Also known as the Automatic Packet Reporting System, APRS was developed by Bob Bruninga WB4APR, and is an amateur radio based digital communications system for local, tactical, real-time exchange of information among all members of a net, including map based displays for situational awareness.

APRS is capable of transmitting a wide variety of real-time data including weather reports, short text messages, radio direction finding bearings, telemetry data, storm forecasts, bulletins, announcements, and the locations of any station or object via packet radio protocols. Real-time reporting of station position for mobiles is typically facilitated using the Global Positioning System (GPS).

These reports can be combined with a computer and mapping software to show the transmitted data superimposed on a variety of map displays and special radios.

With various implementations and additions, APRS has expanded to a world wide network, though its fundamental objective still remain the same.