This object is in archive! 

Cloud map and data storage/sync

Menion shared this idea 10 years ago
Completed

I use Locus Pro on multiple devices. I`d like a way to sync POIs, geophotos, map items, and offline maps between devices.

Best Answer
photo

Hello,

I'm glad to announce a first alpha version ready for community testing.

More about this in our topic of the forum: https://forum.locusmap.eu/index.php?topic=7114.0

Use on own risk, feedback is of course welcome ;).

Menion

Replies (91)

photo
0

You can use a free account on SugarSync to do this.


Simply install their Android app on all of your devices and add the export folder to be synced with the mapitems. The missing sync between these folders on iBeam.it.


Or you go for some paid apps that sync your Dropbox.


But these are just workarounds until Menion provides something like PushBullet...


:)

photo
0

Hello, this application also synchronize directories using different accounts (dropbox, ftp, samba, etc).


https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...


If you want you can sync all Locus directory (/ sdcard / Locus), though it will take some time depending on the internet connection. In this way you would have a mirror copy of Locus on all your devices, but also have the option to choose which directories synchronized.


regards

photo
0

Been requesting this for a long time! We need a native sync so there is no BS with setting up additional tools and doing exports/imports.

photo
0

I support the idea of built-in cloud synchronization. The less apps we have to install - the better :)

photo
0

I try it by PhoneExplorer. But it is around some corners. So it would be fine to do it in Locus.

photo
0

Dropbox offers now something called the "Datastore API" in addition to their already existing "Sync API".


https://www.dropbox.com/developers/da...


https://www.dropbox.com/developers/sync


Implementing sync/store features that way have some advantages for developers...


- No need for own server and bandwith


- No need for working and maintaining the code


- No need for getting bothered by unsatisfied users


=> Happy Users! ;)

photo
0

The best way is to create an API that can implement various servers and allow optimized synchronize your needs. It`s no problem to do some opensource server implementation that everyone can use the hosting for yourself or as a public service to others.

photo
0

You say "It`s no problem to do some opensource server implementation..."


Can you give an example?

photo
0

The feature would be great. However, now we can use any sync program. I have tried one, but it is not working as expected. Only the personal maps are actually syncronised. I have on a device some tracks and points saved, but somehow on the other device they do not show up. Only the downloaded maps do...


What specific folders do we have to keep synced? Also the files need to be synced only when Locus is not running?


Thank you!

photo
0

I haven't tested it out properly yet, but you might have some success using bittorrent sync. I've synced locus's data folder across 2 Android devices and a laptop. In my very simple test so far I added a POI on my tablet, and a couple of minutes later it appeared like magic in Locus running on my phone. No cloud storage involved however, and my laptop does need to be on for it to work.

photo
0

The Google Drive API could be a way:

https://developers.google.com/drive/web/appdata


Best solution should be directly in Locus. But if there is no time or plans by the Locus team to support this, it could be done as an addon as there is a powerful Locus API:

https://code.google.com/p/android-locus-map/


When at least some auto-exported kml or gpx files are stored on Google Drive, you could create a simple Chrome App:

https://developer.chrome.com/apps/about_apps

and use Leaflet:

http://leafletjs.com/

and Leaflet-Omnivore:

https://github.com/mapbox/leaflet-omnivore

to manage and edit your private or public points, tracks and maps.


Is this a todo list for creating a connected Locusers Community? ;)

photo
0

A full two-way synchronization between devices (or multi-way for multiple devices) would be impractical, if not virtually impossible. I find that if I use Bittorrent sync to keep just the export folder synchronized, and using a no-frills manual export/import when I need to, is quite easy, fast and sufficient for me. One improvement could be to define certain categories/groups as auto-exporting e.g. at regular intervals. Auto-importing in my opinion is trickier, but could be possible, especially if some intelligence is used to avoid duplicates, existing items, import in groups/categories etc.


