APRSdroid 15th Birthday

Install and Setup APRSdroid with Offline Maps:
(Updated 1/5/25)

1. Install APRSdroid

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

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. Grant All Files Access Permissions

For Android 11+ it is required to manually grant storage permissions for offline mapping files. In your devices settings, search for “All files access”. Once you have access to this menu, enable APRSdroid to “allow access to manage all files”. This will now allow APRSdroid to read any maps on your storage.

3. Install mbtiles Maps

It is suggested that you place your mbtiles file in the main directory of your internal storage, and simply name it “map.mbtiles”. Vector and PBF types are NOT supported. If you decide to locate your map file elsewhere, you will need to change the file path setting in the APRSdroid preferences found in the OSM MAPS category. You’ll also need to set the map mode to offline, and set the map viewer to OpenStreetMap.org to display the offline maps.

Default path is “/sdcard/map.mbtiles”. Yes, “sdcard” is the Android standard path to the internal storage on current devices.

Where to get maps?

There are various providers who offer paid or free mbtiles maps. APRSdroid requires mbtiles NOT in Vector or PBF formats. I will be linking a program very soon that will create OSM mbtiles maps.

Here’s a starter map of the world to zoom level 6.
World Map

Extra Features not in the official APRSdroid

Overview

  • Digipeater (direct or full)
  • IGating (2 way!)
  • Messaging tweaks for advanced users
  • Radio Control for Vero, BTech, Radioddity and others
  • Offline maps with mbtiles
  • Mic-E Compression
  • Mic-E Statuses (including EMERGENCY!)
  • Standard Compression
  • Bluetooth Low Energy (unstable, unfinished, not recommended)
  • DigiRig support
  • Metric or Imperial Units
  • Disabling Hardware Acceleration
  • Other under the hood changes

Patreon Support

If you like the work I’ve put into this, please support me on Patreon! Thank you!

https://www.patreon.com/na7q