Going out into the mountains, taking a long hike, or getting lost on country tracks with your dogs has a special charm, but it also involves a certain risk if something goes wrong and there's no cell phone signal. In those scenarios, be able to share your GPS position via LoRa in areas without coverage It can make the difference between a scare and a complicated emergency for rescue teams or for yourself if you are looking for your animals.
Today almost everyone carries a smartphone in their pocket, but as soon as you move away from cell phone towers, Data and voice coverage may disappear completelyThat's where solutions like LoRa, satellite phones and trackers, or even traditional radio systems come into play. Throughout this article, we'll see, step by step and in considerable detail, how to leverage these technologies to share your location, what limitations they have, and how to combine them intelligently when you're in remote areas.
Key reminder: 112 and automatic geolocation
Before we delve into LoRa, it's important to understand that, in Europe, The first line of safety remains calling 112According to European regulations, all smartphones sold in the Union must be compatible with the Galileo positioning system and with the technology of Advanced Mobile Location (AML).
This means that when you make a call to 112 and there is sufficient terrestrial coverage, Your phone automatically sends your fairly accurate locationThe error is usually less than about 15 meters, which greatly reduces search time if you have gotten lost or had an accident and cannot clearly explain where you are.
It is important to understand that AML is not an application that you have to install or configureIt's a built-in feature on your phone that emergency services can interpret. You don't have to do anything: if you can make a call and your carrier supports it, your location is transmitted along with the call.
Why share your location during mountain activities?
Whether you're training on forest tracks, doing long treks, or solo routes with or without dogsA good basic practice is to tell someone you trust what your plan is. In the world of mountain safety, this can be summarized in the following scheme: Plan + Equip + ActPart of that planning involves filling out a simple form with: planned route, approximate time, parking area and participants.
Studies and surveys conducted in areas such as the Aragonese Pyrenees show that Virtually 100% of hikers and mountaineers carry a mobile phone with them.However, many people don't use its security features. Today, there are numerous apps that allow you to share your location in real time or even configure it. immobility alarms which are triggered if you spend too much time standing still in the same spot, something very useful if you have an accident and can't communicate.
Whether you're doing solo activities or walking your animals in remote areas, so that someone can see live where you are or where you're moving It can save you a lot of trouble. And when it comes to rescuing people or locating dogs that have strayed from their group, every minute gained thanks to good geolocation translates into a greater chance that the whole thing will just be a funny story.
Basic requirements for sharing location with your mobile phone
Although we'll delve into systems without coverage, such as LoRa, later, it's worth reviewing what you need when there is a mobile network. Any app that shares your location, whether it's Google Maps, WhatsApp, or another more specialized app, It depends on two key elements:
- gps enabled or location permission so that the phone can accurately pinpoint your geolocation.
- Data coverage (or, failing that, at least the ability to send SMS messages) to transmit that information to the person who is following you.
Without GPS, many apps simply won't work or will work with terrible accuracy, relying solely on cell towers or Wi-Fi networks. Without data, The location data stays on your phone and doesn't go anywhere.Furthermore, it's important to be responsible: when you finish your activity, remember close the noticeDeactivate real-time sending and let your contact know that everything went well to prevent anyone from raising the alarm unnecessarily.
Another important aspect is the batterySharing your real-time location for hours with GPS on consumes a lot of battery power. If you're going on long hikes, consider bringing a GPS. external batteries or lightweight chargers And, if geolocation use is critical, reduce screen brightness and close apps you don't need.
Google Maps and WhatsApp: first steps before thinking about LoRa
Although there are advanced solutions for areas without coverage, the most sensible thing to do is First, get the most out of the apps you already have installed.On almost all modern smartphones, that means using Google Maps and WhatsApp to share your location when you have data.
How to share location with Google Maps
Google Maps allows two ways to share your location: in real time or as a fixed point. The procedure is simple:
- Open Google Maps with the gps enabled and wait until you see the blue dot that represents you.
- Tap on that blue dot and a screen will open with several options, including the one to Share location.
- You can choose how long you share your location, for example one hour or until you manually turn it off.
- Then you choose who to share with and by what means: email, WhatsApp, or other messaging apps.
The person who receives the link can See how you move on the map as long as you have dataIt's a very useful tool, for example, if you're meeting someone in an area with challenging trails or if you want your partner to be able to follow your progress on a long route.
