GPS Path Tracker

This project is a Flutter-based application that tracks a user’s path using GPS data. It is designed to provide real-time updates on the user’s current location, speed, and estimated time of arrival to the next checkpoint. It is particularly useful for navigation and tracking purposes in various outdoor activities.

Functionality

• Real-Time Location Tracking: Uses GPS for current location coordinates.
• Speed Calculation: Shows user’s current speed.
• Distance Measurement: Calculates distance to the next checkpoint.
• ETA Calculation: Estimates arrival time at the next checkpoint.
• Manual Checkpoint Selection: Enables choosing checkpoints manually.
• Path Saving: Saves multiple routes for later use. (not available in the web version)

NB: The app typically updates checkpoints automatically. Manual selection is only recommended when the current checkpoint is passed by over 1km. The “Find Nearest” feature attempts to find the two closest checkpoints, but it may not always be entirely accurate.

Path File

The application by default reads from a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file named “pathdata.csv” placed in the “assets” directory, each line representing a checkpoint with its name, geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude), and optionally its distance from the previous checkpoint (in metres). Users can import and use custom path files that adhere to the required formatting.

CSV files are simple, plain text files used to store tabular data. Each line in a CSV file is a data record where values are separated by commas. They are easily created and edited with spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.

Creating a CSV File in Microsoft Excel

To create a CSV file in Excel, enter your data in a spreadsheet, with each column representing a field (eg. Checkpoint Name, Latitude) and each row a record (eg. a checkpoint). After entering the data:

1. Click ‘File’, then ‘Save As’. Choose your save location.
2. In the ‘Save as type’ dropdown, select ‘CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv)’.
3. Name your file and click ‘Save’. Only the active sheet is saved in CSV format.
4. Excel will warn about potential feature loss; click ‘Yes’ to proceed.

Path File Format

##Name of Path

#Checkpoint Name, Latitude, Longitude, Distance
#(Lines starting with a single # are comments and are not processed by the app.)
#(Distance is optional and helps calculate the estimated distance to the next checkpoint; replace with “0” if the value is not available.)

Origin, lat-origin, long-origin, 0
Checkpoint1, lat-1, long-1, dist-to-1
Checkpoint2, lat-2, long-2, dist-to-2
...
Destination, lat-destination, long-destination, dist-to-destination

Example with Distance

##Tonsley to Mile End
#Checkpoint Name, Latitude, Longitude, Distance (metres)
Tonsley (Origin), -35.00940099074852, 138.56724570681996, 0
Mitchell Park, -35.00201687283244, 138.56664464507801, 900
Woodlands Park, -34.9829526878604, 138.56722835848817, 2400
Edwardstown, -34.97179781965434, 138.57111153543917, 1200
Emerson, -34.96630121888577, 138.57368190701837, 800
Clarence Park, -34.96092680969005, 138.58031648701203, 800
Goodwood, -34.9510196834551, 138.58507035441235, 1300
Adelaide Showground, -34.94358585065314, 138.58400294719934, 1000
Mile End (Destination), -34.92478949709206, 138.58016066198672, 2000

Example without Distance

##Tonsley to Mile End
#Checkpoint Name, Latitude, Longitude, No Distance
Tonsley (Origin), -35.00940099074852, 138.56724570681996, 0
Mitchell Park, -35.00201687283244, 138.56664464507801, 0
Woodlands Park, -34.9829526878604, 138.56722835848817, 0
Edwardstown, -34.97179781965434, 138.57111153543917, 0
Emerson, -34.96630121888577, 138.57368190701837, 0
Clarence Park, -34.96092680969005, 138.58031648701203, 0
Goodwood, -34.9510196834551, 138.58507035441235, 0
Adelaide Showground, -34.94358585065314, 138.58400294719934, 0
Mile End (Destination), -34.92478949709206, 138.58016066198672, 0

Get the App

The app is available for download here.

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