My guess is that some other folders could be synched as well without problems, like icons, but I wouldn't go as far as auto synchronizing offline maps or the cache. A re-organization or some insight by the dev as to which folders can be synched between devices (of possible different screen size) and which cannot, could help.

photo
0

Costas wrote:

A full two-way synchronization between devices (or multi-way for multiple devices) would be impractical, ...
edit: a little further research revealed SymmetricDS (open source), which says that it

supports SQLite replication on Android, but it's up to the dev to look

into it

photo
0

Berkley & Costas: thanks both for a tips. Both of you has ideas that should work. Unfortunately we already has something planned but it will take some time. I agree more and more than some sync is must have feature! But I really don't want to spend a week of work on something (your ideas) that will change. So keep voting, this has big impact on our priorities and may speed up whole process of implementation. Thanks

photo
0

Don't forget that sync of offline maps could easily mean to keep gigabytes of data in sync. You've according data plans? ;-)


I would like to use such a full sync mechanism only as way to backup all data when

I'm in a home WLAN with access to a personal NAS. I am not interested to send

this data to Dropbox, Google, Microsoft or any other provider -- I have no advantage of sending it to them, it is quite tempting for them to do information retrieval on such well structured (=easy to process) data, and it is also attracting criminals that can sell such accurate personal data for 20-80€ per hacked account.

photo
0

Don't worry. Primary focus will be on points and tracks. Maps will be optional in any way... I've solution just in head so as I wrote, it will take some time

photo
0

There are ways to do it, but it seems that having the program do it from within would work a lot better.

photo
0

please consider using mega.co.nz among the supported storages. I don't

want my private stuff to be seen by google (and with dropbox, also by

many others, considering how buggy it is). Thanks :)

photo
0

mega.co.nz is pretty good but i preffer independent solution - simple server script which can be hosted by any hosting, own server etc. Anyone can write an alternate implementation of server script with the appropriate API. Any not open-source central services is monopoly.

photo
0

39 votes ... (Sixth position in the list of ideas)

New features from Datastore API ...

https://www.dropbox.com/developers/blog

https://www.dropbox.com/developers/datastore

And a bit of hope ...

:-)

photo
0

Hello!

I'm new here, so let me first say: Great work, everyone at Locus!


I'm writing my first post here, because this feature I'm missing the most.


The reason has an aspect that doesn't seem to have been mentioned here:

Not just syncing between one's own devices, but also between different people's devices, that's what I desperately need.

When going on holiday with my girlfriend, we want to have the same points and tracks always available, no matter who entered them. This is kinda handlable before the holiday with export/import - but on the road, it's a nightmare.


I know that asking for a solution to sync between different accounts is a bit much to ask, we would be OK with using the same account. But then again, if the solution uses the Google API, which is of course connected to the phone's account, that doesn't work.

Therefore it would be perfect if sync could be done via shared folders:

You would choose which (waypoints/track) groups to sync, then all contents of those folders are stored in respective Google Drive folders, which I can then share with my girlfriend, who chooses these folders as location for the sync. That way, you could even sync different data with different people.

Syncing based on groups would have the advantage that new lists are automatically added.


Thank you in any case for listening ;)

photo
0

44 votes and from the sixth to the fourth position ex eaquo in the list of ideas ! Cool !


Who wants to vote !?


:-)

photo
0

Ingo Rau wrote:

Hello!

I'm new here, so let me first say: Great work, everyone at Locus!


I'm writing my first post here, because this feature I'm missing the most.


The reason has an aspect that doesn't seem to have been mentioned here:

Not just syncing between one's own devices, but also between different people's devices, that's what I desperately need.

When going on holiday with my girlfriend, we want to have the same points and tracks always available, no matter who entered them. This is kinda handlable before the holiday with export/import - but on the road, it's a nightmare.


I know that asking for a solution to sync between different accounts is a bit much to ask, we would be OK with using the same account. But then again, if the solution uses the Google API, which is of course connected to the phone's account, that doesn't work.

Therefore it would be perfect if sync could be done via shared folders:

You would choose which (waypoints/track) groups to sync, then all contents of those folders are stored in respective Google Drive folders, which I can then share with my girlfriend, who chooses these folders as location for the sync. That way, you could even sync different data with different people.

Syncing based on groups would have the advantage that new lists are automatically added.


Thank you in any case for listening ;)

Great points too, Ingo... which does bring up something that could complicate the whole thing: syncing without an internet connection would negate the use of any kind of commercial cloud service (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) and pretty much require something internal that could also connect over ad-hoc WiFi link between the phones, or even Bluetooth or NFC (although those would be slow, which isn't a big deal for points and tracks).


