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❓ Trakkit.org – FAQ

⚠️ This FAQ is an automatic translation generated from the official Trakkit documentation.
It is provided for informational purposes only.

🌍 General Questions

What is Trakkit.org?

Trakkit.org is a web-based front-end for a track rendering engine dedicated to leisure and offshore sailing.
It allows you to create, visualize, and share boat navigation tracks.

Does Trakkit collect personal data?

⚠️ No. Trakkit.org does not collect any personal data.
You are fully responsible for what you choose to publish online.

Is Trakkit free?

Yes. Creating an account and managing boats, data, and tracks is free.

🚀 Getting Started

How do I start using Trakkit?

  1. Create a free account
  2. Create a boat (only the boat name is required)
  3. A sample dataset and test track are automatically created
  4. Visit: https://.trakkit.org
  5. Upload your own .gpx file via DATA > Upload
  6. Create a track via TRACK > Add Track

What happens to the sample data?

The sample dataset and test track are automatically deleted when you upload your first real data.

What is a TTR link?

Each track receives a unique ID called a TTR ID (or TRACK ID).
You can share your track using:

https://trakkit.org/ttr/

Note:
Depending on the rendering engine, Trakkit may dynamically adjust the URL displayed in your browser.

To reliably access a track, always use the canonical format:

https://trakkit.org/ttr/<TRACK-ID>

🛥️ Boats

What is a Boat in Trakkit?

A Boat is the main container for your navigation data and tracks.
You must create a boat before sending data.

What happens when I create a boat?

  • A test track is automatically generated
  • Sample data is associated with it
  • You can immediately test visualization

What is the Direct URL?

The Direct URL provides public access to:

  • The boat’s current position
  • Its live track (if enabled)

Example:

https://boatname.trakkit.org

What is Active LiveTrack?

Active LiveTrack allows real-time display of your boat’s movement.
To enable it:

  • Create a track
  • Set its end date in the future (e.g., 01/01/2050)
  • Select it in Boat > Edit > Active LiveTrack

📈 Data

What is Data?

Data is a collection of GPS points and optional navigation information (AWA, AWS, COG, SOG, etc.).

What file formats are supported?

  • .gpx
  • .nmea
  • .txt
  • Email text positions
  • Compressed formats: .zip, .gzip, .z, .xz, .7z, .tar, .tgz

Can I upload data manually?

Yes.
Go to DATA > Upload and upload your .gpx, .nmea, or .txt files.

Can I send data automatically?

Yes. You can send data via:

  • Email to spool@trakkit.org
  • SFTP (recommended for automation)
  • Companion apps
  • Satellite systems (e.g., Iridium Go)

Can I combine different data sources?

Yes. Data can come from multiple sources at different times:

  • Real-time satellite emails at sea
  • Full GPX upload in port
  • NMEA logs from navigation software

Does deleting a Track delete Data?

No.
Deleting a track does not delete the data.

To delete data, use:

  • DATA > Delete
  • Delete by date range or BatchID

✉️ Email Data

How do I send data by email?

Send it to:

spool@trakkit.org

You must either:

  • Include a Tag in the email subject

OR

  • Link your email address to your boat

Which has priority: Tag or sender email?

The Tag takes priority over the sender's email address.

What format should position data follow?

One point per line:

Latitude Longitude YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM[:SS] [Timezone] [Optional fields]

Example:

41.7267 -49.9469 2024-04-15 02:40:00 UTC AWA:120 AWS:24.5 COG:145 SOG:10.5

If no timezone is specified, UTC is assumed.

📡 SFTP Upload

Why use SFTP?

SFTP is the recommended method for automated transfers.

What are the restrictions?

  • Maximum frequency: 1 file every 3 minutes
  • Maximum file size: 20 MB

How to send data via SFTP

  • Request a tag password in: Boat > Mails & Tags > Password
  • Save the password immediately. It cannot be recovered once displayed (you can request a new one if needed).
  • The SFTP server address and port are displayed together with the password.
  • You can upload files manually using an SFTP client such as FileZilla, or use the automation scripts provided by JoliCompanion.

How should files be named?

TAG_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.data

Upload first as:

TAG_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.part

Then rename to .data once fully uploaded.

🏷️ Tags

What is a Tag?

A Tag is an alias for a boat.
It allows:

  • Data assignment
  • Access control
  • SFTP authentication

Can I create multiple Tags?

Yes. You can create as many tags as you want for a boat.

Can a Tag be linked to multiple boats?

No. A tag can only belong to one boat.

What happens if I delete a Tag?

Access via that tag is immediately revoked.
Other tags remain valid.

Can Tags be used for SFTP?

Yes.

  • Tag = username
  • Password required

Passwords cannot be recovered.

🗺️ Tracks

What is a Track?

A Track is simply a time slice of data.

It defines:

  • A start date/time
  • An end date/time
  • A name

It does not store data itself.

Can multiple tracks use the same data?

Yes.
Tracks are just views of existing data.

What happens if I create a track before uploading data?

Nothing will be displayed until matching data is uploaded.
The track will update automatically when data arrives.

What is WPP and WPO?

  • WPP (Track precision): Interval in seconds between displayed track points
  • WPO (Progress points): Interval in minutes between orange progress markers

Recommended WPP values:

  • 10 seconds → Regattas
  • 60 seconds → Coastal navigation
  • 300 seconds → Offshore navigation

How do I regenerate a track?

Go to:

TRACK > Regen

How can I make a track public?

Check the Published option when editing the track.

🗺️ Viewing Tracks

How do I view a track?

Direct link:

https://trakkit.org/ttr/

Or enter the Track ID on the homepage.

📡 Live Tracking

How do I enable live tracking?

  1. Set a Direct URL
  2. Create a track with a future end date
  3. Select it as Active LiveTrack

How do I embed live tracking on my website?

Example HTML:

<iframe
    src="https://boatname.trakkit.org"
    width="100%"
    height="600"
    style="border:0;"
    allowfullscreen>
</iframe>

💻 Companion Apps

What is a Companion App?

A companion app is a third-party application that:

  • Collects navigation data
  • Sends it automatically to Trakkit

Is there a reference implementation for a Companion App?

Yes.
The Python base code of JoliCompanion is available on Trakkit.org and GitHub. It can be adapted to your setup.

🔐 Data & Visibility

Is data automatically visible?

No.
Data becomes visible only when a Track defines a time interval covering it.

Should I hide departure and arrival timestamps?

Yes.
It is strongly recommended to set track start and end times so your exact departure and arrival points are not permanently visible.

🧭 Summary

Trakkit is built around three core objects:

  • Boat
  • Data
  • Track

Data is continuous.
Tracks are views.
Tags control access.
Live tracking is optional.

Simple, flexible, and designed for real offshore sailing.