ATAK QUICK START GUIDE

Installation, Loading Data and TAK Server Connection

22 October 2021

Doc ID: 111500-INS-01

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

REVISION RECORD

REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION & PAGE AFFECTED AUTHOR

01 2/10/2017 Original Issue B. Filmer

Updated document to be delivered with TAK

A 9/15/2017 Suite package – Revised Section 1, Installing B. Filmer
ATAK and Related Plug-ins

Updated to correspond with the T2-2017 release

B 2/15/2018 B. Filmer
cycle.

Added Section 2.3, Loading Elevation Data (DTED)

C 5/23/2018 B. Filmer
into ATAK

Updated for release with the Q2-2018 SPS

D 10/15/2018 J. Markham
delivery.

Updated for release with the Q3-2018 SPS

E 2/15/2019 J. Markham
delivery.

Updated for release with the Q1-2019 SPS

F 6/15/2019 J. Markham
delivery.

Updated for release with the Q2-2019 SPS

G 10/15/2019 J. Markham
delivery.

H 2/15/2020 Update for release with the Q3-2019 SPS delivery C. Brown

I 6/15/2020 Update for release with the Q1-2020 SPS delivery J. Wu

01 10/22/2021 Update for release with the Q3-2021 SPS delivery C Brown

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 1

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Table of Contents
1 INSTALLING ATAK AND RELATED PLUG-INS .................................................................................... 1
1.1 Launching the Installer .................................................................................................................. 1
2 LOADING DATA INTO ATAK ............................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Loading via Direct Folder Placement ............................................................................................ 2
2.2 Loading via ATAK Import Manager ............................................................................................. 7
2.3 Loading Elevation Data (DTED) into ATAK ............................................................................... 8
3 SAVING MAP IMAGERY FOR USE WHEN INTERNET CONNECTION IS NOT AVAILABLE ............... 12
4 ENCRYPTING MESH COMMUNICATIONS .......................................................................................... 15
4.1 Generating an Encryption Key .................................................................................................... 15
4.2 Loading an Encryption Key ......................................................................................................... 15
4.3 Disabling Mesh Encryption ......................................................................................................... 15
5 CONNECTING TO A TAK SERVER...................................................................................................... 16
5.1 Establishing a TAK Server Connection Manually ...................................................................... 16
5.2 Establishing a TAK Server Connection via Pre-Configured Zip File ......................................... 18
6 UNINSTALLING ATAK FROM AN ANDROID DEVICE ....................................................................... 19

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 2

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

List of Figures
Figure 1 – Enter Encryption Passphrase ........................................................................................................ 1
Figure 2 – Installing ATAK Bundled Support Apps ..................................................................................... 2
Figure 3 – Allow Access to Device Data....................................................................................................... 4
Figure 4 – Open Device to View Files .......................................................................................................... 4
Figure 5 – Selecting an Android Galaxy S9 Phone ....................................................................................... 5
Figure 6 – Copy Files from Windows into ATAK Folder Structure ............................................................. 6
Figure 7 – Example of Duplicate atak Folder on External SD Card ............................................................. 7
Figure 8 – Shortcut Buttons to Internal and External Storage ....................................................................... 7
Figure 9 – TAK.gov Download Options ....................................................................................................... 9
Figure 10 – Selecting DTED Level 0 ............................................................................................................ 9
Figure 11 – Compressed Folder Selection ................................................................................................... 10
Figure 12 – DTED Folder ............................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 13 – Choose Zipped DTED Directory.............................................................................................. 11
Figure 14 – Selecting Specific Map Source ................................................................................................ 12
Figure 15 – Tileset Download Selection Area ............................................................................................. 13
Figure 16 – Adjusting Tileset Size .............................................................................................................. 13
Figure 17 – Entering Name for Downloaded Tileset................................................................................... 13
Figure 18 – Viewing Newly-Created SQLite Image ................................................................................... 14
Figure 19 – Adding TAK Server Connection .............................................................................................. 16
Figure 20 – TAK Server Connection Status (Not Connected) .................................................................... 17
Figure 21 – TAK Server Connected ............................................................................................................ 18
Figure 22 – Installed Apps ........................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 23 – ATAK Information ................................................................................................................... 20

List of Tables
Table 1 - Manual File Placement Within “atak” Folder and Import Manager Techniques ........................... 2

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 1

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

1 INSTALLING ATAK AND RELATED PLUG-INS

The Team Awareness Kit for Android (ATAK) application, auxiliary/plug-in applications, and
supporting documentation are available for download at TAK.gov. Download the .apk installer(s)
to the Windows device, transfer them via USB cable to an Android device and launch the installer.

