Google releases Android GPS source code

BANGALORE, INDIA: Google has released the source code for an an Android phone GPS program which is called My Tracks and lets people record where they've been, to log journeys in Google Docs, and to post their trip maps online.

"You can expect My Tracks to become better than ever with the contributions we hope it will receive from other developers, and also that many applications which work side-by-side with My Tracks will be written," said Google engineer Rodrigo Damazio in a Friday e-mail list posting.

Explaining further, he said, "For instance, one could easily build an application for tracking fitness activities, geocaching, aviation, and so on."

The move means also means enthusiasts can help with translation and programmers can create spin-offs for which they can charge money if they desire, he added. The software is governed under Google's preferred open-source license, the Apache License 2.0.