How to add address resolved by LocationIQ reverse geocoding into the message?

Using plugins to resolve position coordinates into address using LocationIQ reverse geocoding API and add it into the device messages.

Geolocation isn't only about positioning but also about cost and innovation, and we're trying to implement alternatives for our users. If you're not with Google geocoding for some reason, take a look at LocationIQ - another geolocation service supported by flespi for its accurate and detailed geographic information.

The "locationiq-reverse-geocoding" plugin type is used to apply LocationIQ reverse geocoding functionality to resolve position coordinates into the specific address to add a telemetry address in textual form to the message. 

Important: you need to have a LocationIQ API key to make the plugin work.

How to get LocationIQ API key?

Step 1: Click on the Sign up button at the top right corner of the https://my.locationiq.com/

locationiq api geoposition service

Fill out the registration form with your details, including your name, email address, and use case. Alternatively, you can sign up using your Google account.

locationiq api

Step 2: Access Your LocationIQ Dashboard

Check your email inbox for a verification link to the provided email address during registration.

Click on the verification link to access your LocationIQ dashboard.

If you already have a LocationIQ account, you can log in by entering your email address on the login page. A magic link will be sent to your inbox.

Once logged in, navigate to the LocationIQ Dashboard. You will find your Access Token under the "API Access Tokens" tab. Click the "Show Token" button to reveal your Access Token.

locationiq dashboard

How to use LocationIQ reverse geocoding plugin in flespi

Click on the "+" button in the Telematics Hub -> Plugins section to create a new plugin:

locationiq manage tokens

Let's define a new plugin to resolve coordinates into addresses:

locationiq reverse geocoding

Then we need to assign this plugin to the right devices. Go to the Plugins tab for the required device and click the "+" button:

locationiq flespi

Hint: alternatively you can navigate to the Devices tab for the given plugin and do the same.

And then you should be able to see the address fields in the new device messages. Go to the Logs & Messages tab for the given device to check:

locationiq flespi plugins

Done.

Performance and stability considerations

  •    The use of plugins may result in slower message registration in the flespi platform since it is preceded by requests to the third-party system.

  •    We cannot guarantee the performance or stability of the third-party systems involved in the process — in case of their service interruptions flespi will not be able to save messages to devices and will respond with negative ACK and will also terminate the connection if the required flag is set.

Change log

Subscribe to the location-reverse-geocoding plugin change log to stay in sync with any updates.

More plugin types

Find a comprehensive list of available plugin types here.


See also
How to add data generated by calculators to device messages
Using a plugin to convert value with a stepwise linear function