1.1 Launching the Installer

Use the Android file manager to locate the folder containing the ATAK apk. Select the ATAK
apk and respond to installation prompts. Once ATAK has been installed, select the apk for any
desired plug-ins to initiate the installation. ATAK requires that the release numbers of any plug-
ins match the release number of ATAK.

When ATAK is launched for the first time, a passphrase prompt (shown in Figure 1) may appear
if it detects encrypted data from a previous ATAK installation. To continue using this data with
the new ATAK installation, enter the passphrase and select OK. Otherwise, select Remove and
Quit to discard the old data, and then relaunch ATAK. To quit ATAK while leaving the existing
data intact, select Quit. Note that the prompt will reappear on next launch unless the encrypted
data is removed, or the correct passphrase is supplied.

Figure 1 – Enter Encryption Passphrase

Installed plug-ins and bundled support applications, shown in Figure 2, must be loaded into ATAK
via TAK Package Mgmt. Once ATAK is launched, select Additional Tools (3 lines) > View all
tools & plug-ins > Settings > TAK Package Mgmt. Installed plug-ins and bundled support
applications that match the current release will appear in the list with an availability status of
Current. The user can use the Search (magnifying glass icon) to filter the current view. Tap on
the plug-in or bundled support application name to initiate loading or installation.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 1

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Figure 2 – Installing ATAK Bundled Support Apps

2 LOADING DATA INTO ATAK

2.1 Loading via Direct Folder Placement

ATAK imagery, overlay and DTED files that are placed directly into the appropriate “atak” folder
structure locations are loaded into ATAK at launch. The “atak” folder is created when ATAK is
launched for the first time. Table 1 provides placement information by file type, including for
plug-ins.

Table 1 - Manual File Placement Within “atak” Folder and Import Manager Techniques

Import Manager
Folder

Where to place
File

File type
within atak folder
Where to find within ATAK app Zip

DTED atak/DTED X
XML atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Online) X X
SQLite atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Local) X X
MBTiles atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > MOBILE (Local) X X
GeoPackage atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY and X X
(imagery) Maps & Favorites > MOBILE and
Overlay Manager > Geopackage
CADRG atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
CIB atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
ECRG atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
GeoTiff atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
GeoJPEG2000 atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X
GNC atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 2

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Import Manager

Folder
Where to place

File

Zip
File type Where to find within ATAK app
within atak folder

JPEG2000 atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X

KMZ atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X*
w/imagery atak/grg Overlay Manager > GRG*
MrSid atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
NITF atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
PFI atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
PFPS atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
PRI atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
RPF atak/imagery Maps & Favorites > IMAGERY X X
GRG atak/grg Overlays > GRG X X
DRW atak/overlays Overlays > File Overlays > DRW X X
GPX atak/overlays Overlays > File Overlays > GPX X X
KML atak/overlays Overlays > File Overlays > KML X X
KMZ atak/overlays Overlays > File Overlays > KML X X*
Overlay Manager > GRG*
LPT atak/overlays Overlays > File Overlays > LPT X X
Shape atak/overlays Overlays > File Overlays > X X
SHAPEFILE
OBJ (3D atak/overlays Overlays > 3D Models X X
Models)
Plug-ins atak/tools/<plug- Varies depending on the plug-in X X
in> or
atak/<plug-in>

Note: Files that are added to ATAK via Import Manager or created by ATAK will not always
appear in the “atak” folder locations as described above. Different subfolders and virtual links are
sometimes used by ATAK.

Follow these steps to load via direct folder placement:

1. If ATAK has been installed but never run, launch ATAK.

2. If ATAK is currently running, select Additional Tools (3 lines) > View all tools & plug-ins >
Quit.

3. Connect the Android device to the Windows device via a USB cable and allow data access if
prompted, as shown in Figure 3.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 3

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Figure 3 – Allow Access to Device Data

4. If the Auto Play window appears on the Windows device, choose to open device to view files
as depicted in Figure 4.

Figure 4 – Open Device to View Files

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 4

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

5. If Auto Play does not appear, activate File Manager, shown in Figure 5, and select the Android
device from the “Computer” section.

Figure 5 – Selecting an Android Galaxy S9 Phone

6. Depending on device type, the Android internal storage may be called “internal storage” or
“phone.” Select the device’s internal storage option to view contents.

