Need Wi-Fi for GPS

[jrmarinojr]

When I turn on my GPS it cannot locate me under 500 meters. However, if I turn on Wifi (doesn't matter if GPS is on or off) I get tracked within 20 meters. It's almost as if the functions are reversed. What gives??? Anyone else having this issue??

 

[project.in.process]

When I turn on my GPS it cannot locate me under 500 meters. However, if I turn on Wifi (doesn't matter if GPS is on or off) I get tracked within 20 meters. It's almost as if the functions are reversed. What gives??? Anyone else having this issue??

wifi will always be more accurate than stand alone GPS--as you're using a local ground signal as opposed to anything like WAAS or cellphone GPS chip.
well, clarity--wifi will always provide a more accurate representation of you on a map if you're connected to a wifi network.

my GPS still sucks, post OTA.

 

[jrmarinojr]

I don't understand why this is though because I came from a Blackberry Storm (terrible) and when I turned on GPS on that phone it tracked me within 3 meters. Why is Android any different?

 

[Mordecaidrake]

If you've gotten the OTA, clear the aGPS cache using this app
Menu > Tools > clear and redownload.

You should lock on quickly and accurately without the wifi on.

 

[jrmarinojr]

1. I am not connected to any Wifi networks, yet it locks my location closely even though I just have it turned on. 2. Stand alone GPS should be very accurate (think about the GPS used in your car or boat...there is no wifi on those devices)

 

[project.in.process]

If you've gotten the OTA, clear the aGPS cache using this app
Menu > Tools > clear and redownload.

You should lock on quickly and accurately without the wifi on.

been there, done that --works until i close the navigation/latitude app. then problem starts right back up next time.

i'm consistently within 2-3 city blocks of my actual location...i'm just accepting it as a "it could be worse. i could be in new jersey" situation.



(i grew up in new jersey. i'm just saying at least i'm in the same state in my GPS)

 

[project.in.process]

1. I am not connected to any Wifi networks, yet it locks my location closely even though I just have it turned on. 2. Stand alone GPS should be very accurate (think about the GPS used in your car or boat...there is no wifi on those devices)

GPS in your car and boat is also, more commonly, strictly a $150-$400 device strictly for GPS chip/moderate screen,--- not involving money spent on wifi receiver, crisp LCD screen, cell radio, dolby digital speaker, etc...found in Thunderbolt.

cell phone GPS are not going to be as accurate as Garmin/DeLorme GPS---at least not for a while. some over in Japan are getting close.

i've geocached for 3 years. i use my phone to get me within a 15 yards of the location, then whip out my Garmin Colorado to get me within feet of the cache.

GPS signal can also be affected by clouds/weather---unless you're using a WAAS chipset (which no phone has), so a wifi signal being broadcast from <20 yards is going to be stronger than a GPS signal obtained by satellites--unless you're factoring in the slight advantage of cellular triangulation with local radio towers

either way. i wish my GPS worked

 

[jrmarinojr]

Well that's BS to say the GPS does not work and we should forget about it. That's a flaw in a $250 piece of modern technology. Sorry, but I can't let this issue go when everyone around me has google maps working like a charm on their phones. Only problem is if you go to a VZW store to get answers, you talk to reps that are WORTHLESS! haha Guess I'll try the 800 number...

 

[darkmatter]

I just checked my og droid. It just gave me an accuracy of 4m without wifi.

*edit.
So I stepped out of my car and got an accuracy of 2m.

 

[jrmarinojr]

See that's the shtt I'm talking about.

 

[darkmatter]

Try a different app and see what it says. I use maverick pro, I think they have a free version.

 

[nufan4115]

I agree...the gps on this phone sucks. I had the droid x and the iPhone 4..gps without wifi worked flawlessly. Shouldnt have to have wifi to get location closer than 3000 meters which is what i get all the time without wifi off

 

[jrmarinojr]

FINALLY someone who shares my pain! Did you get the software update, and do a factory reset after? (i did, and still no luck)...Bottom line - I think some devices have flawed GPS's

 

[akira751]

FINALLY someone who shares my pain! Did you get the software update, and do a factory reset after? (i did, and still no luck)...Bottom line - I think some devices have flawed GPS's

I think your right your phone has a flawed GPS. Mine is great and my friends is also great.

 

[worwig]

FINALLY someone who shares my pain! Did you get the software update, and do a factory reset after? (i did, and still no luck)...Bottom line - I think some devices have flawed GPS's

It sounds like yours is broken.

Mine gets me within about 10 feet, locking quickly, outdoors. And it works well indoors.
If it didn't, I would have returned it the day I got it.
Have you used GPS status to clear and reload the A-GPS data.

I have a Garmin 276C with WAAS, and it isn't much better.

 

[jrmarinojr]

Yes, have done the GPS Status trick too - still no luck...do you guys turn on the VZ location or just the google and standalone?

 

[ddsdavid]

My GPS sucks as well. It was off by almost 2 miles and since I am on a state line, it always shows that I am not even in the same state. After installing the suggested app and clearing the cach it has improved to within 10 blocks. Not acceptable.