This ATAK tutorial for beginners will guide you step-by-step through installation and basic functions. Learn how to properly set up ATAK and take your first steps with the software.
What is ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit)?
ATAK is a software suite originally developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for military purposes. It enables so-called digital operations management and has been tested and optimized in years of practical use. An important aspect of ATAK is its ability to improve communication between different partners, especially in emergency situations.
ATAK enables real-time exchange of information such as locations, images, and messages, which is crucial for a coordinated response. Meanwhile, ATAK is also used in civilian areas such as law enforcement, disaster management, and various industries. The software offers numerous features for navigation, communication, and team coordination.
ATAK Tutorial: Step-by-Step Installation
Download ATAK:
- To install ATAK, you must first download the app. You can download the ATAK app (or CivTAK for civilian use) for free from the Google Play Store.
- Install the app on your Android device.
Note: At the beginning, you must grant all possible permissions to the app. This is related to the goal of easy usability and personal security. The developers assume that you simply grant all permissions at once, so that during use (which may then be time-critical) you won’t be asked again. This has nothing to do with the NSA wanting access to your microphone or anything like that. In fact, unlike other apps, you can completely and fully close the app with the Exit button.
Get Map Material:
- ATAK requires map material to function. An ATAK Discord user has created a practical package of map sources that you can install on your device:
https://github.com/joshuafuller/ATAK-Maps/releases/download/v1.0.0/ATAK-Maps.zip. - Make sure the map material is in the correct format for ATAK (e.g., .sqlitedb, .mbtiles).
Import Map Material:
- Open the ATAK app.
- Tap the menu icon (three dots) at the top right.
- Select “Import”.
- Navigate to the just-downloaded .zip folder and import it.
- The map material should be automatically inserted in the correct location; if not, check the ATAK/imagery directory. This directory is the storage location for map files in ATAK.
Display Map:
- Tap the map icon and select “mobile” from the menu.
- Choose one of the imported maps.
- The map will now be displayed in ATAK.
Initial Setup
So we’ve already completed the biggest step in this ATAK tutorial. However, to use it properly, you must make some basic settings:
- Open the menu (three vertical dots at the top right).
- Select the gear symbol for settings.
- Here you can set your callsign, team color, and role.
- The callsign is your identification in the ATAK network.
- Team and role serve to organize contacts for communication and situational awareness.
Connecting with Other TAK Users
To collaborate with other ATAK users, you must connect to a TAK server or be on the same network.
- Open Network: This can be a simple WiFi router that all users are connected to.
- Closed Network: A private network accessible only to authorized users, e.g., via VPN.
- TAK Server: A dedicated server specifically set up for use with ATAK that includes additional features.
To connect to a server, go to the network settings in ATAK and enter the server address, username, and password. For security purposes, encryption files called keys are also required; these are unique once per server and once per user.
ATAK Tutorial: Basic Features Overview
Navigation
- You can zoom and scroll in the map.
- You can display your current location.
- You can create waypoints and routes. For example, you can mark interesting points, plan routes, and share them with your team. Tip: If you want to automatically plan a route like Google Maps, you’ll need the VNS plugin.
- ATAK supports navigation while walking/hiking and driving and is also useful for flight and air-ground coordination.
- A major advantage of ATAK is the ability to use maps offline; you can download map materials directly to your smartphone.
Communication
- You can communicate with other ATAK users in real-time.
- You can send text messages, images, and videos.
- You can see the position of other users on the map.
- ATAK allows you to chat with others, share files, photos, and videos, and stream them.
Additional Features
ATAK offers a variety of additional features beyond basic navigation and communication:
- Geofencing: Create virtual boundaries on the map and receive notifications when these boundaries are crossed.
- POI (Points of Interest): Mark important places or objects on the map.
- NATO Symbology: Display units and objects using NATO symbols.
- Secure TAK Servers: Connect with secure TAK servers for encrypted communication.
- Very high-resolution images (under 1 cm resolution).
- Collaborative Mapping: Multiple users can work on the same map simultaneously and see changes in real-time (requires the DataSync plugin).
- Comprehensive set of symbols: Large selection of symbols for displaying objects and information.
- Overlay Manager: Import and display KML, KMZ, and GPX overlays.
- Location marking, sharing, and history: Mark your location, share it with others, and retrieve your location history.
Importing PDF Maps
In addition to standard map formats, you can also import PDF maps into ATAK. This is particularly useful if you have maps in this format that you want to integrate into your system.
To import a PDF map, go to the Import Manager, select the PDF file, and import it as a GRG file. ATAK automatically georeferences the PDF map and places it in the correct location on the map.
Tips for ATAK Beginners
Working with the Map
- Add elevation data. To add elevation data, download DTED files (Digital Terrain Elevation Data). They come in various resolutions; here’s a rough but small variant with DTED0: DTED0-World
- Import a route/track. To import a track (e.g., GPX, KML), go to the Import Manager, select your source for the track, and import it.
Other Useful Tips
- Export a track. Go to track history, select the track, and click the export icon. Choose a name for the exported track and set the export format.
- Create or edit a route spontaneously. Tap the menu icon, select “Create Route,” and tap on the map to add waypoints.
- Experiment with the various features. ATAK offers many possibilities that you’ll learn best through hands-on experience.
- Use online tutorials and guides. You’ll find many helpful resources about ATAK on the internet, such as additional ATAK tutorials.
- Join an ATAK community. Exchange ideas with other users and learn from their experiences.
- Subscribe to the TAK Hub newsletter to stay informed and receive more tutorials like this.
ATAK: A Powerful Tool for Professionals – Become an ATAK Expert with TAK Hub
This beginner tutorial has given you an initial insight into the installation and basic functions of the software. You’ve learned how to import maps, connect to a server, and use the basic navigation and communication features.
But ATAK can do much, much more! The software offers a huge variety of functions that go far beyond this ATAK tutorial. As already noted, you can customize ATAK to your individual needs with plugins and further expand the software’s capabilities.
To use ATAK professionally and optimally leverage all functions, we recommend comprehensive training. At TAK Hub, we offer tailored ATAK training for various application areas, e.g., for law enforcement, disaster management, or industry.
Interested? Visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about our services and training!
