Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47775020

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Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47553656

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No, no, not at all as a FOSS developer.

> I’m planning a non-intrusive in-app prompt to remind users about donations something subtle, because many users forget once they start using the app, rather than only seeing the donation info in the README.

As I mentioned previously, the above approach seems to be well enough and good.

I’ll definitely consider adding at least one of them going forward. Really appreciate the willingness to support.

I already done much research about it (the same as you've mentioned here) related to OSM vector maps. See:(https://github.com/CompassMB/MBCompass/releases/tag/v1.1.4), for Android, the available map rendering libs like Maplibre-Native are an excellent choice, but obviously, it is a high-level library that adds a huge binary to the APK itself, its usecase doesn't fit for MBCompass at least as of now. But thanks for your valuable suggestion :)

Other than this notice, MBCompass is fully licensed under GPLv3 or later.

As a FOSS advocate, I started this project as a community contribution to address the gap between user needs and available apps.

I can maintain it long-term without major contributions, but support really helps (especially maintaining in different apps stores). I’m planning a non-intrusive in-app prompt to remind users about donations something subtle, because many users forget once they start using the app, rather than only seeing the donation info in the README.

MBCompass uses sensor fusion for accuracy, combining sensor data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer.

It is one of the most accurate compass apps. Don't trust my words, try it with different apps on Google Play and with some FOSS options like Compass by Philip Bobek: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.bobek.compass

And importantly, for true compass accuracy, I'd recommend you use the "true north" (magnetic declination) function, which requires location access. It takes some time to lock GNSS hold (the same goes for the current location button on the map view, default map location is Paris, France), but if you're moving, it locks pretty quickly and shows your current location with tracking (if you're moving.)

Beyond donating, the best way to support MBCompass is simply spreading the word. That helps more people discover it, contribute to it, and make it better for everyone.

People are often surprised by how much you can do in under 2 MB.

- Waypoint tracking (with GPX import/export support)

- GPS speedometer

- Offline maps with offline POI search using GeoPackage (an OGC-compliant standard supporting spatial queries)

I’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions your feedback is really appreciated!

For maps, it’s a bit different users initially see an online basemap (requires internet). Instead of forcing them to download an entire map upfront like some libraries (e.g., MapsForge), they can crop or select specific areas to download.

This makes it convenient to get only the map they need. Of course, if they prefer online maps, the app will cache tiles automatically. In remote areas, offline maps can be used as planned.