack, an open-source Android application designed to enhance family safety through real-time location sharing and communication features. GroupTrack aims to provide peace of mind by ensuring the safety of your loved ones and facilitating seamless communication regardless of their location.

GroupTrack adopts the MVVM architecture pattern and leverages Jetpack Compose for building modern UIs declaratively. This architecture ensures a clear separation of concerns, making the codebase more maintainable and testable. Jetpack Compose simplifies UI development by allowing developers to define UI elements and their behavior in a more intuitive way, resulting in a seamless user experience.

Download App

Features

GroupTrack is currently in active development 🚧, with plans to incorporate additional features shortly.

GroupTrack ensures your loved ones' well-being with:

• Real-time Location Sharing
• Secure Communication
• Location History with Routes
• Geo-fencing
• …

View on GitHub

🔗 Explore GroupTrack on Play store :

GroupTrack: Track Locations - Apps on Google Play

Live locations and history of kids, family and friends.

play.google.com