The LogsKeptSimple app uses your phone's built-in GPS to record your route as you move. The GPS receiver in modern smartphones is accurate to within a few metres under open sky and works entirely independently of mobile signal. This means the app records your track regardless of whether you have coverage, which is relevant for most of the places worth going in Australia.
How the Track Is Recorded
When you start a tracking session in the app, it begins recording your position at regular intervals. These points are stored locally on the phone as the session runs. At the end of the activity, the track is saved to the local log file and can be synced to your LogsKeptSimple account when you are back in connectivity. The GPS data includes latitude, longitude, elevation, and timestamp for each recorded point.
Battery Considerations
Running GPS continuously does use battery. The exact impact depends on your device and whether the screen is on. For most modern smartphones, a full day of GPS tracking with the screen off is manageable on a full battery. For longer activities, a portable battery pack is a practical addition. Some devices also have power-save GPS modes that reduce accuracy slightly but significantly extend battery life.
What Gets Uploaded
When you sync your log to the website, the GPS track data is uploaded alongside the activity details. On the website, you can view your route on a map, see the elevation profile, and review distance and timing information. Tracks can be shared as animated maps or exported as GPX files for use in other applications.
Uploading a GPX Track
If you use another GPS device or app and want to import the track into LogsKeptSimple, the website supports GPX file uploads. Export your track from the other device in GPX format and upload it to the relevant activity log. This links the track data to your activity record the same way as a track recorded directly in the app.
