MapCatch

Tracking options

Choose the right way to run every event

MapCatch can combine phone tracking, mobile GPS trackers, satellite devices, uploaded activities, timing data, and organiser corrections into one operational map. The best setup depends on terrain, event length, participant equipment, update rhythm, and how much control the organiser needs while the race runs.

Plan tracking Organise an event
Android phone showing a MapCatch participant route mapCompact mobile GPS trackerSPOT, Garmin, and ZOLEO satellite tracking devices

Event sources

Different trackers solve different problems

Mobile tracking is the most flexible choice for many events. Dedicated and satellite trackers still matter when battery life, rugged attachment, global reach, or no-phone participation is more important than rich in-app interaction.

Android phone showing a MapCatch participant route map

Mobile app tracking

Best when participants already carry a phone and the organiser wants a flexible, high-detail event.

  • No rental hardware logistics when riders use their own suitable phones.
  • Organisers can modify the route during the event and have the change reflected in the same event map.
  • Participants can see other competitors, route progress, messages, and event context from the same device.
  • Second-level recorded-track precision is available when the phone is configured for demanding formats.
  • Participants then take responsibility for phone configuration, permissions, charging, and battery management.

We also rent preconfigured Android phones at a very low price when the event needs managed hardware.

  • Optimised for MapCatch tracking before hand-out.
  • Battery lasts up to 100 hours with minute-frequency upload.
  • Phones can also stream position with about 30 hours of battery life.
  • Second-level precision is available in both tracking modes.
Compact mobile GPS tracker

Mobile GPS trackers

Best for events that want simple participant equipment and long runtime where cellular networks are available.

  • Small, durable, and easy to attach to a bike, pack, bib, or boat.
  • Can keep recording through short coverage gaps and upload later when the network returns.
  • Good battery life at practical event update intervals.
  • Useful when participants should not need to install or configure anything.
SPOT, Garmin, and ZOLEO satellite tracking devices

Satellite trackers

Best for remote terrain, oceans, border areas, expeditions, and long events where phones may lose service.

  • Global or near-global reach depending on the tracker network and service plan.
  • Better suited to remote coverage than phone-only or cellular-only tracking.
  • Long battery life at sparse update intervals.
  • Some devices can also provide SOS or two-way messaging through their own service.

Corrections, uploads, and results

Best when official results, checkpoint reads, GPX/activity uploads, or organiser corrections need to sit beside live positions.

  • Physical timing and virtual checkpoints can strengthen the official result.
  • Uploaded GPX or activity files can complete a participant timeline after the event.
  • Manual corrections keep organiser decisions visible instead of silently rewriting history.
  • Each source can be audited so the event can distinguish raw data, official results, and corrections.

Mobile first

When mobile-first is the right fit

Organisers

Live route control. Adjust the route during the event when weather, access, safety, or local instructions change.

Participants

More than a beacon. Racers can see other competitors, route progress, standings, and event messages instead of carrying a silent tracker.

Precision

High-detail track history. Mobile tracking can record at second-level precision with synchronisation frequency down to the second for demanding formats.

Rental phones

Phone tracking without participant phones. Rent prepared Android phones at the same price as GSM trackers when the event needs app features and managed hardware.

Management

Less tracker logistics. Bring-your-own phones remove device hand-out entirely, but riders must handle setup and charging. Rental phones keep the app workflow when the event needs managed hardware.

One event timeline

Combine sources without hiding where data came from

A participant can be represented by several sources over the event: a phone track, a satellite update, a checkpoint time, an uploaded GPX, or an organiser correction. MapCatch should keep those inputs together while making source authority and audit history clear.

Phone app Highest interaction
Cellular tracker Simple equipment
Satellite tracker Remote reach
Timing and corrections Official result
Live positions

Fresh app or tracker updates drive the public map, participant cards, and route progress.

Sparse updates

Satellite and long-battery devices may update less often, but they keep the story alive where mobile coverage is weak.

Official evidence

Checkpoint reads, timing imports, and uploaded activities can confirm progress and complete the event record.

Audit trail

Corrections and source changes should stay visible so organisers can explain the final result.

Practical choice

Match the source to the event

Use mobile app tracking when...

Participants carry phones, the event needs rich interaction, routes may change, and you want precise recorded tracks without device logistics.

Use mobile GPS trackers when...

You want dedicated equipment, reliable attachment, long runtime, and simple operation in areas with usable cellular coverage.

Use satellite trackers when...

The course reaches remote terrain, oceans, or long coverage gaps where global reach is more important than frequent updates.