TimeTrak > Blog > Whitepapers > Location Tracking in the TimeTrak App

This whitepaper outlines how geolocation tracking is implemented and managed within the TimeTrak mobile application. 

It details the conditions under which tracking is activated, the permissions required, and how users are notified, ensuring transparency and compliance with privacy standards.  

  1. Geolocation service permissions in TimeTrak: 
    Profile-Level Control 
  • Disabled: If the profile setting “Enable Geolocation Service” is turned off, no location service will run to track geo location. 
  • Enabled: If enabled, the TimeTrak app will request the necessary device-level permissions to access location data. 
  1. Device Permissions:   

Initial Login 

Upon first login, both Android and iOS users will be prompted to grant location access: 

  • iOS: A system prompt will request permission to access location data. 
  • Android: Users must grant both location and notification permissions for the app to function correctly. 

If permissions are not granted during login, the app will prompt the user again when location tracking is enabled. 

ios: 

Andriod: 

Re-Enabling Location Access 

If location access is initially denied, users can enable it later via the Location Tracking toggle in the app’s main menu.  

Upon enabling, the app will prompt the user again to grant location access if it hasn’t already been provided. 

  1. Conditions for Location Tracking Activation 

Location tracking is managed by a background service and activates only when: 

  • The “Enable Geolocation Service” profile setting is enabled. 
  • The device has granted the necessary permissions. 

Tracking Frequency Settings 

Two additional profile settings control update frequency: 

  • Minimum Distance Between Updates (meters) 
  • Minimum Time Between Updates (seconds) 
  1. Triggers for starting Location Tracking: 
Trigger Condition 
User clocks on If “Enable Clock On” is enabled 
User opens app during roster hours If “Enable Clock On” is disabled 
User checks in outside roster hours or on non-work days If “Enable Clock On” is disabled 
User logs in If previously accepted location tracking and is clocked on, in roster hours, or checked in 
User enables location tracking or accepts app disclosure If clocked on, in roster hours, or checked in 
  1. Location Data in App Activities 

Outside of the background geolocation service, if the TimeTrak app has access to the device’s location, any action performed (e.g., saving a time entry or completing a checklist) will store geolocation data. This information is made available within TimeTrak Professional against the activity.  

  1. Triggers for Stopping Location Tracking: 
Trigger Condition 
User clocks off If “Enable Clock On” is enabled 
End of roster day + buffer time If “Enable Clock On” is disabled and user is not checked in or travelling 
User checks out outside roster hours or on non-work days If “Enable Clock On” is disabled 
User disables location tracking Via main menu 
User logs out Ends all tracking 

6. In-App Notifications and Transparency 

To ensure transparency and meet employer obligations, TimeTrak displays clear notifications when location tracking is active: 

  • If “Enable Clock On” is not enabled, users are informed when tracking will occur. 
  • On Travel and Check-In widgets, users are notified that their location is being tracked. 
  • If “Enable Clock On” is enabled, users are notified at the time of clocking on.