Replace default GPS signal provider on Android devices

Question

I would like to replace the default GPS location provider on android phones with my own coordinate source.

Is there any layer/API/library/provider that would allow to be replaced with my signal provider instead of the built-in hardware GPS, or read from an external plugin? It should allow all apps that rely on the GPS service to receive my signal instead of GPS. Ideally, the replacement should still be able to access the GPS signal (for comparison/correction or to toggle between the two providers).

I am thinking for example of implementing my own LocationManager, and registering it in the system (as optional or default), if that is possible. But at this stage, I am still trying to find out what is possible and suitable.

Thank you for any pointers.

Answer 1

Replacing the "default" is not allowed at this time and the only work around is to create a mock provider. First you must set the security permission:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_MOCK_LOCATION" />

Second, set your code to use the mock provider which you will create. There is some excellent information about how to accomplish this here: http://diffract.me/2009/11/android-location-provider-mock/