If you prefer not to share your movements live, you can send only your punctual location:
- Hold your finger on the map for a couple of seconds at the exact location where you are until a marker is generated.
- Access the options for that scoreboard and select Share site.
- The link that is sent includes the Geographical coordinates of your position.
If you are requesting help with this system, the most important thing is Don't move from that point once sent, as rescue teams will arrive at those exact coordinates.
How to share your location with WhatsApp
WhatsApp includes two similar features as standard: Send your current location or your real-time locationThe flow is as follows:
- Activate GPS on your mobile and open the chat with the person you want to share with.
- Tap the paperclip icon and choose the option Location.
- You can choose between sending your Current location (coordinates at the time of shipment) or your Real Time Location.
In real-time mode, WhatsApp allows you to choose intervals such as 15 minutes, 1 hour, or 8 hours. During that period, The other person will be able to track your movements on a map, provided you have the data. You can stop sending it at any time. If you're only sending your current location in an emergency, it's vital. stay in place so that the point sent matches your actual position.
Mapping apps: OruxMaps and IGN Maps of Spain
Beyond general-purpose apps, there are specific mountain apps such as OruxMaps o IGN maps of Spainvery popular on Android. They allow your phone to work like a Classic hiking GPSDownloading maps for offline use.
In the specific case of OruxMaps, advanced security features are included:
- Multitracking to share your live tour with other users.
- Immobility alarm (SOS message) which activates if you remain stationary for too long.
To use these tools you must Register with an email address (preferably one dedicated to this purpose) and configure the addresses of the people with whom you want to share your location. Registration is not required to use the app as a GPS, only for these extra features.
The multitracking option is located in the GPS menu, within Live sharing > MultitrackAs for the immobility alarm, it is configured from the section of Global Settings > SOS MessageHere you can define the number of minutes of inactivity that triggers the alert. You can leave this feature enabled by default if you frequently do activities alone.
When there is no data: SMS, satellite, radio and LoRa
All of the above works very well as long as you have data or at least some mobile phone coverage. The problem is that in many valleys, high mountain areas or isolated rural areasThe most common outcome is losing your data connection and even being unable to make calls.
If you still have some voice coverage but no data, there are apps that, using only the phone's GPS sensorThey show your coordinates without needing internet. This way you can Copy the coordinates and paste them into an SMS. to send them to a contact. Some apps even automate the process and compose the message for you. It's a simple solution worth preparing before you go out.
When there is no coverage of any kind, other technologies come into play:
- Satellite phoneswhich allow you to make calls from almost anywhere with open skies.
- Satellite locators and trackers (type inReach, SPOT, etc.), capable of sending predefined messages and GPS positions through satellite networks.
- Walkie-talkies and radio distress systems, including initiatives such as #Canal77PMR on PMR446 radios, which are widely used in mountain and rural environments.
- Low-power networks such as LoRaideal for sending small amounts of data (for example, the position of a dog) several kilometers away without the need for telephone infrastructure.
LoRa versus LoRaWAN: what makes sense in areas without coverage
When we talk about set up a GPS tracking system for dogs or people in the mountains Without relying on the mobile network, LoRa appears to be a very good candidate. LoRa is a low-power, long-range radio technology designed precisely for sending small messages such as coordinates, sensor statuses, etc.
This is where the doubt often arises between using LoRa a pelo (in point-to-point mode or on their own network) or resort to LoRaWANwhich is a more complete specification that defines how nodes communicate with gateways and a network server. The key issue is that LoRaWAN was designed for internet-connected networkswhere gateways are usually linked to a central server, either from an operator or a proprietary backend in the cloud.
If your goal is to cover a rural area where there is no stable internet access and what you want is Direct communication between your devices (for example, dog collar and receiver in your backpack or at home), then it makes perfect sense Avoid LoRaWAN and use LoRa in direct mode.This way you don't depend on external servers and you can design a closed network.
Requirements and challenges when setting up a GPS tracker via LoRa
In a dog tracking system in open fields, you will have several constraints: device size, battery life, range and robustnessA collar that is too large or heavy is uncomfortable for the animal, but if you use a minimum battery, the usage time plummets.
