Bridge ATAK to your enterprise GIS infrastructure. Connect to PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MySQL, SQLite, and SQL Server with automatic spatial column detection, live queries, and vector tile generation.
The Database Connector module enables ATAK to query and display data from external databases. Leverage existing GIS investments by connecting directly to enterprise data stores without intermediate file conversions.
A city emergency management agency maintains their critical infrastructure database in PostgreSQL/PostGIS. With the Database Connector, field commanders can query this database directly from ATAK during emergencies, viewing pipeline locations, hydrant status, and shelter capacities in real-time.
The connector supports the most common database platforms used in GIS and enterprise environments. Each platform is optimized for its specific capabilities and connection requirements.
| Database | Spatial Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL / PostGIS | Full PostGIS geometry/geography | Enterprise GIS, spatial analysis |
| MySQL | MySQL Spatial Extensions | Web applications, general purpose |
| SQLite / SpatiaLite | SpatiaLite functions | Mobile, offline data packages |
| Microsoft SQL Server | Geometry/Geography types | Enterprise Microsoft environments |
The connector automatically detects spatial columns in your database tables. No manual configuration required — just provide connection details and the system identifies geometry columns, coordinate reference systems, and spatial indexes.
Execute SQL queries against connected databases and display results directly on the ATAK map. Support for spatial predicates enables filtering by geographic area, reducing data transfer and improving performance.
| Query Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bounding Box | Features within current view | WHERE geom && bbox |
| Distance | Features within radius | ST_DWithin(geom, point, distance) |
| Containment | Features inside polygon | ST_Contains(aoi, geom) |
| Attribute Filter | Filter by non-spatial attributes | WHERE status = 'active' |
For large datasets, the connector can generate Mapbox Vector Tiles (MVT) on-the-fly. This enables smooth display of millions of features by serving simplified geometries at appropriate zoom levels.
Save and manage multiple database connections with secure credential storage. Connections can be toggled on/off, and connection pools optimize performance for frequently accessed databases.
Database credentials are stored securely in Android's encrypted credential storage. Connection strings never appear in logs, and queries are parameterized to prevent SQL injection.
A defense organization needs to connect ATAK to a classified database. The connector uses SSL client certificates for authentication, and all credentials are stored in the device's hardware-backed keystore. Database queries are logged for audit purposes.
While most use cases involve reading existing data, the connector also supports write operations. Insert, update, and delete records directly from ATAK, enabling bidirectional data flow with enterprise systems.