Using Personal Trackers With Our Platform
For most events, we provide both tracking and trackers. However, our platform also supports connecting third-party trackers. We currently support SPOT, Garmin inReach and ZOLEO trackers, with more options under consideration.
To enable us to use one of these devices with our platform, we typically require two key pieces of information:
A feed or data sharing connection – this allows us to access the third-party tracking data
A unique identifier – this allows us to identify which device is yours
Each third-party tracking service works in a slightly different way, but they all fundamentally rely on this approach to data sharing. Read below for detailed instructions on what we require for each device. For your device to work, it is important that you provide accurate information and set it up correctly.
SPOT Trackers
For us to be able to pull data from your SPOT tracker, you must have a valid subscription that is enabled. Without a subscription, your tracker will not work.
We then rely on the following information from you:
– ESN (this is the device identifier)
– XML Feed ID (this must be active and public)
If you are unsure on how to obtain these, please consult these guides provided by SPOT:
– How to find your ESN (see page 5)
– How to create a public XML feed
We also have a step-by-step guide to setting up your public XML feed here. You can use the tool below to validate that your XML feed ID and ESN are correct.
Validate SPOT XML Feed & ESN
Use this tool to validate that your XML feed is correctly configured and you have the correct ESN
Other things to consider
- Please set the tracking interval to five minutes unless instructed otherwise by the organiser
- Insert fresh batteries at the start of the event – SPOT advises Energizer Lithium Ultimate for best performance
- Locate the tracker in a position where it has a clear and unobstructed view of the sky
- Start tracking at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Before an event start and when the map is ready, testing can be done up to 14 days beforehand. You can verify that your device is transmitting data by checking that “Ready to Start” has turned green next to your name in the Details menu.
You can find SPOT troubleshooting instructions here.
Garmin inReach Trackers
For us to be able to pull data from your inReach tracker, you must have a valid subscription that is enabled. Without a subscription, your tracker will not work.
We then need the following information from you:
– IMEI (this is the device identifier)
– MapShare KML Feed (must be public)
If you are unsure on how to obtain these, please consult these help pages provided by Garmin:
– How to find out your IMEI
– How to set up MapShare KML Feed
The MapShare KML feed will appear as a URL, typically in a format similar to this: https://share.garmin.com/Feed/Share/XXXXXX. You can use the tool below to validate that your KML feed and IMEI are correct.
Validate Garmin inReach MapShare KML Feed & IMEI
Use this tool to validate that your MapShare feed is correctly configured and you have the correct IMEI
Other things to consider
- Please set the tracking interval to 10 minutes or less
- Fully charge the tracker before the start of the event
- Locate the tracker in a position where it has a clear and unobstructed view of the sky
- Start tracking at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Before an event start and when the map is ready, testing can be done up to 14 days beforehand. You can verify that your device is transmitting data by checking that “Ready to Start” has turned green next to your name in the Details menu.
You can find Garmin inReach troubleshooting instructions here.
ZOLEO Trackers
For us to be able to pull data from your ZOLEO tracker, you must have a valid subscription that is enabled and this must include the Location Share+ add on. Without a subscription and Location Share+, your tracker will not work.
We then need the following information from you:
– IMEI (this is the device identifier)
Additionally, instead of providing a data feed, you need to enable data sharing with Follow My Challenge. You can find instructions on how to do this here.
If you are unsure how to find your device IMEI, please consult this help page provided by ZOLEO.
Other things to consider
- Please set the tracking interval to 12 minutes or less
- Fully charge the tracker before the start of the event
- Locate the tracker in a position where it has a clear and unobstructed view of the sky
- Start tracking at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Before an event start and when the map is ready, testing can be done up to 14 days beforehand. You can verify that your device is transmitting data by checking that “Ready to Start” has turned green next to your name in the Details menu.