Introduction
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is widely used for navigation, location tracking, and various other applications; Peoplesafe devices and mobile applications use GPS to provide last known location information to its Alarm Receiving Centre to facilitie in dispatching emergency services.
While GPS is generally reliable, several factors can affect its accuracy. This article explains the key environmental and technological elements that can influence the precision of your GPS location data.
Factors Affecting GPS Accuracy
Environmental Obstructions
Indoor Environments: GPS signals are weak and easily blocked by building materials like concrete, metal, and glass. This significantly reduces or eliminates signal reception indoors.
Dense Tree Canopies: Thick foliage absorbs and scatters GPS signals, weakening them and reducing the device's ability to calculate an accurate position.
Terrain and Topography: Canyons, valleys, mountains, and steep hills can obstruct or reflect GPS signals, leading to inaccurate readings or signal loss.
Urban Canyons (High-Rise Buildings): In urban environments, GPS signals can bounce off buildings, creating "multipath" errors. This occurs when a receiver receives multiple signals from the same satellite at slightly different times, leading to inaccurate position calculations.
Atmospheric Conditions
Ionospheric and Tropospheric Delays: The ionosphere and troposphere can cause delays in GPS signal transmission, affecting the accuracy of position calculations. These delays are influenced by factors like solar activity and weather patterns.
Tips for Improving GPS Accuracy with your Personal Safety Device (MySOS, SPOT, etc.)
Your safety device uses GPS to tell people where you are if you need help. Getting the most accurate location possible is really important. Here's how to do it:
Getting the Best Position for Your Device
Clear View of the Sky: The most important thing is to have a clear, open view of the sky. Move away from buildings, thick trees, or steep hills. Hold the device straight up, if you can, so it can pick up the best signals.
Keep Things Out of the Way: Even small things can block the GPS signal, like your body, thick clothes, or metal.
If you're in a car, try putting the device on the dashboard or near a window.
Knowing How Signals Work
Inside is Bad: GPS signals don't work well indoors. If have to use your device inside, prepare beforehand, go to a window or, better yet, outside.
Hills and Buildings Mess Things Up: Deep valleys, forests, and cities with tall buildings can block or confuse the signals. If you can, go to higher ground or an open area.
Wait a Little Bit: After you turn on your device, give it a time to find your exact location. Don't assume the first location it shows is going to be perfect.
Follow Our Best Practices
Before going indoors or into areas where your signal could be impacted, follow these steps to ensure the Peoplesafe Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) has your up-to-date location:
Log a manual position: Log a manual position outside, with a clear view of the sky.
Record a voice memo: Record a voice memo stating your location and any risks associated with completing the task at that location.
Create an activity: Create a timed activity, recording your location and any risks associated with completing the task at that location.
Taking Care of Your Device
Keep it Charged: A full battery helps your device work its best. Low batteries can sometimes affect the GPS.
Test it Now and Then: Check your device in an open area to make sure it's working right. This helps you get used to using it and find any problems.
The Main Point
To get the most accurate GPS location with your safety device, make sure it has a clear, open view of the sky. By following these tips, you'll help make sure people can find you quickly if you need help.
Conclusion
Understanding the factors that affect GPS accuracy can help you interpret location data more effectively. By being aware of these limitations, you can take steps to improve accuracy and ensure reliable positioning in various environments.