CoMaps: Expanding the FLOSS Ecosystem Integration

Published: August 23, 2026
Authors: Leonardo Bishop & Manuel Marcatili

CoMaps is built upon the unwavering principle of being a completely free and open-source application.

We believe that the growth of the FLOSS (Free and Libre Open Source Software) landscape is essential to provide users with a genuine, privacy-respecting alternative to ~~proprietary, data-hungry software~~ corporate monopolies. To support this, we have been refining how CoMaps interacts with other open-source Android tools.

⌚ Integration with Gadgetbridge

Gadgetbridge serves as a powerful FLOSS replacement for manufacturer-specific Bluetooth apps, allowing users to manage smartwatches and headphones without compromising their data.

As of v0.93.0, CoMaps can now function as a navigation data provider. This means that if you have a compatible wearable, you can receive turn-by-turn directions directly on your wrist.

How to enable it:

Open Settings
Navigate to External Integrations
Select Navigation

![Image: The navigation app running on InfiniTime, displaying instructions sourced from CoMaps]

Once toggled, this feature applies to all connected devices that support the protocol.

🏃 Integration with OpenVitals

OpenVitals is a comprehensive health dashboard that utilizes the Android Health Connect framework. It offers a way to track wellness metrics without sending sensitive biological data to external corporations.

CoMaps now acts as a navigation context provider for OpenVitals. This allows athletes and explorers to overlay their planned CoMaps route onto their live activity tracking for hiking or cycling.

Configuration Path: Settings $\rightarrow$ Activities $\rightarrow$ Comaps navigation guidance

![Image: CoMaps guidance interface integrated within the OpenVitals activity screen]

📊 Comparison of Integrations

Feature	Gadgetbridge	OpenVitals
Role	Navigation Data Provider	Navigation Context Provider
Primary Benefit	Wrist-based directions	Route overlay on health metrics
Requirement	Supported Bluetooth Device	Android Health Connect
Focus	Hardware Interoperability	Wellness & Activity Tracking

🛡️ Privacy First

Privacy is not an afterthought; it is the default. CoMaps will never leak data to another application unless the user explicitly authorizes it.

Mathematically, we view the relationship between data access and user consent as: $\text{Data Access} = \sum (\text{User Permission} \times \text{App Request})$

To ensure this, every single integration requires a special permission granted by the user within the CoMaps interface.

🛠️ Developer Resources

Are you a FLOSS developer looking to integrate CoMaps data into your own widgets or dashboards? We welcome your contributions!

Documentation: Available on [Codeberg]
Integration Type: API-based data sharing

// Example conceptual request for navigation data
{
  "request": "get_current_route",
  "provider": "comaps.navigation",
  "permission_token": "user_authorized_xyz123"
}

✅ Integration Checklist for Users

Install CoMaps from F-Droid, Google Play, or App Store.
Install Gadgetbridge (for wearable navigation).
Install OpenVitals (for activity route overlays).
Grant specific permissions in CoMaps settings.
Enjoy a fully ~~proprietary~~ open-source ecosystem!

CoMaps integration with the wider FLOSS ecosystem