how is GPS data stored and transmitted in Android

[ddatta8]

I am completely new to Android and I have the following questions:
1) Do Android phones have a built-in GPS receiver?

2) What happens to Android phones when GPS signals are not available? How is location data collected then?

3) In what format is location data stored in Android phones?

4) Is it possible to write a Java application which takes the GPS data and the location data when GPS signals are not available and integrate the two types of data...also, the application should transmit the data over GSM/GPRS network!

 

[sitlet]

1) Do Android phones have a built-in GPS receiver?

Most, if not all, have one yes.

2) What happens to Android phones when GPS signals are not available? How is location data collected then?

Obviously, if there is no gps signal, whatever app is using it wont work, or log data, until the signal is back.

3) In what format is location data stored in Android phones?

Location data isnt stored by the phone. Apps like My Tracks will store data in their data folder on the sd card.

 

[takeshi]

Do Android phones have a built-in GPS receiver?

Check the specs of the device(s) you're looking at.

What happens to Android phones when GPS signals are not available? How is location data collected then?

Well, obviously without GPS. Most devices can fall back on WiFi or tower triangulation if GPS isn't available.

In what format is location data stored in Android phones?

Depends on the app. Clarify what you mean by "location data". If you mean your position, not all apps store that data. If you mean map data that, again, depends on the app that you're talking about. AFAIK there's no standard format for map data on Android.

Is it possible to write a Java application which takes the GPS data and the location data when GPS signals are not available and integrate the two types of data...also, the application should transmit the data over GSM/GPRS network!

What do you mean by "two types of data"? Your location is your location. There aren't different types of data. The app would just determine your location and transmit it. It's certainly possible as apps already do this. For details, you'd have to ask in a development forum.