Drivers-map tracking system (Web + Android)
Real-time map for taxi and delivery drivers with Android app, status view and lightweight server backend. The system consists of two connected parts: a Vercel-based web application with API and Redis, and an Android app built with Capacitor. The web interface manages driver names and statuses and displays all drivers on the map. The Android app reliably sends GPS coordinates in the background via a foreground service. The backend merges all data into a consistent driver profile and provides a real-time map for dispatching.
Initial situation & goal
The taxi company needed a simple way to see where drivers are in real time and whether they are free or busy – without expensive all-in-one systems and without complicated external platforms. Before that, everything was done via calls and manual coordination.
Solution & architecture
Web frontend (driver map view)
- Map with a marker for each driver (position, name, status).
- Live position updates via heartbeat API, without manual reload.
- Driver list next to the map with “free / busy” status.
Backend & data layer
- Serverless functions on Vercel (API endpoints /api/heartbeat, /api/list, /api/status).
- Upstash Redis for short-term storage of location data with TTL.
- Merging location data (Android app) with name/status (web frontend) into one driver profile.
Android app (Capacitor WebView)
- WebView with the same web UI as in the browser – unified UX for drivers.
- Foreground service for sending location updates to the heartbeat API.
- Each device gets a unique driverId (UUID), so drivers don’t overwrite each other.
Current status & next steps
The system is already running in a real environment. I am currently working on optimizing background tracking on Android (especially Android 14+), so that updates remain stable even when the screen is locked.
Screenshots & demo
A few screens from the current system. On request, I can prepare a live demo with real data.
Download the Android App and Test
The test version of the Android app allows you to experience the system in practice: GPS coordinates are transmitted in the background, and dispatchers can see drivers move on the map in real time.
Android only. You may need to temporarily enable installation from unknown sources.