How Accurate Is GPS Tracking? Let’s Break It Down
Secret glitches. Lost signals. The big question: just how accurate is GPS tracking?
Every day, you rely on GPS to track cars, monitor assets, or navigate new places. But how close is it really?
Skyscrapers, weather, and even where you hide your tracker can throw off the numbers. That’s why your GPS sometimes shows you a few feet off—or worse.
This guide cuts through the noise. You’ll get clear answers on what affects GPS accuracy—and how to fix it.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
- The 3 main reasons GPS tracking can be off—and how to avoid those mistakes
- Smart placement tips to make sure your tracker delivers spot-on location info
- Tech tricks that boost GPS precision, even in tough spots like cities and mountains
No fluff. No guesswork. Just the facts on how accurate GPS really is—and how to make it work for you.
Let’s get started.
Can GPS Tracking Be Wrong – 3 Conditions That Can Create Inaccurate Data
Yes, GPS tracking can sometimes be inaccurate, and understanding why is crucial for reliable navigation. Although GPS trackers provide indispensable data, they aren’t flawless and certain conditions can lead to errors. Tall buildings, dense forests, and deep valleys can all interrupt the signals between your device and the satellites, causing inaccuracies.
From towering buildings to dense forests and deep valleys, various environmental factors can interfere with the signals between your device and the satellites. Each of these scenarios brings unique challenges, potentially leading to inaccuracies in the data you receive.
The device’s placement also plays a crucial role in the accuracy of GPS tracking. Incorrect placement can lead to interference, resulting in inaccurate data. Now, let’s break down these conditions further, helping you understand each scenario and providing tips on how to overcome these challenges for more reliable GPS tracking.
Urban Canyon Environments: How Large Buildings Can Confuse GPS Signals
Tall buildings. Tight streets. That’s what people call an urban canyon.
Sounds cool, right? But for your GPS? Not so fun.
Those huge buildings block or bounce the GPS signals your device needs. And without clear signals from at least four satellites, your GPS can get confused. One second you’re on Main Street, next thing you know, it thinks you're on the block over.
Annoying. But also pretty common in big cities.
The reason? Your GPS isn’t getting a clean signal. It’s catching bounced ones. Like echoes. That messes with the math it uses to figure out where you are.
But here’s the good news—you’re not stuck.
Modern GPS systems use smarter tech now. They’ve got better signal filters and backup radio signals that help cut through all that chaos. So even in the middle of downtown, you’re more likely to get a location that makes sense.
Just remember: cities make GPS work harder. But the tools are getting better every day to keep you headed the right way.
Mountainous Terrain – How Mountains Can Cause Multi-Path Issues
Did you know that when you’re navigating through mountains, the towering peaks can indeed play tricks on your GPS accuracy? Yes, and here’s why it happens and what you can do about it!
The high elevations and steep slopes of mountains can obstruct your device’s view of GPS satellites, leading to potential inaccuracies. Your device needs signals from at least four satellites for precise location tracking. In mountainous regions, achieving this can be tricky.
Signals can reflect off the mountain sides, creating confusing multi-path signals for your GPS receiver and leading to positional errors. This doesn’t just make it hard for businesses to track assets or monitor fleets; it can affect anyone relying on GPS in these areas.
To combat this, your GPS device can tap into alternative satellite systems like GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou. These systems provide additional signals, helping reduce the impact of obstructions and ensuring a more accurate reading.
Advanced algorithms also come into play, filtering out erroneous signals and minimizing the chances of GPS inaccuracies. So, even in the challenging terrain of mountains, you’ve got tools and technologies at your disposal to ensure that your GPS tracking stays on point.
Bad Placement – Why The Location Of Your GPS Tracker Matter
Believe it or not, where you place your GPS tracker is crucial to its accuracy. Unlike urban canyons or mountains, you’ve got control here.
Bad placement stands out as the top reason for GPS tracking errors. So, positioning your car tracker correctly ensures you’re getting the most accurate data. Accurate GPS tracking relies heavily on your device’s ability to connect with satellites seamlessly. Place it right, and you’ve set the stage for impeccable tracking.
Avoid sticking your tracker in a car’s trunk, especially if you’re aiming for discreet tracking; it’s a surefire way to muddle your GPS data. Whether it’s a portable, OBD, or a dedicated vehicle tracker, installation needs precision. Remember, a poor installation equals poor results.
Consider the vehicle’s make and model. Different vehicles have unique designs that can influence GPS accuracy. A metallic roof, for instance, could spell trouble for your GPS signals. So, as a business manager ensuring your fleet’s trackers are in optimal spots is your ticket to accurate and efficient tracking.
In a nutshell, it’s all about intelligent placement. Get it right, and you ensure your GPS tracking system works like a charm, keeping your business on track and dispute-free.
Related Article: Who Invented GPS?
GPS Accuracy – 10 Fun Facts
- Weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and thunderstorms, can affect GPS accuracy.
- Inside tunnels and buildings can obstruct GPS signals, causing inaccurate tracking.
- Remote locations with few or no GPS satellites can affect GPS accuracy.
- GPS asset tracking accuracy can be affected by obstructions in the field of view.
- Poor placement of GPS tracking devices can affect GPS accuracy.
- Most GPS car trackers on Amazon use A-GPS which calls upon both cellular and satellite technology.
- The accuracy of GPS tracking depends on the navigation system and the number of GPS satellites available.
- The availability of GPS signals depends on the cellular network in the area with most consumer-grade real-time GPS devices such as SpaceHawk, Tracki, and Vyncs,
- The accuracy of GPS tracking depends on the type and quality of the GPS receiver in use.
- Some personal GPS trackers, like those used for hiking, come with panic SOS buttons for emergency assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The factors mentioned above can sometimes cause a GPS tracking system to give inaccurate data, but it’s important to remember that these situations are pretty rare. Even in those cases, GPS trackers are still very accurate. With the right placement, a GPS tracker can even pinpoint a vehicle's location down to the exact parking spot!
There are some very unique circumstances that can cause inaccuracies, but the real question is do GPS trackers really work? And how accurate is a GPS car tracker? GPS tracking systems are accurate up to 2.5 meters (6 feet) when the devices have a direct line of sight to the sky. Basically, no obstructions or anything that could potentially cause inaccuracies. GPS technology really works and is highly accurate.
Yes, there are several things people can do to increase GPS accuracy. First, ensure that your GPS receiver is in an unobstructed location, with a clear view of the sky. Second, update your GPS device with the latest software to ensure it’s working correctly. Third, turn on WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) or EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) if available, as this can improve GPS accuracy by providing additional signals. Finally, use a GPS device with a higher sensitivity receiver, as this can improve the device’s ability to receive signals in challenging environments. By taking these steps, you can increase GPS accuracy for personal and business applications.
Yes, atmospheric conditions can indeed impact GPS accuracy. Factors like ionospheric and tropospheric delays can cause the GPS signals to slow down, resulting in a less accurate position calculation. However, modern GPS receivers are designed to mitigate these effects for improved accuracy. To enhance your GPS device’s performance, ensure it’s updated with the latest software and consider using augmentation systems like WAAS.
Yes, GPS jamming can severely affect position accuracy. This intentional interference with the GPS signals can disrupt the communication between the device and the satellites, leading to inaccurate or complete loss of location information. To combat this, authorities actively monitor and mitigate jamming incidents, ensuring minimal impact on civilian GPS usage. Always report any suspected GPS interference to maintain system reliability.