APRSdroid OSM

Install and Setup APRSdroid with Offline Maps

1. Install APRSdroid

Uninstall any previous version of APRSdroid. Then, download the latest APK version:

Download APRSdroid APK

This version does not include the Google Maps API. If you need Google Maps functionality, you can build the app from source and add your own API key.

GitHub Repository

2. Install Termux

Install Termux from the Google Play Store:

Install Termux from Play Store

3. Open Termux and Run the Following Commands

Open Termux and run the commands below You can copy and paste directly into Termux by long holding in the window.

Step 1: Obtain File Storage Permissions

termux-setup-storage

Step 2: Install Python

pkg install -y python

Step 3: Install Requests Library

pip install requests

Step 4: Create Directory for OSM Files

mkdir /storage/emulated/0/.OSM
cd /storage/emulated/0/.OSM

Step 5: Download Tile Server Script

curl -O https://na7q.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mbtiles-osm.py

Step 6: Run the Tile Server

To run the tile server locally, use the following command:

python /storage/emulated/0/.OSM/mbtiles-osm.py

Step 7: Enable offline map settings

In APRSdroid preferences toggle the “Enable offline mapping”. From there go to the map, tap on the eye icon at the top and select OpenStreetMap.org. That’s it! It should now be working!

All Commands (After Permissions)

Step 1 is required beforing running all commands!!

pkg install -y python
pip install requests
mkdir /storage/emulated/0/.OSM
cd /storage/emulated/0/.OSM
curl -O https://na7q.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mbtiles-osm.py
python /storage/emulated/0/.OSM/mbtiles-osm.py

4. Enable Offline Maps Tile Server in APRSdroid

After running the tile server (mbtiles-osm.py), go to the APRSdroid preferences menu and enable the offline maps tile server.

Any portion of the map you view in APRSdroid will be cached for offline usage.

Run the tile server anytime you need offline maps or to cache a new area.

Running the map server

Whenever you want to use offline maps you will need to have the mbtiles-osm.py running.

python /storage/emulated/0/.OSM/mbtiles-osm.py

Any location you view will be downloaded at the current level of zoom for offline usage. All downloaded tiles will be zipped into a tar file at the start of the server. This will make for easier sharing or transferring across multiple devices.

I have an automated downloader on the way!

Suggestions

It is suggested that you “acquire wakelock” in Termux from the notifications window. This will make sure the app can run in the background continuously.