Implementing Google Elevation API // Open-Elevation API // similar to add elevation for testing devices.

[pamochi]

Hello,

I've been using this app well with my devices for the past few months and I really appreciate the work that is has been done. Personally, I am not the strongest in xcode and swift (more comfortable with python), but I have been trying to implement the Open-Elevation API into this project so that when the new location is simulated the altitude is also given as well as update in real time as a navigation route is loaded. If the project owner or anyone else could bring this idea to life or show why it could not be done that would be great. Thank you.

[Schlaubischlump]

Hi @pamochi,

Glad that you like the project :)
The problem with the elevation has nothing to do with missing data. There is simply no way to send the elevation data to the iOS device. Apple does not allow it. To my knowledge, the only way to fake the elevation data is by jailbreaking your device and using on device software to change the location.
I appreciate you looking into the problem, but sadly even if you get the API to work, there is nothing we can do with the data.

[pamochi]

Hey,
Thanks for the quick reply

That's an interesting point, I just never thought that the altitude would be restricted in such a way. I've been looking into ways for the past few days now and definitely haven't made much progress though not knowing Xcode very well and using a VM doesn't make it an easier on me.

I saw this link which I thought meant someone was managing to get it to work though their use case seems quite different. https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/95388

[Schlaubischlump]

Option 1 or 3 depending on how you see it, is precisely what LocationSimulator is doing. The problem is, that even Xcode does not send altitude data. Even if you specify it in the gpx file. There is simply no API for it.

Option 2 works, but only it you develop you own app. It is basically a drop in replacement for CLLocationManager. I want LocationSimulator to work with every existing app, not only with your own.
If you write your own app, one could write a companion framework that communicates directly with LocationSimulator and therefore bypasses Apples API.

[pamochi]

I definitely agree with the sentiment of having LocationSimulator work with every app. I suppose the root cause is that even through GPX, Xcode just won't pass through altitude data. I was just under the assumption that it could be done through other means even if its not supported directly through GPX files, but that logic may be quite backwards.
Suppose there isn't any other option, though it is kind of disappointing I must admit. May hunt for another application that could do this, but so far have had no luck.

[Schlaubischlump]

If you find any app that doesn't require modifications to your iPhone led me now !
I would be very interest to find a solution to this problem as well.

[pamochi]

Definitely will reach out to you if I find anything of the sort.

Though in the meantime I did find this project (https://github.com/intothedarkness/GPS-Simulator) which runs on windows and to my surprise functions quite similarly to location simulator, albeit bare-bones. The feature to automatically navigate to a location on the map is not there sadly, hopefully I can get in touch with the developer or add that myself.