I can do it using an app like ES File Explorer and make a direct WiFi link between two phones (ES has its own WiFi sharing function built in) but it's really not automated at all.

photo
0

Matt Ion wrote:

...which does bring up something that could complicate the whole thing:

syncing without an internet connection would negate the use of any kind

of commercial cloud service (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) and pretty

much require something internal that could also connect over ad-hoc WiFi

link between the phones...

Syncing on the road without internet connection is another interesting use case for ability to sync not only via internet cloud services (Dropbox etc), but also via private/local ftp/webdav/whatever server -- so it would work after starting an FTP server app on one phone and creating a WLAN connection between the two phones. Pretty much the same as my use case with personal NAS in my home WLAN (see post above).

photo
0

@Matt & Georg:

Although I would like to see that, too, me personally I'm fine for now with using a well-known cloud service. I don't think "instant sync, no matter what" is first priority, perhaps can be added later with plug-in. I assume the most difficult part at first would be the syncing algorithm itself (conflict resolution comes to mind...), while depending on some often used API for storing the data.


Have to admit that we're not straying to far out of civilization, so "no internet connection" is not my biggest concern right now.

photo
0

Bump up ;)

Taking up the discussion here as http://help.locusmap.eu/topic/custom_maps_from_new_google_maps_engine got declined and this now gets more likely to be implemented.

photo
0

I don't expect a working solution before end of summer 2015... ;)

photo
0

You are too optimistic. Together with required work on Locus GIS ... uff to much work.

photo
0

Might be off-topic, but what is Locus GIS? Couldn't find anything on this site...

photo
0

It is offtopic :). Project in preparation ...

photo
0

OK, so I shouldn't get my hopes up...

photo
0

wy not simply use google drive as it is integrated android by default in Android ?

photo
0

I'd love to do it Google Drive... so how? I don't see anywhere to tell Drive to use different folders on the phone. I'm using DropSync now with Dropbox, but the free version is limited to 8MB files and won't sync my vector maps.

photo
0

Hi,


I support this idea 100%. Sync of tracks, points and maps would be really great. We could also in a later stage think about synchronising settings that are always quite challenging to keep similar between devices. Note that an easy import/export of settings would also work...


Thanks for an excellent APP.

photo
0

Yeeeehaaaa 62 votes and the second place in the list of ideas (Considering the Altitude Profile idea, the past second one on the list is shown as completed)! Cool !


However, replying to Berkley saying "I don't expect a working solution before end of summer 2015... ;)" about this idea Menion said "You are too optimistic. Together with required work on Locus GIS ... uff to much work" . So, Locus Gis has a higher priority even if it was not in the list of the ideas ... :'-(


In another idea topic, Menion replying to Gynta said "I think that suprise is that "Live tracking" is even between three "most wanted". 200 people from more then 1 mil. installations isn't much.."(http://help.locusmap.eu/topic/keep-hacking) . Hmmm maybe it should be better to consider 2295 users of the Locus Help Desk for comparing and not 1 mil. installations that do not use to express their tought ... ?


So, today, for the Sync idea, it is 62 users on a total of 2295 users of Locus Help Desk, meaning the second place on the list !


Who wants to vote !?


Who wants to vote !?


:-)))

photo
0

+1 ! ;-) Hmmm maybe it should be better to consider 2295 users of the Locus Help Desk for comparing and not 1 mil. installations that do not use to express their tought ... ?

photo
0

:-)

photo
0

This is the last thing I miss in Locus. Rest is perfect :).

photo
0

Oye oye Locus users !

76 votes for this idea and the second place in the list of ideas !

Only 3 more votes to be the most wanted feature in Locus !!!

Who wants to vote !? Who wants to vote !?


:-)))

photo
0

Oye oye Locus friends !

Edit : 76 votes for this idea and the FIRST place in the list of ideas ! Yes 1st !!!

Considering the "HR Monitor + training manager add-on" idea the "first" one on the list is no more the fisrt one as it is shown as completed, the "Cloud map and data storage/sync" idea is now the most wanted feature in Locus !!!

