Welcome to the PlayaMap!

What is the PlayaMap?

PlayaMap is a dynamic map of Black Rock City that allows tracking the location of people/places/things. The primary way you can get on the map is to use an [APRS] tracking beacon. PlayaMap will receive any APRS packets on the standard US APRS frequency of 144.390mhz and dynamically update their position on the map if the location is within about 64 km / 40 miles from BRC. The APRS beacon will then stay on the map for up to an hour, then it will fall off if no further updates are heard.

For those that want a decent APRS beacon, I recommend one of [these] for people or [these] for vehicles. (Ham License Required)

PlayaMap without APRS

No APRS device? Now in beta is the ability of anyone with a position-enabled device (Smart Phone) and internet connection to be on the PlayaMap. Go to the LIST tab and at the top you can type your name/callsign and optional status message. Note: You have to have enable "share location" when asked on your device before you will see the text box to enter your name and before you will appear on the list. Once you have a valid name in the text box, you will be added to the map within a few seconds with location updates every 30 seconds. Note that updates require your device to keep it's browswer tab open and awake. See [here] for how to do this on Android devices. For Apple devices see [here]. If your device goes to sleep, navigates away from the PlayaMap page, or loses internet, the position will stop updating until you return. Your last known position will stay on the map for up to an hour.

Using PlayaMap

You can pan/zoom the map to look around the area and see icons representing all known APRS devices. Underneath each icon is the last time seen in minutes. If the APRS beacon is in motion there will be a line in the circle icon indicating which direction it's heading. Most APRS becons update their position about every 1-5 minutes. Also most update slower if not in motion, and faster if in motion depending on speed and configuration.

Tap the LIST tab at the bottom to see a list of all beacons sorted by their appearance. If you tap one, you will then automatically track them on the map and be shown where that device is. To stop tracking, tap the "Stop Following" link at the top of the list. If the device you are viewing PlayaMap on is position-enabled, you can also tap the Compass tab and have a dynamic view of distance and bearing.

Camp List

Tap on the "Camps" link on the bottom bar to get a list of all camps and their approximate locations. This data comes from the Burning Man Organization, so it's accuracy is up the them. Also note, they do not release the position data until Sunday when the event starts, so it will no be shown until then. When it does show up, you can tap on any camp name and you will be shown on the map where it is located with a red marker. Please do not ask to have your camps information changed or added, this data comes from Burning Man, and I do not control it.

Questions not answered here / problems: [pEEf@mindfart.com]