How good is your GPS?

[dietcoke]

Please download "GPS Test" from the Android Market.

List how many satellites you get "In View" and how many "In Use".

Me:
In View: 12
In Use: 0

Using Samsung Vibrant....my former G1 had 8, which is why I want an EVO if it has a better GPS.

 

[heybk]

that "In Use" doesn't really count for anything
if you open google maps and it shows where you are obviously you are connected to at least one, but it'll still say 0

 

[dietcoke]

that "In Use" doesn't really count for anything
if you open google maps and it shows where you are obviously you are connected to at least one, but it'll still say 0

Basic concept of GPS

A GPS receiver calculates its position by precisely timing the signals sent by GPS satellites high above the Earth. Each satellite continually transmits messages that include
the time the message was transmitted
precise orbital information (the ephemeris)
the general system health and rough orbits of all GPS satellites (the almanac).
The receiver utilizes the messages it receives to determine the transit time of each message and computes the distances to each satellite. These distances along with the satellites' locations are used with the possible aid of trilateration, depending on which algorithm is used, to compute the position of the receiver. This position is then displayed, perhaps with a moving map display or latitude and longitude; elevation information may be included. Many GPS units show derived information such as direction and speed, calculated from position changes.
Three satellites might seem enough to solve for position, since space has three dimensions and a position near the Earth's surface can be assumed. However, even a very small clock error multiplied by the very large speed of light[34]

 

[mavictb]

using that app my results....


indoors
in view: 9
in use: 2
accuracy: 26ft


outside
in view: 9
in use: 2
accuracy: 17ft



im not sure if it matters but my altitude is 4800ft.

I am more than happy with 17ft. that about 5m... that is more than enough accuracy for a hand held phone GPS.

dietcoke... try running google maps first... click on menu and select location... let it find you (lock on the satellites) then exit and open GPS test. I dint have to do this but it may help you... also the GPS has a hard time getting a lock in some buildings... if your inside try it outside. as you can see from my results it makes a significant difference.

 

[the1who]

Altitude is a rare aid for general aviation gps anymore. WAAS precision gps doesn't need the external input to get 3d diff navigation. Accuracy is down to 3ft for this installation, all gps.

 

[Robinelli]

Dietcoke, on my 2nd (current) vibrant, my GPS test usually says it sees no satellites. I've been curious about this because I've used it to drive a 7-8 hour trip without issue- twice. I also use it around my home without fail. Today I turned on the maps and and watched it pinpoint me while driving. Then I turned on GPS test (while stopped at a light) and then as I cruised down the road I looked at it and it showed 1 satellite. Yet the GPS pinpointed my location right into my driveway. In addition to this interesting fact, I've noticed the Navigation feature works better than google maps alone. It is more accurate. I have decided that it does not matter what GPS test says because my GPS works pretty much flawlessly while I am driving. It doesn't pinpoint me well if I am stationary, but as long as I am moving, it works great.

 

[Robinelli]

I should add, I am not a giant "fanboy" for this phone. I DO love it, but I am not blind to its faults. I had to do a factory reset on it last night because the SOUND stopped working and I couldn't use the phone function. Couldn't hear anything! Couldn't hear Pandora, use media, hear voice calls.... What a PITA KWIM???! I had to reset EVERYTHING. My phone is pretty customized at this point and it took me hours to put everything back the way it was. My voice search also still does not work when I am using a headpiece plugged into the jack. But I have to say, even though GPS test says I am not locking birds, the GPS pinpoints me and gets me to my location every time (so far).

 

[Big-Dog]

In View: 14
In Use: 6
Accuracy: 15 feet

It was definitely using more than 4 birds. It started with three and then advanced to four, then five then six and fluctuated between five and six.

 

[neanderthaler]

in use: 10 in view: 2 accuracy: 26ft

 

[wildblue]

Comparable to the other stats listed here, but more importantly it's good enough to locate me accurately and navigation has worked flawlessly so far (other than some Google map errors, but that's a whole other topic).

The only "issue" I've had is some times it takes longer than I would prefer to lock my position, but I'm used to using a standalone GPS that takes much longer, so this is a big improvement from my perspective. If Samsung makes it better that will be icing.