How to get Latitude and Longitude of the mobile device in android?

android

location-management

permissions

error-handling

byNikita Barsukov·Feb 18, 2025

Pull the latitude and longitude swiftly in Android using the LocationManager. Steps:

Give life to the LocationManager.
Configure a LocationListener for async tracking.
Fish out coordinates in onLocationChanged().

Lean example:

// The Manager of all Locations, the mighty LocationManager!
LocationManager locationManager = (LocationManager) getSystemService(Context.LOCATION_SERVICE);

// An attentive LocationListener, always on the lookout for location changes.
LocationListener locationListener = new LocationListener() {
    public void onLocationChanged(Location location) {
        // Brace yourself, coordinates are coming!
        double latitude = location.getLatitude();
        double longitude = location.getLongitude();
        // Dance with these coordinates!
    }
    // Fill those other abstract methods...
};

// Hit the gas, request updates! Oh, and permissions, yeah, we need those too.
locationManager.requestLocationUpdates(LocationManager.GPS_PROVIDER, 0, 0, locationListener);

Don't overlook: permissions and GPS status are keys to the kingdom!

Playing safe with Permissions and Error management

We've all been there, a forgotten permission or an unexpected error can cause a lot of grief. Android's location access needs explicit user thumbs up, requiring both ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION and ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION.

Don't be that guy, handle these situations with graceful try-catch blocks and gently remind the user to grant necessary permissions.

What if your trusty getLastKnownLocation() returns null? Well, handle it like a gentleman coder. Check the GPS and network providers status before you attempt to request location updates. Saving battery? Brilliant! Schedule your location updates wisely.

Choosing Providers and Keeping it Efficient

Choosing the right provider is like picking the right device, it's a delicate balance between accuracy and efficiency. Use getBestProvider() for an automated choice, or Criteria for more control.

Priortize battery efficiency: use network providers for less accurate but energy-friendly updates, and GPS provider for precision with increased power usage.

A fused location provider or schedule periodic updates are recommended for scenarios that don't need constant tracking.

Extra Credit: Advanced Applications

For a cleaner code, consider a separate class for location retrieval with a callback mechanism.

Storing the latitude and longitude in SharedPreferences or a local database can be beneficial when you're constantly needing these coordinates.

For a tailored user experience, consider handling changes in provider status, use BroadcastReceiver to learn if the user turned off location services.

Consider the benefits of integrating Google Play Services and its FusedLocationProviderApi, which brings together multiple sensors for optimum location retrieval.

Best Practices and Robust Error Handling

To be a location fetching ninja, follow Google's best practices. Always use LocationServices.FusedLocationApi.getLastLocation for the initial position and switch to active location updates when required.

Use startActivityForResult with an activity equipped for GPS tracking for complex workflows. Set up a GoogleApiClient for a smooth integration with Google Play Services.

Location retrieval is like defusing a bomb, always have a try-catch block at ready to manage those explosive issues.

explain-codes / Android / How to get Latitude and Longitude of the mobile device in android?

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