Rocket GPS is a mobile application designed for model rocket tracking and recovery. The app connects to Bluetooth classic enabled device that provides NMEA GPS data, providing real-time tracking, position history, and recovery assistance.
Key capabilities:
- Real-time GPS tracking with altitude, position, and vertical velocity data
- Rocket bearing indicator with integrated compass
- Position history logging and KML export for Google Earth visualization
- Snapshot feature to save rocket positions for later recovery
- Bluetooth connectivity for GPS module integration
Built with Flutter for modern Android devices. It was designed for visualization of EggTimer Rocketry's Eggfinder TX/Mini Transmitter and Eggfinder RX “Dongle” Receiver with the bluetooth adapter. It will work with any other device that transmits NMEA data that contains the $GPGGA string
- Real-time Tracking: Monitor your rocket's position, altitude, and velocity in real-time via Bluetooth GPS module connection.
- Recovery Assistant: Built-in compass and bearing indicators help guide you to your rocket's location.
- Data Export: Save flight paths as KML files for detailed analysis in Google Earth.
- Position Memory: Save rocket positions as snapshots for recovery after app restarts.
- Bluetooth Integration: Easy connection to compatible GPS modules with status monitoring.
- Android device (minimum SDK 21 / Android version 5.0)
- Bluetooth Classic enabled GPS receiver
- Compatible GPS transmitter (e.g., Eggfinder TX/Mini)
- Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/wiltomdus/RocketGPS.git
cd RocketGPS- Install dependencies
# Install the apk/appbundle on the connected device
flutter pub get- Build and install
flutter build apk --flavor openSource --release
flutter install- Pair the bluetooth device (Usualy called BT04-A)
- Launch the Rocket GPS app
- Press the "Connect" button to connect to the GPS modules
Real-time Tracking
- Current phone and GPS module position displayed at top of screen
- Altitude and velocity shown in data cards
- Last update time indicates data freshness
Recovery Assistant
- Rocket bearing shown with arrow indicator
- Compass displays true north orientation
- Follow bearing arrow to locate rocket
Data Management
- View Map: Tap map icon to see position on map
- Export KML: Tap export icon to save flight path
- Save Position: Tap save icon to store current location
- Clear Data: Tap delete icon to remove saved position
- openSource: Community version
- playStore: Google Play Store version
# Run specific flavor
flutter run --flavor openSource
flutter run --flavor playStore
# Debug builds
flutter build apk --flavor openSource --debug
flutter build apk --flavor playStore --debug
# Release builds
flutter build apk --flavor openSource --release
flutter build apk --flavor playStore --release
# Build app bundles (Play Store)
flutter build appbundle --flavor playStore --release
# Clean and rebuild
flutter clean
flutter pub get
flutter build apk --flavor playStore --releaseDebug builds include developer tools, logging, assertions, and debugging symbols. They are larger in size but useful during development for debugging and testing.
Release builds are optimized for performance and size:
- Code is compiled with full optimizations
- Debugging symbols are removed
- Assets are compressed
- ProGuard rules are applied (Android)
- Suitable for distribution to end users
- Fork the repository
- Create feature branch
- Commit changes
- Open pull request
- Open an issue
- Feature requests
- Discussions
This project will be updated as needed if bugs or new features are needed. If you want a new feature and/or support for bluetooth low energy devices, feel free to create an issue and I will look into it.
This project is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0. See the LICENSE file for more details on terms and conditions.
Feel free to use and contribute to the project under these terms!