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WebTAK Integration

WebTAK is the browser-based TAK client built into the MAGK platform. It provides TAK functionality directly in the browser, allowing users to participate in tactical operations without installing native TAK software (ATAK, iTAK, or WinTAK).

Overview

WebTAK is accessible to authenticated users at the /webtak route. It uses the same tactical map and WebSocket infrastructure as the rest of the platform, providing a lightweight alternative to native TAK clients for users who need quick access from any device with a browser.

When to Use WebTAK

Scenario Recommended Client
Field operations with Android ATAK
Field operations with iOS iTAK
Desktop command post WinTAK or WebTAK
Quick browser access, no install WebTAK
Spectators and support staff WebTAK or Public Live View
Temporary or guest participants WebTAK

Capabilities

The WebTAK panel provides the following TAK features in the browser:

Position Reporting

WebTAK uses the browser's Geolocation API to report your position as CoT messages. When enabled:

  • Your position is published to the TAK network at a configurable interval
  • Other TAK clients and map viewers see your marker on the tactical map
  • Position reports include latitude, longitude, speed, and course (when available)

Browser Permissions

Position reporting requires granting location permission to the browser. On mobile devices, enable GPS for accurate positioning. Desktop browsers use IP-based geolocation which is less precise.

CoT Message Composition

Send CoT messages from the browser:

  • Geochat messages — Send text messages to specific groups or all connected users
  • Point markers — Drop markers on the map that appear on all connected TAK clients
  • Status updates — Report your operational status to the team

Live CoT Display

WebTAK renders all incoming CoT markers on the tactical map with TAK-compatible symbology. Markers are colored by affiliation (friendly=blue, hostile=red, neutral=green, unknown=yellow) and styled with standard TAK icons.

Connection Management

The WebTAK panel manages its WebSocket connection to the MAGK platform:

  • Auto-connect — Connects automatically when you open the WebTAK page
  • Auto-reconnect — Reconnects with exponential backoff if the connection drops
  • Connection indicator — Shows green (connected), yellow (reconnecting), or red (disconnected)

WebTAK Panel

The WebTAK interface is a panel integrated into the tactical map view. It includes:

Session Configuration

Field Description
Callsign Your display name on the TAK network — appears on your marker and in messages
Group The TAK group to join — determines which messages and markers you see

Set your callsign and group before enabling position reporting. Your callsign must be unique within the active event.

Panel Controls

Control Description
Enable Position Reporting Toggle to start or stop broadcasting your location
Send Message Open the geochat composer to send a text message
Connection Status Current WebSocket connection state
Reporting Interval How frequently position updates are sent (default: 10 seconds)

How WebTAK Connects to MAGK

WebTAK uses the same real-time infrastructure as the tactical map:

  1. The browser connects to the WebSocket Gateway
  2. Position reports are published as CoT messages to RabbitMQ via the magk.cot exchange
  3. The TAK Service picks up the CoT messages and forwards them to native TAK clients
  4. Incoming CoT from native TAK clients flows back through RabbitMQ to the WebSocket Gateway and into the browser

This means WebTAK users and native TAK client users share the same operational picture — markers, messages, and overlays are visible across all connected clients.

API Endpoints

WebTAK uses dedicated oRPC procedures for browser-based TAK operations:

Endpoint Description
webtak.reportPosition Publishes browser geolocation as a CoT position report
webtak.sendMessage Sends a geochat CoT message to a group
webtak.getSymbology Returns TAK symbology definitions for marker rendering

Limitations

WebTAK provides core TAK functionality but does not replace a full native TAK client:

Feature Native TAK WebTAK
Position reporting GPS hardware Browser geolocation
Offline maps Yes No
Data packages Full support Not supported
Drawing tools Full suite Basic (via overlay editor)
Plugin support Yes No
Certificate-based auth mTLS Session-based

For full TAK capabilities, use a native client. See TAK Client Setup for installation instructions.