Integration of Maps in Home Assistant and Enabling Data Flow to Them

Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of a system for real-time location visualization and tracking of IoT entities within the Home Assistant platform. The focus of the paper is on establishing a reliable data flow from mobile devices to the Map Dashboard using the MQTT protocol as a communication standard. The proposed solution integrates the OwnTracks application as a data source and employs a hybrid architecture with both a local and a remote broker to enable secure data reception from outside the local network, effectively overcoming network limitations (NAT). The practical application of the system is demonstrated through the display of positions on a map and the implementation of automations triggered by users entering and exiting defined geo-zones. A key significance of the solution lies in preserving user privacy through the local processing and storage of sensitive movement data.