using a cell phone for tracking while cycling

[Slowbee]

I know there where some threads on this - but I cannot find them.

 

Do you need an app to use your phone as a tracking device? With some long distance riding coming up and possibly involving getting used to riding in the dark, I would like to let MrsSlowbee have some security in knowing where I am.

 

If there are apps, which is the best one to use? Does the phone use allot of battery? Could one just ride with it in your bag (might interfere with signal) or handlebar mount. Not really ideal.

 

Any other possible idea's?

 

 

[2 X 2]

I used GPX Viewer on my cell phone when I did the Cullinan to Tonteldoos.  Did not use much data, battery was also ok.  I only viewed the map when I was unsure about the route.  Had the phone in my back pocket

 

You can download the app from Play store

[Slowbee]

was someone able to track your progress?

[Bateleur1]

You did not say what phone you are using.  Iphone has the Find Iphone app that you can setup a family sharing facility and you then can see where everybody is.

 

My Iphone still receives a GPS signal when in my laptop bag.  I use my strava while cycling home in the rain with no problems.  GPS tracking itself does not use alot of data as it only sends GPS coordinates.  It is plotting it on a map that downloads maps which chomps your data.

 

As far as battery life is concerned it depends on your phone.  When I am low on battery I would turn the phone to flight mode.  It still records GPS data but won't be able to transmit it for the mrs.  That will safe battery life but turning off wife and bluetooth and only transmit on GPRS might safe some power.

[Stefan Cremer]

If you and your wife both happen to have iPhone, your wife can track your position via the messaging service (by clicking on your name at the top of the screen), however you need to first allow this tracking from your phone.

[2 X 2]

was someone able to track your progress?

 

No, but as other people have indicated, there are other ways of tracking you on a cell phone.

[Slowbee]

Bateleur, I would use an andriod phone. Most likely the s6.

 

EDIT: I am not after a route recording device - I have a garmin 705 on my bike for that.

 

I am wanting for the Mrs to be able to track me when I am on the road/track/path in the dark.

[porqui]

STRAVA !!! yeh!!

 

 

 

 

Strava has live tracking from another device even on laptop.

.(you have to go premium though)

[2 X 2]

What I like about GPX viewer, is that I can upload a gpx file to it and then follow the route on my cell phone.  It warns you when you go off track as well.

[Bateleur1]

Bateleur, I would use an andriod phone. Most likely the s6.

 

EDIT: I am not after a route recording device - I have a garmin 705 on my bike for that.

 

I am wanting for the Mrs to be able to track me when I am on the road/track/path in the dark.

 

Then I am eager to here from other Hubbers wether Android have something similar.  My kids got new Android devices where they used to have old Iphones and I want the same functionality so I can also monitor their movement from an Android device.

[Skylark]

If battery life is an issue, which it will be with full day riding and high accuracy GPS running, you can use a small(or big) powerbank just leave the phone plugged into the powerbank in your backpack.

[edgarblount]

Life360 (https://www.life360.com/)

[Skubarra]

For Android

 

Rouxenator here on the hub posted about how you can use Google+ to track/be tracked on an Android phone. Very easy to use, accurate in build-up areas, but I found not so accurate out on the trails/countryside where there are less cell phone towers.

[breaker]

Life360 (https://www.life360.com/)

^ This, use it to track the mrs and she does the same with me, found a lost phone twice using it aswell.

[capediver]

SB, look at Orux Maps (android only)...great software for both tracking and navigating....does not need cell signal, uses offline maps, best is that for navigating you have the option of Heads up vs N up display....heads up display keeps your heading pointing up and the map rotates...N Up, keeps North Up ...gets a bit confusing when navigating....i found that a lot of navigating software for phones only have N up...

I see live tracking is there via MapMyTracks but never tried it...

Check it out....http://www.oruxmaps.com/index_en.html

[Azi]

Bateleur, I would use an andriod phone. Most likely the s6.

 

EDIT: I am not after a route recording device - I have a garmin 705 on my bike for that.

 

I am wanting for the Mrs to be able to track me when I am on the road/track/path in the dark.

 

Register (if you don't already have a Samsung account). Then give the login details to those who you want to have the ability to track you. Sorted!  

 

https://findmymobile.samsung.com/

 

It was very accurate when I tried it. Bonus is that you can wipe the phone clean or even make it ring non-stop if its stolen and you are very near its location.