Locus Team, any chance to see the status of this idea moving from "Collecting vote" to "Planned" soon ?

Kind regards,

:-)

photo
0

At least points and tracks. They don't take a lot of space, not like maps. Maybe a small amount of cloud space for free and some additional space for money (for those who want to sync big maps) ?


I use Yandex Disk for an online storage. No dropbox or box or anything else. So a built-in cloud syncing thing would be a really big thing for Locus!

photo
0

I think that important is syncing of tracks and points. Maps is not neccesary. There can be a requirement to have a different maps on adifferent devices.

Google Disk would be ideal for sync. Everybody with Android have it. But Dropbox is cool too.


This is the last thing I am missing in Locus.

photo
0

Maps may not be necessary to you... But I get tired of having to constantly double-check which of my phone or tablet have that offline map I know I'll want next trip... Nothing like being in the middle of nowhere, going to load an offline map on my phone, then realizing it was actually on my tablet that I'd downloaded that map...

photo
0

Yes, I wrote it from my point of view.

Every month I download a new OSM map of my country and copy it to my phone and tablet.


It's only about 450 MB, but I have not to waste my bandwidth.

photo
0

Hi guys,

Synchronizing poi and tracks is different than synchronizing maps. For poi and tracks, you need to sync the datas into the files (SQLite sync) . For maps you need to sync folders.

For maps, it is already possible with the excellent app Foldersync for example :


https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.tacit.android.foldersync.full&hl=en


Just sync /Locus/maps and /Locus/mapsVector folders.

photo
0

don't forget you can't use any other app for sync files on sdcard without root on modern androids.

photo
0

@Igor : Foldersync can have some write problems on External SDCard only and only on some devices upgraded to Android 4.4 Kitkat. (See : http://www.tacit.dk/foldersync/bugs) . In this case, yes, you need to root your device and apply one the fix method : http://technofaq.org/posts/2014/04/fixing-external-sd-card-write-issue-on-android-kitkat/

No problem with Android 5.0 Lolipop devices. (See FAQ n° 01 : http://www.tacit.dk/foldersync/faq)

photo
0

Once-a-month updates of a single low-bandwidth map is one thing. If I'm going off-roading in a new area and want to download Bing satellite maps or Google terrain maps or something, that can take a long time. If I do that on my tablet, then go out with only my phone the next time while forgetting that that map is only on the tablet so far, well... having both sync is just plain easier, then no matter which I download on, I always have all my offline maps on both.


Syncing tracks and points works fine for me using Dropsync - it's not a true sync of the individual data, as it's merely keeping both devices updated with the most recent version of the .sqlite file... but it does the trick.


Dropsync works for keeping all the maps in sync as well (except the vector maps, which are too large for the free version) - I just sync the entire /Locus folder between the two devices.


IT WORKS, but it's not as seamless as it could be to have such a function built-in.

photo
0

You're right Matt Ion, syncing tracks and points using an app like Dropsync and others that sync only files is not a viable solution. As said above by Costas fo example, a solution is maybe for the Locus developpers to try something like SymmetricDS ?

http://sourceforge.net/projects/symmetricds/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SymmetricDS

http://www.symmetricds.org/

http://www.symmetricds.org/doc/3.7/html/user-guide.html

http://www.symmetricds.org/doc/3.7/

http://www.jumpmind.com/products/symmetricds/requirements

https://wiki.openmrs.org/display/projects/Database+Synchronization+with+Symmetric+DS

photo
0

making combination of "all locus data stored on sdcard, but poi and routes automaticaly backups into public folder, accesible to other programs on sdcard", and other program that sync that folder with anything, and other devices with same folder and sync option.


It requires from locus possibility to store every item (route or poi) in separate file, export into file on change, and import, if file fresher than data in internal darabase.

photo
0

tracks and routes would be great.


Just dont say you will use them on a

motorcycle.

photo
0

Hi. Import and export in Dropbox (poi and routes) is great but it would be greater to be able to synchronise files (in Locus DBase?).

An advantage would be to prepare the "ride" on the computer and get it to the phone.

photo
0

Hi, Baptiste E.


