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-LipowMar 6
@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).
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 Pitts

@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

Mar 6 at 2:49pmWeb
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