The GPS (or GPS and GLONASS compatible GNSS receiver) is one of the most energy-intensive components. That's why it's common to opt for work cyclesTurn on the GNSS at regular intervals, obtain the position, and turn it off when not in use. The same applies to the LoRa module: you don't need to transmit all the time, but rather every X seconds or minutes, depending on the level of detail you want from the track.
Furthermore, in mountainous areas, the geography itself complicates matters. Both GNSS receivers and LoRa links can suffer from this. deep valleys, dense woodland, or rocksEven so, with a good choice of frequency, antennas and transmission power, LoRa usually works reasonably well over several kilometers, especially with partial line of sight.
Hardware recommendations for GPS tracking without a mobile network
When thinking about a dog collar or a small tracker to carry in a backpack, the usual system consists of:
- Un GNSS module that supports GPS and, if possible, GLONASS or Galileo to improve satellite availability.
- Un LoRa radio module in unlicensed bands (for example, 868 MHz in Europe).
- Un low-power microcontroller (ARM Cortex-M type or even integrated solutions such as certain boards with ESP32 + LoRa).
- An rechargeable battery of the right size for the desired autonomy.
- Water and dirt resistant casing, designed for heavy-duty outdoor use.
There are several boards and modules that greatly facilitate development, such as those based on Semtech SX1276/SX1278 or solutions with integrated LoRa such as the RFM95. For trackers, many hobbyists also use compact, low-power GNSS modules (u-blox and similar) that offer a good compromise between power consumption and accuracy.
As for the receiver, you can install another LoRa node. connected to a mobile phone, tablet or computerIn this way, the collars periodically send messages with their last known position, and the receiving node decodes and displays them on a map. If you don't want to rely on the internet, you can use offline mapping with programs like OruxMaps, QMapShack, OSMAnd, or similar.
Links and ideas for similar projects using LoRa
If you're looking for inspiration, there's numerous maker community projects that address similar problems: pet tracking, cyclist tracking, hiker location, etc. Common ideas include:
- LoRa node networks that upload positions to a local server installed at home or on a Raspberry Pi.
- Collars with GNSS + LoRa that send compact frames with latitude, longitude and battery level.
- Use of collaborative platforms such as LoRa APRS or point-to-point messaging systems for mountainous terrain, although in these cases external infrastructure is sometimes used.
Although each project has its nuances, almost all of them share some design principles: Minimize consumption, limit the size of the data packet, and choose a reasonable sending interval.In the case of your dogs, if you don't need a detailed route, sending a position every 30-60 seconds could be enough, which greatly extends the battery life.
The other side of the coin: limitations of GPS and the importance of analog technology
No matter how much technology you put in your pocket or on your dog's collar, nothing is infallibleGNSS devices can lose accuracy in dense forests, narrow gorges, or during storms. LoRa also suffers when the terrain becomes difficult or if the antenna is obstructed.
That's why, in addition to electronics, it's worth continuing to carry and know how to use them. map and compassMany people head to the mountains with a phone that acts as a GPS, but without any backup plan if it breaks, gets wet, or runs out of battery. Having a paper map of the area, with your route marked, and a simple compass can get you out of a tight spot if all else fails.
Similarly, if you're going to rely heavily on your mobile phone for geolocation, consider bringing a GPS device. auxiliary batteriesspare charging cables and, if you're traveling in winter, ways to protect the equipment from excessive cold, which reduces battery life.
Good security practices when sharing your location
Whatever method you use—112, WhatsApp, Google Maps, OruxMaps, satellite, or LoRa—there are a number of habits that help everything work better:
- Always give notice to someone you trust about your approximate plan, even if you're also going to share your real-time location.
- Set up and test the apps or devices before using them in a serious activity.
- Manage the battery: reduces the shipment to what is necessary and carries extra energy if the route is long.
- Close the notifications When you're finished, let them know you're back to avoid any surprises.
If you combine these precautions with a Realistic route planning, appropriate equipment, and a cautious attitudeYou can thoroughly enjoy the mountains and your outings with your dogs, while minimizing risks. From the simplest options using your smartphone and emergency services (112), to specific LoRa-based systems for tracking in areas without coverage, today you have a huge range of tools so that, if something happens, your location won't be a mystery to those who need to help you. Share the information so that more users know about the topic.
