Android Google Maps SDK: Build a Background Distance Tracker with Kotlin

Integrating maps and location tracking is a fundamental skill for modern Android developers, yet handling background services and permissions can be challenging. This text-based guide takes you from the absolute basics of map integration to building a reliable background location-tracking application. You will start by learning the foundational concepts of location services, setting up developer console API keys, and rendering your first map. As you progress, you will write Kotlin code to customize map styles, handle user gestures, place interactive markers, and draw paths. Finally, you will implement a robust foreground service that tracks user movement and calculates distance in real time, even when the application is running in the background. What you'll learn: - Configure the Google Maps SDK for Android and manage secure API keys in your project. - Customize map appearances, gestures, camera movements, custom markers, and interactive shapes like polylines. - Implement modern Android runtime permissions, including precise location and background location access. - Build a foreground service with Kotlin Coroutines and Flow to receive continuous, real-time location updates. - Calculate and display traveled distance and elapsed time accurately within a custom tracking application. - Handle background limitations and modern platform constraints to ensure reliable service execution. The course begins with essential terminology and SDK setup before guiding you through interactive map customization exercises. You will then transition to building the core logic of the background distance tracker, learning best practices for modern Android development along the way. This course is designed for beginners who have a basic understanding of Kotlin and Android development and want to master location-based features. No prior experience with maps or background services is required. Start reading today to build your own location-aware Android applications.