[Librem-5-dev] Packaging offline maps server for L5

[Matthias Apitz]

On Sat, 24 Aug 2019 14:56:57 +0300, rinigus via Librem-5-dev wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I would like to get an advice on how to package properly offline maps
> server - OSM Scout Server - for L5. Its a piece of software that allows
> such map clients as Pure Maps to work in offline mode (show maps, search
> locations, calculate routes, and other expected operations on maps). Its
> also written in a way that allows it to be used with other map clients -
> why not Gnome Maps, sports apps - and share the same data on device. The
> clients just have to use documented API for that. As a result, users don't
> need to download large offline datasets specific for some app, but can use
> the same datasets in multiple applications.
>
> What makes packaging situation a bit trickier is the fact that the server
> requires some specific libraries and their versions. These specific
> requirements are due to the used offline map data which has to match the
> libraries. We are going to be sharing the same datasets as used on
> Sailfish, L5, and Flathub-distributed version. So, all of the versions have
> to use the same libs versions. In addition, I should be able to update all
> of them within a reasonable amount of time when such updates are required
> allowing me to update offline datasets and libraries simultaneously (+/-
> 1-2 days) to ensure as good service as possible.
>
> Due to the time constraints on updates and bundled libs, I think there is
> no point in going for full Debian packaging solution which would require
> packaging as a part of Debian. But I can surely make a special DEB for L5
> and bundle all libs under it. Advantage of this solution would be ability
> to use systemd socket activation that is used currently to ensure seamless
> integration with map clients. In this case, maybe someone can tell where
> would I be expected to keep these bundled libs. On Sailfish, we were told
> to use /usr/share/appname/lib . Not sure its recommended on Debian-based
> distros.
>
> Alternative would be to use Flatpak. Its by definition packages the
> libraries with it, I have already all scripts written and the server
> distributed via Flathub. In this case, I would need to add DBus activation
> (systemd socket activation is not supported), but that maybe a good idea
> anyway for covering requirements of desktop users.
>
> I would prefer to package it as Flatpak, as it is expected to come to L5
> and bundling of the libraries is not going against the common policies of
> that format. However, would that be expected to work on launch of L5?
> Server doesn't really require any fancy graphics as such - only has some Qt
> QML GUI for maps datasets management and few settings.
>
> Thoughts regarding it?


Hi,

Why not just store the tiles in a tree form like OSM does and use a local.HTTP daemon to present the tiles to the map client? I do this with uNav on my Ubuntu Touch.

Best

matthias

-- 
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