I don't need to synchronize phone and computer, because I use Asus Padfone, i.e. a phone inside a tablet, but I'm curious: how can you run Locus on computer? It could be useful when I don't have anything else in my disponibility...

Thanks for your kind answer

photo
0

Dear Lucio,


I cannot run Locus on a computer, but I suggested to set a common locus database which could may possible to edit my tracks over locus website as it is possible with VIEWRANGER my.viewranger.com

photo
0

Thanks, Baptiste,


now I understand what you mean.

I didn't know Viewranger, except by name.


The goal is to automatically transfer tracks or better said routes from computer to phone via website. This should come instead of saving tracks online (Dropbox...) and importing them manually in Locus.

Interesting!

photo
0

Exactly !

photo
0

Hi Baptiste,


I have the same problem. Do you know how it works in the meantime?


Ines

photo
0

Hi Ines,

What's your question exactly ? If you want to know how does Synchronization with my.viewranger work, I can't help you sorry. Not enough knowledge

photo
0

It's time to bump this up:

Only 4 votes left to be the first topic here ever to reach 100 votes!

Menion, I think you should at least give some indication what you think about the chances of this ever getting implemented. Would be highly appreciated by - now - 96 people ;)

photo
0

I like that ... 100 votes challenge !

Oye oye Locus users ! Who wants to vote for that great idea !?

Who wants to vote !?

Only 4 needed !

:-))) ;-)

photo
0

Guys guys :). 100 votes is nice, but I'm sure you can imagine amount of required work. Anyway next Monday I have finally meeting with one guy and we will discuss about possibility to create some user portal on our server. So as you see, we are currently not directly working on this task, BUT we are already thinking about it and it's possible solutions. First step ...

photo
0

May the force be with you dear Grand Master Yoda aka Menion ... ;-)

photo
0

I'm certainly very much for that, too!

Wilfried

photo
0

> 100 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)))) ;-)

photo
0

I think this would make a lot of sense. @menion: Have you considered an Open Data Kit extension? With the ODK Aggregate, anyone has the choice to manage the data privately or on a public/restricted instance.

photo
0

Fifi, raffael and others. Tomorrow we officially start work on this task: http://help.locusmap.eu/topic/share_live_tracking_among_users . As I mentioned few times (maybe not here), that topic is really close to this one - place on server where will be stored users data. We will also test on that topic a cooperation with new independent developer who should partially join our tiny team. When all will be fine, next step should be THIS topic. It all depend on many factors, but I really HOPE (so it is not 100% sure), all will be working fine and we start work on this topic in first half of next year. Finally ...

photo
0

This is Great NEWS!! I Hope this now will be implemented:

http://help.locusmap.eu/topic/link-to-a-map-track-from-the-exported-track-in-facebook

because NOW I'm recording the track with locus, exporting it to gpx, login to mapmyride, import the gpx as a workout, start the android app mapmyride, import the track and export from there to facebook. It's the only way to show a map with a correct link to the tracks, and it has to be done with an external app.

photo
0

+100500!!!

photo
0

wow now we have 100623 votes.

photo
0

Sync between many phones is very welcome. Other apps like filesync don't do the job because of 5.1.1 restrictions. I cannot make it write to SD.


Any progress has been made since you last wrote here @Menion?

photo
0

Good day Radek,

we are well aware of this task. For now, there is anyway no progress. Once we begin to do something with this task, we will definitely inform in this topic, no worry.

photo
0

One possible way and very simple way to look at this for Locus without having to deal with complex cloud stuff:

Allow automatic import/export of any folder (waypoint or track) to a single gpx file in folder options:

1) When I add points or tracks, <folder>.gpx is automatically rewritten (in background).

2) When <folder>.gpx changes, it is automatically imported to folder (in background).

Then I could use whatever sync tool I prefer (google stuff, dropbox, etc) to keep the directory with gpx files in sync with my own devices or with my buddies devices for shared trip planning. This has nothing to do with Locus anymore though, you wouldnt have to deal with complex cloud crap. All you do is silently auto-im/export folders to gpx. The code for this is more or less in Locus already.

photo
0

The best solutions are the simplest solutions!

I like this idea.

photo
0

Very useful indeed. This would not need to be constrained to one format though - as csv, or kml/kmz would also be good to have. 

