Ask HN: Open-Source Alternatives to Google Location History?

[simonmysun]

I've been using Google Timeline (Location History) for years to remind me of what I have been doing on a specific day. However, Google will no longer store data in its cloud (https://www.techradar.com/phones/google-maps-will-soon-delete-your-location-history-unless-you-tell-it-not-to ). This brings me troubles because I really don't like to operate the cell phone when I have a much more powerful PC at hand.

I would like to ask for advises for open source self hosted alternatives that collect location data quietly in background. Here are what I've found:

    https://github.com/traccar/traccar (server, client)
    https://github.com/mendhak/gpslogger (client)
    https://github.com/home-assistant (server, has location tracking integration)
    https://github.com/owntracks (server, client)
    https://github.com/Freika/dawarich (server)
    https://github.com/aaronpk/Overland-iOS (iOS client)
    https://github.com/OpenHumans/overland_android (Android client, inactive)
    https://github.com/aaronpk/Compass (server)
    https://github.com/julien-nc/phonetrack (web client, use Nextcloud as server)

Any recommendations or tips?

Thanks!

[sathyabhat]

I’ve been using owntracks for a while now, and while it is pretty decent in terms of accuracy of data collection, it unfortunately lacks in the nice things that make Google Location History so good: automatic clustering, grouping, search, classification of trips and travel methods.

The initial setup is slightly annoying as well. Here’s a small write up from me: https://sathyasays.com/2024/07/13/self-hosting-owntracks-goo...

[simonmysun]

Thank you! I will definitely give it a try. I think there will be solutions for the subsequent analysis features in the future, but the data collection is the most important now.

Your write up really helps me a lot for investigating which software is best for me!

[sathyabhat]

You’re welcome, hope you find what you’re looking for!

[runjake]

It doesn't meet your needs, but I have something kind of like this for my iPhone.

I wrote a Shortcuts Automation that triggers when CarPlay disconnects. It then grabs the current date and time, the current latitude and longitude, the street address and an Apple Maps link and appends it to a "Location Log" note in the Notes app. I could've dumped it to a file instead, but I wanted it in a note.

It requires zero interaction from me.

[simonmysun]

That's a very clever trigger and will reduce a lot of redundant data. But I'm in favor of public transport and bicycles. Maybe I should look into other possibly interesting events e.g. network changes. Thanks for the advise!

[whatarethembits]

Interested in something similar. Would love to keep a log of locations, especially when travelling, but don’t want Google to be tracking this. A local solution would be awesome.