Girl on the NetMar 6

Nerds! Is there a location tracker (like a physical tag) that I could put in a backpack and attach to an app so my family could see where I was at any given point in time? Ideally I'd like one that draws a fun little map with my route. AirTags? Do they draw a little map or just say current location?

[NOTE: I am not recommending anyone else does this, and it won't be permanent, I just have a limited use case for which I would like to use one of these things]

Show threadUlrike Walter-Lipow
@girlonthenet I don't think AirTags allow real-time tracking from a distance (I have them on various things but usually use them to find them at home), as they don't do GPS. What I think you need is a GPS tracker - they are also sold as pet trackers (I am assuming you don't just want to use your phone - I think most phones allow you to have others track them by now).
Mar 6 at 2:19pmWeb
Show threadGirl on the NetMar 6
@lipow ah yes! Super helpful thank you! and yeah I basically don't wanna use my phone cos of battery life, I'll look into GPS trackers! Thank you so much
Show threadChris PittsMar 6

@girlonthenet @lipow FWIW I use Apple’s phone Find My location tracking all the time without any real impact on battery. If you're concerned then I'd suggest trying it - phone location services are nowhere the battery hogs they used to be.

People think me & my wife are weird because we can know where the other is at any time, but it has saved a lot of burnt dinners over the years! And when we were both driving around the country caring for elderly parents, it showed we arrived safely

Show threadGirl on the NetMar 6
@thirstybear @lipow can it plot a route or just give in-the--moment data?
Show threadChris PittsMar 6
@girlonthenet @lipow In the moment, I’m afraid. There's always apps like Strava & Komoot that I think can produce a real-time plot (for a subscription?), but I can't vouch for battery-friendliness of 3rd party apps.
Show threadLuke KaniesMar 6

@thirstybear @girlonthenet @lipow the Check In feature may also be of interest to you:

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-check-in-iphc143bb7e9/ios

Basically does nothing if everything goes well, but provides info and notice if you don’t arrive at a certain place by a certain time.

Use Check In on iPhone to let your friends know you’ve arrived

Use Check In on iPhone to let your friend know your iPhone has arrived.

Apple Support
Show threadLuke KaniesMar 6

@lipow @girlonthenet we use AirTags for this and it definitely provides real time tracking.

We have one on our dog collar, and as long as someone with an iPhone is near him, we will always get real time info. I was able to share the tag so my whole family can see him.

We also have a bunch of them for luggage and backpacks. But we tend not to share those.

IMO if you have an iPhone, it’s by far the easiest solution.