On 20 May 2016 at 13:40, Locus Map <locus.map@asamm.com> wrote:

photo
0

Auto export/import directory should be free of choice but defaults to: Android/data/menion.android. locu... on extSdCard if available

photo
0

If file-based, only GPX could be doable - I know from discussions with Menion that only this format can potentially contain all information that is also in the Locus DB.

Still, I think GPX-sync is not a good solution - file-based sync is hard to control, you have to rely on OS-dependent trigger informing about file changes etc. Especially when we're talking about new/deleted files (i.e. listening to file system changes), it gets dicey.

So we should really push for some kind of cloud-based solution, where Menion can implement something tailor-made for Locus.

photo
0

I am always for the simpler solution if there is one. GPX-sync could work with other apps too, even on an iPhone (yuck). Filebased sync tools are used since dozens of years on all OSes and work reliably, even on Android. Obviously, you need conflict management, but you need that for your custom sync solution as well. Why reinvent the wheel?

The main advantage, however, is that GPX-sync needs almost no extra coding from menion and thus could happen within a few days if wanted. All the stuff is already present Locus... import... export... file notification (for mapitems)... just about everything is there already. Just tie up a few lose ends and off you go.

A custom standalone Locus sync solution is shitloads(!) of work and major testing and will likely not see the light of day for many years to come... thats obviously just a rough estimation based on how long it took to get a comparatively very simple buddy tracking.

photo
0

I would like to have Locus connected to Google map cloud service. Same way how we have backed up contacts and emails, can be synchronized map data.

photo
0

@Menion : "10°C and raining ..." yuhuuu !!! Perfect weather to work on it ! XLOL ;-) Cheers

photo
0

For those who are interested to this topic, a new topic in correlation with :

http://help.locusmap.eu/topic/tracks-automatic-export-directory-linked-to-tracks-categories-same-for-waypoints

photo
0

I know, Menion said he'll inform about news on this, but it's been 10 months since then and this is still far and above the most wished for idea. Also one of the more complex ones, granted - but then again there's so many apps with good syncing out there, so it's definitely not impossible. For example, Memento database comes to mind, which syncs quietly and dependantly in the background, handles conflicts and multiple users with different rights, never had a problem there - and being a multi-purpose database, it can't be easier there than for Locus. No offense meant ;)

photo
0

Please add this in the next release

photo
0

+1 for idea

photo
0

OMG, yes please. :) I frequently use smartphone as well as tablet, a native sync option would be incredibly helpful.

I don't like manually syncing of files/folders and maybe loosing/missing stuff. It's also very error prone to changes in the app.

So, yes please! :)

photo
0

Just for the record: This is still by far the most popular idea! :)

@Menion: Any news on this?

We're all aware that it's not trivial - but there's no denying that it would make a lot of people happy...

photo
0

Nope, sorry.

photo
0

Any ETA when this might change? Tools such as Firebase make this almost trivial to implement on Android

photo
0

Please can you explain the reason that you do not want to implement a sync feature? Is it because its to difficult for you?

photo
0

Jack, guys, all ...

there is nothing like we do not want. We are well aware that it is most wanted idea and we also agree that it is needed. I rather do no promise anything now. When there will be any progress, you will be on 100% notified in this thread. Thank you for understanding.

Menion

photo
0

Hi all of you,

there is a possibility of auto syncing Locus data with Dropbox and Google Drive with two apps by MetaCtrl on Google Play Store:

- for Dropbox it's Dropsync: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync, better Dropsync Pro for:

✓ Sync multiple pairs of folders

✓ Upload files larger than 10 MB

✓ Smart change detection (fast sync!)

✓ Sync your entire cloud account with a folder in your device: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync.pro

- for Google Drive it's DriveSync: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.drivesync.

The autosyncing works well, it's almost like having everything in the cloud.

Try them!

Wilfried

photo
0

@Wilfried Viebahn

Whch folders should i setup to sync on my devices?

photo
0

Hi Magne,

it depends on the data you want to have synced. I only sync tracks, for which the folder is: Locus/data/import.

Cheers,

Wilfried

photo
0

Thanks for your reply :)

I would like to sync as much data as possible.

