Wanderer

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted GPS tracking and mapping platform

Overview

Wanderer is an open-source self-hosted platform for GPS tracking and mapping, built for privacy-focused users. It supports real-time location monitoring of mobile devices and dedicated GPS trackers, with features like geofencing alerts, activity logs, and customizable map layers (OpenStreetMap, Mapbox). Deploy via Docker or bare metal—documentation includes step-by-step guides to simplify setup. Manage users, export tracking data in GPX/CSV formats, and avoid third-party data collection. Ideal for personal use, small teams, or outdoor enthusiasts needing full control over their location data.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  wanderer:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: wanderer
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Real-time GPS tracking for mobile/GPS devices
Geofencing alerts and activity logging
Customizable map layers (OpenStreetMap, Mapbox)
Data export in GPX/CSV formats
Docker and bare-metal deployment options

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Wanderer hard to install?

Wanderer offers Docker Compose deployment which simplifies setup for most users; basic command-line knowledge is sufficient. Documentation includes step-by-step guides for Docker and bare-metal installations, making it accessible to those with minimal server experience.

? Is it a good alternative to Google Maps Timeline?

Yes—Wanderer provides similar location tracking features but with full data ownership (no third-party access). It lacks some of Google’s advanced integrations but excels in privacy and self-hosted flexibility, making it ideal for users concerned about data security.

? Is it completely free?

Wanderer is open-source (licensed under MIT) and free to use, modify, and self-host. There are no hidden costs, though you’ll need to cover server hosting expenses if you don’t run it on your own hardware.

Top Alternatives

Google Maps Timeline Search Google

Life360 Search Google

MapMyTracks Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Maps and Global Positioning System (GPS)

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full data ownership and privacy (no third-party access)
⊕ No recurring subscription fees
⊕ Flexible map provider support
⊕ User management for shared access

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration skills
⊖ Mobile app has limited features compared to SaaS alternatives
⊖ Minimal third-party integration options