Where is the Car is a real-time vehicle location tracking application, utilizing the Android screen of the car as a GPS tracking device. Instead of needing to install a separate tracking box, the Android application runs directly on the car's screen, reads the GPS coordinates, and sends data back to the management system on the website.

Introduction

Where is the Car is designed to help users know where their vehicle is, whether it's moving or parked, which routes it has taken, and to review the trip history when needed.

The application is suitable for cars with Android screens, service vehicles, family cars, personal vehicles, or small fleets that need a simple, easy-to-implement location tracking solution without fully relying on separate GPS devices.

Main Idea

The Android screen in a car already typically has GPS capabilities, internet connectivity, and the ability to run background applications. Where is the Car leverages this device to:

• Obtain the vehicle's GPS position.

• Send coordinates to the server in real-time.

• Display the vehicle's location on the website map.

• Store movement history for later viewing.

This approach helps reduce hardware costs, makes software updates easier, and is compatible with vehicles that already have built-in Android screens.

Main Features

• Real-time vehicle position tracking on the map.

• Use the car's Android screen as a GPS sending device.

• Manage multiple vehicles under one account.

• Display vehicle status: in motion, paused, parked for a long time, or disconnected.

• Review location and route history by day.

• Statistics on distance traveled, speed, travel time, and stop time.

• Speed limit alerts.

• Configure alert times when a vehicle is stopped for too long.

• Support basic monitoring zones using geofencing.

• Share vehicle location via a time-limited link.

• Export trip data to GPX or CSV.

• Manage users and vehicles through an admin page.

Android Application in the Car

The Android application is designed to run on the car's Android screen. After the user logs in and selects a vehicle, the application will send GPS location to the server while the vehicle is operating.

The application can run as a foreground service to maintain position sending even when the user switches to another application on the car's screen.

Management Website

The Where is the Car website allows users to:

• Register and log in to their accounts.

• Log in using Google.

• Add, edit, or delete vehicle information.

• View the current location of the vehicle on the map.

• Check the operational status of each vehicle.

• Review movement history.

• Create daily trip reports.

• Share vehicle location with others when needed.

Data and Performance

The system uses a database suitable for location data and time-based data:

• PostgreSQL to store primary data.

• PostGIS to process coordinate and spatial data.

• TimescaleDB to optimize GPS history over time.

This architecture makes the system more suitable as the number of vehicles, GPS points, and user access increases.

Use Cases

• Car owners want to track their personal vehicle's location.

• Families want to know where the vehicle is when their loved ones use it.

• Service vehicles need to record travel history.

• Small fleets need to manage location without investing in separate GPS devices.</