- Tracks and my custom POI.- Maps including WMS sources.

photo
0

and also app configuration, like button and panel.

photo
0

With the addition of a few import/export options, sync of POI's and tracks could be set and forgotten about with the following:

1) add an auto export option into the "add new Point screen" (already exists for tracks) (i know we can do this manually, but I don't remember when out doing an activity.

2) add a setting for Locus to auto import from a folder on startup (and optionally delete imported files after) with a dialogue to confirm the track/POI folders to import to if not specified in the file.


Then all one has to do is set up a personal cloud sync to sync the export folder of one device to the import of the other and vice versa.

I don't know how much work that would need to implement, but its a possible solution, certainly easier than a push between devices.

photo
0

Hi Col and all the other who want this feature. I tried all the mention trics without any results. They are problably too complex for me. I see this option in many free tracking systems, so I doesn't looks like rocket science. I will wait for the owner /developer having a rainy day arround him/here. Who is that by te way?, I'm impressed, still think this is the best geo-app arround. Also very happy with the geocaching add-ons.

photo
0

It's possible sync:

- app configuration

- buttons

- panels

??

photo
0

Locus maps is great, but no sync feature really let's it down. For people who want to sync between devices and view/edit on the web have a look at using Gaia maps instead.


https://www.gaiagps.com/apps/android/

photo
0

Good day Jack,

I personally have nothing against suggestions to other software, everybody likes something different. But it should be useful, if you write us something more, why Gaia is better then Locus Map. Or it's only because of some sync system that is in Gaia app? Hmm ...

I see you complain on this missing feature for last five months. I'm sorry, this does not speed this process up. I may say only one positive message here, we have increased our small team for one more guy that will help me with work on Locus Map (finally), so I also hope that things speeds up little bit also here. Thanks for understanding.

photo
0

Jack,


To be fair, you should go on Gaia's support forum and list all of Locus Map's features that Gaia is missing. It's a very long list so let me help you get started:

  1. Lifetime software purchase (Gaia's new Android version will be based on an annual subscription fee, just like the iOS version).
  2. Frequent product improvements.
  3. Material design.
  4. Themed vector maps.
  5. Complete offline routing capabilities.
  6. Dashboards.
  7. Presets.
  8. Altitude correction using SRTM.
  9. Audio Coach.
  10. Adjustable track-recording parameters.
  11. Function panels.

... and much more.

photo
0

I posted the link to help others who need the sync feature. Trying to sync the database files via dropsync or any other alternative might work. but if a change is made on both clients and then the sync is ran it will overwrite the oldest file leading to missing data.


Yeah I posted 5 months ago and this thread is over 4 years old, I'm wondering how long this sync feature would take to implement.


Great news to hear you have another dev on your team. Are you able to say if / when you guys will be working on sync?

photo
0

Dear author.. you know how i love locus pro ! the best app i ever see ! i need one last thing in locus - i use locus in two devices - phone and car. i need to sync my points abd tracks. please make this feature ! beg you...

photo
0

I just added my vote for cloud-base-sync-between-devices. Like a MySQL Replication to/from some cloud place. I understand this can be a costly feature to implement though. Any indication whether this is considered as future feature? Tnx.

photo
0

Yes why is this not possible? I am using an Android 7 smartwatch, an Anrdoid 7 phone and a Samsung sm 580 Tab. I have Locus maps installed in all three.

So i just did a 7.2 km track in the neighbourhood. I tracked it on my phone which has a 5 inch screen. I was just setting up another track on my Samsung tab which has a lot bigger screen and is so much easier to work on your wonderful maps.

But I just found out there is no way to synchronize between those devices. Why is this not implemented?

photo
0

Ok, I just found out that I can simply share my maps etc with Google Drive. So now I can at least access my tracks through all 3 devices. But synchronisation would be al lot easier.

photo
0

Hi, I'd love to see this feature as well. Gaia GPS has this feature now.

photo
0

It is a Nice to have. Backup andere restore from a cloud works fine for me

photo
1

See no point in focus (giving priority) on this feature: you can easily synchronize using backup / restore with help of an cloud in between.

photo
3

Backup/restore has no web interface, no cross app support, no automation, no intelligence.