7. Open an additional Windows file manager window (shown in Figure 6) where the desired files
are located. Drag and drop to copy those files into the desired atak subfolder on the Android
device per the Table 1 reference.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 5

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Figure 6 – Copy Files from Windows into ATAK Folder Structure

Note: If the atak folder is not available, transfer the data from the PC to the device’s local storage,
then into ATAK using the Import Manager (as provided in Section 2.2).

8. Relaunch ATAK - files will now be available.

A duplicate atak folder structure can be created on an external SD card. ATAK will use files
placed within this folder in addition to those in the original atak folder on the phone. The SD card
file structure can be created on a Windows or Android device and placed into any ATAK device
for instant data access. The most commonly used subfolders include: DTED, GRG, Imagery and
Overlays as depicted in Figure 7.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 6

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Figure 7 – Example of Duplicate atak Folder on External SD Card

2.2 Loading via ATAK Import Manager

Imagery, overlay, GRG and other data stored locally on an Android device can be imported into
ATAK using the Import Manager. See Section 2.1, Steps 1-8 for information on connecting
Windows and ATAK devices and using drag and drop to transfer files. For loading via the ATAK
Import Manager, the desired files can be stored in any Android local directory. Reference Table 1
for information on preferred import techniques. If there is an “X” in the Folder column, select the
folder containing all component files as the target when navigating Import Manager. For an “X”
in the File column, the appropriate target is an individual file. For an “X” in the Zip column, the
appropriate target is a ZIP file. Multiple “X” for a file type offer the user a choice of technique.
All file types except Shapefiles and OBJ files that have support for individual file imports can be
imported by selecting the folder containing those files as the target.

1. Launch ATAK on the Android device.

2. Select Additional Tools (3 lines) > View all tools & plug-ins > Import > Local SD to install
from device internal storage or the removable SD card.

3. The naming convention of the Android file system can be confusing. The file navigation
window has shortcut buttons in the upper left to the device internal storage (named SD card)
and the removable SD card (named storage). See Figure 8 below.

Figure 8 – Shortcut Buttons to Internal and External Storage

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 7

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

4. Navigate to the folder, file or ZIP containing the import target.

5. Select Files for Import > OK.

6. If prompted, select desired import method. Files will now be available in ATAK.

• Overlay files such as DRW, GPX, KML, KMZ, LPT and Shapefiles can be found in the
Overlays > File Overlays listing.

• Imagery files including CADRG, CIB, ECRG, GeoTiff, GeoJPEG2000, GNC, JPEG2000,
MrSid, NTIF, PFI, PFPS, PRI, RPF and KMZ with imagery can be found in Maps >
IMAGERY tab.

• Mobile files including XML, SQLite and Geopackage imagery files can be found in Maps
> MOBILE tab.

• GRG files that are imported with the GRG File Import Method will be found in Overlays
> GRG. GRGs imported with the Data Layer Import Method will be found in the Maps >
IMAGERY tab.

2.3 Loading Elevation Data (DTED) into ATAK

ATAK will, by default, download/stream DTED0 elevation data if the device was not provisioned
with elevation data. To disable the default preference, uncheck Stream Elevation Data in Settings
> Tool Preferences > Elevation Overlays Preferences. Note: Elevation data will stream when the
map scale level is around 500km.

ATAK uses Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) files to provide elevation information. Other
elevation data can also be used in ATAK, but this guide will only be covering DTED. Dependent
on mission necessity, users may be provided with highly detailed DTED for a specific region. If
streaming is not available and the user is not provided with other DTED data, low level (Level 0)
DTED is available for general use at TAK.gov. Follow these steps to download and import DTED
data into ATAK:

Note: If mission specific DTED files have been provided, the first four steps should be skipped.

1. Login to TAK.gov.

2. Select the Resources tab (as depicted in Figure 9), then select Available Resources.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 8

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Figure 9 – TAK.gov Download Options

3. Select MIL Documentation - DTED Level 0 Data as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10 – Selecting DTED Level 0

4. When the download is complete, dtedlevel0.zip will appear in the Windows Downloads
directory.

5. ATAK Import Manager requires that DTED data is in zipped folders. If the user has been
provided a DTED data folder that is not zipped, follow these steps to zip the folder:

a. In a file explorer window, navigate to the location of the DTED data folder and long
press\right click the name.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 9

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

b. From the context menu, select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder as shown in Figure
11.

