The GPS thread

[username.unknown]

Hi all, I'm starting this thread so we can have a place to exchange ideas and tips about the GPS. How to make it faster, more accurate, etc.

I don't have a dataplan, so I am forced to use an offline GPS, and I need some precision because geocaching is one of my hobbies. First, I use FasterFix, it's an app that downloads NTP (network time protocol) data from the net. I can set it to specific North American servers for greater precision. The next app that I use is GPS Status by EclipSim. From it's main screen, if you hit the menu key, tools, Manage A-GPS (assisted GPS) state, download, it will download A-GPS data from a server. I like to keep GPS Status running, then I switch to OSMand for offline maps and routing.

I've gotten readings that are accurate to 5 meters. To give you some perspective, if you combine the accuracy of WAAS (wide area augmentation system), GLONASS (the Russian equivalent of GPS), and of course good ol' GPS itself, you get accuracy to within 3 meters, only 2 meters better than what I got now.

Anyway, if you've got something to add, please do. How's your accuracy? What apps do you use with your GPS?

-Adam

 

[jeb_hoge]

I just use GPS Status & Toolbox whenever I start up my GPS (only when I need it) to get that first fast fix and then let it refine as necessary. I use it pretty much only for car navigation and in most cases, the readings are accurate to within the length of the car. I'm pretty sure I've seen it locate me to within 15 feet before. To illustrate, imagine having the GPS on while you're lying on your bed, looking at Google Maps satellite view, and you can see the GPS arrow superimposed on the roof over your bed.