photo
3

Plus backup and restore doesn't include any images or videos. Its a clunky way to do it if you are using two devices, i.e tablet to plan routes and mobile to recored routes, if I'm recording a route, and I stop to do some on the fly planning on the tablet, its a major pain to get the data across(I can do it, but I'd rather be getting on with cycling or walking etc). I get that the devs have more important things to do, but with people having more and more devices, seamlessly syncing data between them is quite important.

photo
2

Agree, nothing else to say :-)

photo
3

This has become a hot button topic because multiple devices are becoming common. For example, I use a small device(for obvious reasons) while running, a larger device while hiking(to make map usage easier) and a tablet while out on photo expeditions. I want a unified view of my activities from all devices and synchronisation would make this possible. Certainly I can backup and restore databases from the devices to central storage, by using, for example rsync, but the hassle factor makes this unappealing. In addition the opportunities for mistakes are multiplied.


Locus do a great job and make a wonderful product so I am confident that, in time, they will deliver a good solution.

photo
3

Joining this; I am also user of multiple devices (tablets, phones) for doing OSM related notes (using lotsa waypoints in various maps or folders). Copying the whole bunch back and forth is way too crude. I would also welcome a fine grained sync mechanism across devices.

photo
2

Hi folks, in this thread, towards the end, there is a discussion about the complexity of the task (and an approach): http://help.locusmap.eu/topic/account-in-the-locus

I agree with Menion and all of you, that the current approach does not support what we need. I also agree with you that it is time to get this fixed.

It requires either an amendment of the current data model in the databases, or an additional temporary database on each device that holds all changes, or references to those changes.

That latter would need to be on a shared data storage (drobox, you name it), resp. synced to such.

Then add a function to Locus that reads all those data sets (pot. from more than one other device) and applies them to the local standard database. Beware of race conditions and loops, but that is doable. Question of development time and priorities ...

photo
1

...Or simply do an "auto import" on application start that just looks in a specific directory and imports GPX files. That facility is already there, with duplicate handling. Dropbox/Google drive can be used for the sync.

photo
3

Hi guys,

for your information, we added this feature request higher priority and it is something we will start work on since the start of the new year 2019. In the first phase, we will investigate possible options ... first, the most important step is to "start", right? ;).

We will post additional information here, stay tuned ;).

photo
2

I propose to create a separate Locus data synchronization program. Who needs it will use it.

photo
1

We have the end of January. Something is known? It would be good if you can also edit points from the browser.

photo
2

Hello Piotr,

I can confirm that we have started working on this issue just last week. It is currently very early to debate any details because it is currently more about researching and prototyping some fundamental technical solutions but we will be definitely attempting to implement this in the upcoming months. The main focus, at least in the first stage, will be to provide synchronization of user points and tracks within single user account across multiple user devices using our server/storage cloud-based solution.

I will post more information to everyone on this thread when we will be approaching beta.

Best regards

Milan

photo
1

Are you only looking at server/cloud based implementation? In my opinion a direct sync between devices would be sufficient and even preferable as it can be used in remote areas where there may be no data access. Attracted photos and videos can get quite large, uploading a huge amount of data, then downloading it to a device sat next to you in an area with limited data speeds could actually make the feature unusable.


But, if cloud is the only option, it is better than nothing, depending on where that data is stored.

photo
1

I would prefere cloud sync if possible (Dropbox/Webdav etc). Thanks Manfred

photo
1

Hello guys,

thanks all for valuable feedback. We are currently working on first proof-of-concept and will inform here about progress.

For now, I'm locking comments on this topic, to prevent overflow of information. We will inform here once any news appears, as Milan wrote before.

Thanks for understanding.

photo
1

Hello,

I'm glad to announce a first alpha version ready for community testing.

More about this in our topic of the forum: https://forum.locusmap.eu/index.php?topic=7114.0

Use on own risk, feedback is of course welcome ;).

Menion

photo
2

Hi Pawel,

what you describe is not possible at the moment. Actually we are building synchronization system but it will be available in the next generation of the app - Locus Map 4. Nowadays it is being tested intensely.

photo
1

The idea is implemented since Locus Map 4.0 version.

Thanks for the patience and help with testing!

Replies have been locked on this page!