Figure 11 – Compressed Folder Selection

c. The zipped DTED folder will appear in the list, as shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12 – DTED Folder

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 10

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

6. Follow the steps outlined in Section 2.2 (Loading via ATAK Import Manager) to bring in
DTED data.

7. Select the Zipped DTED directories option when prompted (shown in Figure 13).

Figure 13 – Choose Zipped DTED Directory

8. It may take a few minutes for ATAK to complete the DTED import.
During this time, the Importing File icon will appear in the Android
native notification center at the top left corner of the screen. When the
DTED import is finished, the Import Complete icon will appear and
DTED data will be available.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 11

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

3 SAVING MAP IMAGERY FOR USE WHEN INTERNET

CONNECTION IS NOT AVAILABLE
Map source tilesets can be downloaded in advance for missions that will allow no internet access.
Follow these steps to create local tilesets:

1. Launch ATAK and select Maps > MOBILE tab > toggle Map Source to Online.

2. Select desired Map Source from the listing, as shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14 – Selecting Specific Map Source

3. Select the triangle on bottom right corner of screen (depicted in Figure 14), then tap Select
Area. Choose between Rectangle, Free Form, Lasso or Map Select (to use an existing Drawing
Tools shape) to define the boundary. Selection of the Rectangle is assumed for the following
instructions.

4. Designate the tileset download area by using a three-point entry (2P+D). The first 2 points
define the edge, and the third point defines the depth of the desired rectangle and then the
rectangle will appear, as depicted in Figure 15.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 12

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Figure 15 – Tileset Download Selection Area

5. Adjust for the number of tiles in the set by sliding the blue dots to set the map resolution. As
the minimum and maximum values are changed, the tileset size will change as shown in Figure
16.

Figure 16 – Adjusting Tileset Size

• Note: The number of tiles displayed on the right side of the blue area. Creating tilesets
less than 1,000 tiles will take a few minutes. Creating a very large tileset could take hours.
The creation of tilesets greater than 300,000 tiles is not supported.

6. When the resolution and rectangle are as desired, select Download > Create a new tileset >
enter desired name > OK. This is shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17 – Entering Name for Downloaded Tileset

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 13

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

7. When download is complete, switch from Online to Local and find the newly created tileset in
the MOBILE tab listing.

8. Tap the outline check box (Figure 18) to differentiate the local tileset from the online cached
tiles.

Figure 18 – Viewing Newly-Created SQLite Image

• The local tileset will remain in ATAK until the Clear Content function is performed.

• The generated .sqlite file can be copied from atak\imagery\mobile and distributed to other
users through other media.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 14

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

4 ENCRYPTING MESH COMMUNICATIONS

ATAK can be configured to encrypt all mesh communication using AES-256. When mesh
encryption is enabled, ATAK will no longer send or receive unencrypted traffic on the local
network and will only be able to communicate with other devices on the local network if they have
also been configured with the same encryption key.

4.1 Generating an Encryption Key

1. Launch ATAK.

2. Select Additional Tools (3 lines) > View all tools & plug-ins > Settings > Show All Preferences
> Network Preferences > Network Connection Preferences > Configure AES-256 Mesh
Encryption.

3. Select Generate Key.

4. Enter a file name for the generated key.

5. Select OK. The key will be saved on the ATAK device’s local storage in the atak/config/prefs
directory, with the file name entered in the previous step.

4.2 Loading an Encryption Key

After a key file is generated, it must be loaded onto every ATAK device on the local mesh network
in order for all the devices to successfully communicate in mesh mode.

1. Copy the generated key file to the ATAK device’s local storage.

2. Launch ATAK.

3. Select Additional Tools (3 dots) > Settings > Show All Preferences > Network Preferences >
Network Connection Preferences > Configure AES-256 Mesh Encryption.

4. Select Load Key and browse to the location of the key file. After the key file is selected, a toast
message should appear saying “Mesh Encryption Key Loaded”.

4.3 Disabling Mesh Encryption

1. Select Additional Tools (3 lines) > View all tools & plug-ins > Settings > Show All Preferences
> Network Preferences > Network Connection Preferences > Configure AES-256 Mesh
Encryption.

2. Select Forget Key. ATAK is now in unencrypted mesh communication mode.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 15

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

5 CONNECTING TO A TAK SERVER

Use a TAK Server to provide connectivity between users on different networks. Connection to a
TAK Server can be implemented manually or by importing a pre-configured TAK Server
connection package zip file. The TAK Server administrator will provide users with all server
specifications, passwords and .p12 Trust Store and Client Certificates files that are necessary to
establish a server connection.

