Feature requests - tagging tracks, bulk upload, gpx from directory, view all tracks

[bouton]

Two years ago I first used TrackServer. I had written alot of code to display tracks from a color palette etc bt my disk died and I got distracted and started working on other programs. :(

With your new 5.x update I thought I'd look again.
So far so good.

1. Is integrating WP tags/categories with tracks a possibility?. Currently I use your comments for tagging, eg cycle rides vs walking, but it would be nice if we could search by a wp category or taxonomy? I use the tagging to display lines as a tag color ie bike ride=red, hiking=green etc
2. Would it be possible, rather than load one gpx file at a time, to add all files in a directory (see leaflet map extensions - file/file_directory which works great)
3. Or is there an api/method to bulk upload gpx files and then display them all (ie trackid=*) rather than have to go to trackserver page and upload them there via select or drag/drop

Well done for the live maps/url updates. I was able to use this feature to get my latest walks straight into trackserver using GPSLogger and Custom URL. Way cool.

[tinuzz]

Hi,

That's many things in one message. Let me tackle them one by one.

1. I image that this would be a possibility, except that I have no experience at all with how tags and categories work in WordPress, so I'd have to dive into it. Also, I'm not quite sure what you expect me to implement. Are you talking about just adding the possibility to add tags and categories to tracks, or is there more to it? In any case, as this sounds like quite a lof of work, for which I expect there is little demand, I can't promise to do this anytime soon. Sorry.
2. I don't fully understand what you're asking here. What kind of 'directory' are you talking about? If it's server side, then I don't see how that would really add anything. Tracks are stored in the database, Trackserver doesn't usually deal with GPX files, other than for uploading. But since you mention a Leaflet extension (do you have a link?), I suspect you mean client side, in which case it's just a plain "no". That is not what Trackserver is about. Maybe I totally misunderstand what you're asking; if so please elaborate.
3. Trackserver implements a "file upload" protocol, which you could leverage to upload files in bulk. It's not really documented anywhere, but the implementation is here: https://github.com/tinuzz/wp-plugin-trackserver/blob/master/class-trackserver.php#L1112. Displaying them is a different issue. I have been thinking about having more flexible selectors in the [tsmap] shortcode, like wildcard or regexp matching against trackname, comment or other fields. This is definitely something I will build at some point.

The file upload functionality is triggered by doing a multipart/form-data POST to the Trackserver URL. It expects one or more GPX files in the request. More information on what such a request looks like and how to make one with cURL, for example, see here: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4238809/example-of-multipart-form-data. Trackserver expects HTTP basic authentication for the request, using your username and an app password.

Small disclaimer: I haven't tested a 'front-end' file upload in a long time, but apart from the HTTP auth check, the same code is used as for uploading files from the WP admin, so it should work.

Best regards,
Martijn.

[tinuzz]

Just did a quick test:

Command:

curl -F "file1=@new.gpx" -F "file2=@new.gpx" "https://username:apppass@www.example.com/wp/trackserver"

Output:

File 'new.gpx': imported 984 points from 1 track(s) in 1.1 seconds.
File 'new.gpx': imported 984 points from 1 track(s) in 1 seconds.

[bouton]

Sorry - it was a long message. :) Just cause it was so exciting. But sorry cause I know you have been working long and hard at this. And it shows!

Glad to see file import works. Will look into implementing it.

All the questions above were brought up when I was trying to figure out how to get my many many tracks into Trackserver.

1. Tags - I was envisioning a column on the manage tracks page which could be edited to add WP tags. The same way you can add tags to a post or page. Or even have the tag come from the gpx file itself. In your settings you could have something like 'enter the attributes (from extensions in gpx) for tags' and when uploading the selected attribute would then go into the WP tags.
   Just looking for a way to subdivide many gpx tracks. Since WP offers categories/tags thought this might be an easy way to tie in. "Easy" she says as you laugh.

2. Sorry - wasn't clear at all when I read it back
   By directory I mean WP Uploads media directory. I realise that Trackserver works with a db. Perfect. But as I have a directory of gpx files it seems strange to upload the gpx files, then have to use the save as gpx to get them back out. I like to use the gpx files in other things. And here I was looking for a way to have all my gpx files in one place and bulk upload them (maybe with a crontab that periodically checks and updates. With the curl command I think you have pointed me into the direction I shall go.

3. " more flexible selectors in the [tsmap] shortcode, like wildcard or regexp matching" - Exactly. Looking forward to that.

You have always been timely in answering the queries you get. Truly appreciated.

[bouton]

what is this url in your curl command "https://username:apppass@www.example.com/wp/trackserver"

I get file not found.

it finds my file1 but not the url I think.

again - thanks

[tinuzz]

The URL is just your Trackserver URL (look it up on the profile page), but with the username and app password embedded for HTTP basic authentication.