Hi, I want to build an app to track my kayak trips. I guess i could just use a running app, but I want to make one from scratch as a kind of an educational project for myself - and maybe some other fellow-kayakers out there :) The app should be have the followning functions: - Login screen - so the user gets to his/her place - Log- function: log your km paddled, where and in which kayak-type, date. - Statistic function: show your logged km/miles pr. month and y-t-d. For the moment, i do not need a gps tracking function allthough that would be a nice feature. Now, I realise that this requires a website to hold the data and maybe some php-programming to set it up. But how do I communicate with that via Buzztouch ? Before I throw myself into this, I would like to hear your opion if this is possible to make in Buzztouch "just" using the plugins or do I have to write code too? As always - a big thank you for your most valued opinons! Kind regards, Kristian Nielsen, Copenhagen.

The two gentlemen I would recommend to speak with are https://www.buzztouch.com/chris1 https://www.buzztouch.com/SmugWimp Anything is doable with Buzztouch but two things you must consider it will either cost: Money or Time and sometimes both. As an kayaker myself I would be in line to buy this and i think it is a fantastic idea :)

Well, "for the basics" I think Chris1 has an xcode plugin that does forms interfaces. It could probably be modified without too much trouble to accomodate your 'manual' logging. With respect to 'gps logging' that could be done, but there isn't a plugin prepared for that use just yet; you would need to do some custom coding. My 'Smug Msg Loc' plugin has some code you'll want to look at in preparation for that project. Also my upcoming 'location menu' plugin will have some interesting code regarding getting distance in miles or meters from your track points. Also, with respect to GPS, remember, the phone would need to be somewhat 'available' to see the satellites in order to get a good fix, so make sure it's in a waterproof container of some kind, but nothing that blocks radio waves. Satellites run at extremely high frequency, therefore typically require 'line of sight' and are suseptible to 'drop outs' from buildings, clouds, heavy rain, trees, etcetera. Cheers! -- Smug

"Also my upcoming 'location menu' plugin will have some..." Also waiting SmugWimp..., Cheers!

Hi, Thanks for your feedback so far :) @Sheri - great to meet a fellow kayaker!Would love to learn more about where you kayak. If my app ever materialises, it will be free but I'd happily dedicate one for you. @Smug - thanks for your feedback. I don't think I will include GPS tracking as I'd have to have my iphone up and around, which isn't a good idea when you are in a kayak trying to keep your balance :) However, your input regarding the getting distance from a trackpoint to a mappoint is VERY useful. I have two apps already that could use that feature :) One is called Airmen.DK showing locations of allied planes shot down over Denmark during WWII. I'll look into this in detail and get back for more help. Thanks again. Hope you have a wonderful day! Kristian

Do look at this excellent tutorial to give you some ideas about how this can be made using BT. http://www.buzztouch.com/files/howtos/Posting_Current_Location_to_a_Database_v1.0.pdf You may not use all the code/samples in it - but there is a lot of elements in there that will help you understand how to make that type of app.

Awesome tutorial.. Thanks, ATRAIN53 and GoNorthWest for writing this up!

@Kristian my husband and I travel all around Washington Oregon Idaho area beautiful country :)

(Sorry for mixing a kayaking subject into a coding thread, but I must answer this): Sheri, very interesting - I have distant relatives in the Chehalis area (and some in Seattle) so I might try your paddlewaters out one day :) I paddle in the Lakes around Copenhagen and also a bit in Southern Parts of Sweden and Northern Parts of Germany. Also very beautiful :)

Don't be sorry, be passionate about your hobby! I've got folks up in Everett I wish I could visit more. The Northwest is a beatutiful area. Make it a point to see Deception Pass and jump off the mainland and take the Mukilteo fairy if you get up there. Hit Bellingham if you can. Vancouver and BC are great cities to explore!

coding and kayaking is a PERFECT match! Best ideas come to me out there :) I have heard Germany and these parts are almost the same terrain so you will love it. Atrain you are cracking me up! You mean Ferry or Fairy? So many jokes I am gonna leave it out :) The kayak dream I have actually to go through the aleutian islands near ketchikan alaska and another trip favorite would be the san jaun islands near seattle--- you want a popular app people would go for both of those! Hobby Apps are actually very profitable you get a passionate niche you get profit :) I think you are on to something :)

Start small, which means the app will simply save the data on the device into a simple PLIST (JSON) file. Not even a Database. Next step is to then be able to organize that information, sort by date, place, etc. Sorting can be done with NSDictionaries and with NSSortDescriptor. Finally when ready, connect to a web server to learn the PHP and MySQL things. Chris1 has written a Voting plugin that actually sends data right back into the BT Control Panel. -- Niraj

A big thanks for your ideas and support! I think, I will try to set up a database using "GoNorthWest"'s approach. I'll report back with my successes and failures :) And to Sheri and ATRAIN53, thanks! I'd love to paddle in the Northwest and will do some day! I have also heard that Vancouver is a fantastic paddle place (and home to the fab Feathercraft kayaks). My plan will probably be to fly into Seattle and bring a foldable kayak making my way (by car) up to Vancouver. Kind regards, Kristian