5.1 Establishing a TAK Server Connection Manually

1. Acquire Trust Store and Client Certificates .p12 files on local device.

• Note: If the user’s TAK Server supports Client Provisioning they will need only the
TrustStore .p12 certificate file.

2. Launch ATAK.

3. Select Additional Tools (3 lines) > View all tools & plug-ins > Settings > Network
Connections. If no previous network connections have been established, a dialog box will
appear for configuration options. Select Network Connections > Manage Server Connections
> select the 3 dots in the upper right corner > Add. The Add Streaming CoT Endpoint screen
appears as shown in Figure 19.

Figure 19 – Adding TAK Server Connection

4. Enter a name for the TAK Server connection in the name field.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 16

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

5. Enter a Host IP address or name in the Address field.

6. If user credentials are necessary for the TAK Server:

• Check the box for Use Authentication.

• Enter a username.

• Enter a password.

• If the user would like to cache credentials or username, choose from the drop-down menu.

7. Check the Advanced Options box.

8. Choose SSL (or TCP if non-secure connection is desired), as depicted in Figure 19.

9. Enter the Server Port number (if not using the default value).

10. Uncheck the Use default SSL/TLS Certificates box.

11. Select the Import Trust Store button and browse to the location of the Trust Store .p12 file.

12. Enter the Password (if any) for the Trust Store file.

13. If the user’s TAK Server supports Client Provisioning and wish to use it, select Enroll for
Client Certificate. If successful, skip to Step 16. Otherwise, proceed to Step 14.

14. Select the Import Client Certificate button and browse to the location of the Client Certificate
.p12 file.

15. Enter the Password (if any) for the Client Certificate file.

16. Select the OK button at the bottom of the screen. The user will be returned to the TAK Server
Connection screen and see the new connection. A green dot indicates connectivity, and a red
dot indicates no connectivity (shown in Figure 20).

Figure 20 – TAK Server Connection Status (Not Connected)

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 17

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

5.2 Establishing a TAK Server Connection via Pre-Configured Zip File

Follow these steps to use a pre-configured TAK Server Connection Package zip file to establish a
connection:

1. Launch ATAK.

2. Select Import > Local SD.

3. Navigate to the pre-configured zip file and select it.

4. When the TAK Server connection is established, the TAK connection green dot icon will
appear in the Android notifications area as shown in Figure 21. The green connection icon may
also appear at the Self Marker widget in the lower right of the display, if enabled in preferences.

Figure 21 – TAK Server Connected

5. For security purposes, the zip file will be automatically deleted by ATAK. After import, the
file will no longer appear in original location within Android folders.

• Note: The exception is that ATAK may not delete the zip file if it is located on the external
SD card for Android 4.4 to Android 10.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 18

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

6 UNINSTALLING ATAK FROM AN ANDROID DEVICE

Follow these steps to remove ATAK from an Android device:

1. Launch Android settings.

2. Scroll through listing to find the Application Manager (on some devices called Apps or
Applications, as shown in Figure 22).

Figure 22 – Installed Apps

3. Tap the ATAK entry in the list. The ATAK application information screen will appear as
shown in Figure 23.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 19

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

Figure 23 – ATAK Information

4. If Clear Data option is not available on this screen, look for them by selecting Storage.

5. Select Clear Data then tap OK.

6. Select Uninstall then tap OK.

7. If there are standalone applications that were installed to support ATAK, they can be removed
by repeating the steps above for each. Supporting applications include Night Vision, TAK
GeoCam, TAK ICU, Network Monitor, Serial Monitor and Image Markup.

8. Any plug-ins that were installed to support ATAK can be uninstalled in a similar fashion as
standalone application. On some Android devices plug-ins will appear in a separate listing and
may require some exploration to find them.

9. Using a file browser, navigate to the internal “atak” folder and delete it.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 20

ATAK Quick Start Guide 22 October 2021

10. If a duplicate “atak” folder structure has been created on an external card, use a file browser to
navigate to the folder and delete it.

11. Depending on how they were created, files on an external SD card may not be available for
deletion by the Android device. If this presents a security issue, remove the SD card from the
Android device.

12. The Android installation file can be removed from the device by using the file browser to locate
the ATAK-x.x.x-civ-release.apk file (x.x.x represents build number and version) and deleting
it. If unsure as to location of the apk file, it may be in the Download folder.

Document ID: 111500-INS-01 21