{"id":4857,"date":"2023-12-27T07:15:48","date_gmt":"2023-12-27T07:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skynetwave.com\/?p=4857"},"modified":"2023-12-27T07:15:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T07:15:51","slug":"gps-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skynetwave.com\/gps-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"GPS Issues: How to Deal with GPS Outages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Because of the nature of the technology, it\u2019s very common to encounter GPS<\/a> issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the name implies, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a global satellite navigation system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This means you should be able to access it regardless of location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the number of visible GPS satellites differs from area to area. As such, not all regions have the same coverage or GPS reliability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, there are certain things you can do to maximize your access to the GPS constellation and remedy some issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is what you\u2019ll explore in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So many industries rely on GPS, from trucking\/transportation (fleet tracking) to engineering and city planning (land-surveying<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n On average, GPS is accurate within 5m (+\/- 16 feet) for civilians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are circumstances that can impede GPS\u2019s accuracy. GPS satellites have a 20,180 KM (12,540 Mile) orbital height. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes them Medium Earth Orbit<\/a> (MEO) satellites. Accordingly, they are more susceptible to service interruptions than Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is largely due to their proximity to the Earth. Ultimately, the GPS signal has to travel long distances to reach your device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all signals share the same quality or strength. Some signals are stronger than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, your location should be visible to at least four satellites that send signals to your device.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you may be lucky enough to be in a location with eight satellites orbiting above it. The greater the number of satellites, the stronger the signals and the more accurate the GPS is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one way your location can play a major role in GPS\u2019s efficacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS will also struggle due to the terrain and the structural and geographical complexity of an area.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS doesn\u2019t do well against obstructions. Thus, you may struggle to capture accurate readings from gorges, canyon-like areas and urban areas with large buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, these are just a few examples of how and why GPS issues can occur. Let\u2019s look at a few others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conceptual Image Global Positioning System GPS<\/p>\n\n\n\n While GPS is arguably the most popular Global Navigation Satellite System<\/a> (GNSS), it isn\u2019t the only one available to civilians.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many issues that GPS is susceptible to may also plague services like GLONASS and Galileo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galileo suffered two infamous (arguably) outages in 2019<\/a> and 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, you should be able to apply much of the information in this guide to non-GPS GNSS solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the main culprits of GPS issues include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The previous section lightly touches on this. But GPS signals require unobstructed passages to reach your device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that your GPS device may not work if you have a roof above your head, if you\u2019re surrounded by trees, tall buildings, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your GPS may also be interrupted by terrible weather conditions. Even a simple overcast may disrupt services completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traffic Wireless Network Intelligent Navigation Systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your GPS or location services can go idle if you have not used them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n To preserve power, your device may put your receiver and its software in an inactive state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it switches back on, it will require some time to recalibrate and find the closest GPS satellites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It will then download data from this satellite to determine your location and time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your device may be low on battery power. Your smartphone’s GPS tracking and location features are a huge power drain. They can deplete up to 38% of your battery power between charges.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n When battery-operated GPS tracking devices are low on power, they try to conserve energy by going into a power optimization state.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is fairly common with smartphones and smartwatches. They\u2019ll lower the brightness of the screen and reception strength to prevent the device from shutting down completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS Jamming devices are outlawed in North American countries like the United States. However, this doesn\u2019t stop people (especially criminals from using them). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Satellites essentially send signals using radio frequencies. A GPS jammer interferes with radio frequencies on the GPS satellite channels. This blocks your device from receiving said signals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n While we don\u2019t recommend it, you can get a GPS jammer to detect and obstruct hidden GPS trackers<\/a> in your car.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, this isn\u2019t the only radio frequency disturbance you need to worry about. Other devices that use electromagnetic radiation may also interfere with your GPS device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your GPS device may be displaying the wrong information because the software or application you\u2019re using is faulty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re using a smartphone, try a different application as a reference. You should also consider rebooting your device (smartphone or not).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your device may be in need of a firmware update or a factory reset. It\u2019s best to consult the guide if you run into any hardware or software-based issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS SOS Location Device\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with most technology, GPS hardware is always evolving. Hence, it\u2019s quite possible for your device to be obsolete because it\u2019s older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The quality of your device\u2019s hardware may also play a role in how well it captures and records GPS signals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cheaper phones and devices have a harder time receiving and capturing signals from satellites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The causes the previous section mentions may cause lost GPS signals, bounce, multi-path signals and drift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few ways to prevent or reduce the occurrence of these issues: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re using a low-end smartphone, smartwatch or GPS receiver, you should consider replacing it with a midrange to high-end one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High-end devices tend to produce better results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, this will depend on what you can afford. It\u2019s also a good idea to research the hardware before you purchase it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0If GPS is an important aspect of your multi-function and communication device, consider reading reviews with a heavy emphasis on this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most modern smartphones (Android and iOS) do not solely rely on GPS for their location services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, they use cellphone networks such as 5G<\/a> and wireless internet connections like Wi-Fi to reinforce their tracking and timing data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Real-Time GPS Tracking System Vector Stock Vector<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want more reliable navigation, it\u2019s best to turn these features on.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t replace your device (as suggested in the previous section), you should consider adding a third-party Bluetooth GPS receiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can then use your smart device to connect to it and extract more accurate positioning data. It\u2019s also important to ensure your device(s) is always charged.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend procuring a power bank<\/a> to charge your device when you don\u2019t have a power outlet near you.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charging Power Bank Portable Powerbank<\/p>\n\n\n\n As previously mentioned, your device may put GPS to sleep when not using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This allows it to conserve battery power. You can change this under your power settings (on most smart devices).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want more accurate tracking and navigation data, you must prevent your phone from terminating or putting the GPS service to sleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, if you\u2019re using an app to navigate (like Google Maps), do not close it or hop onto another app while using it. Try to keep a square focus on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hand Young Woman Searching Location Map<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s best to position your GPS device as best as possible. Do not try to use it indoors. When driving, place it near the open window to maximize signal reception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0Elevate as best you can, if possible. When navigating, try to avoid forested areas or urban areas that may impede the signal.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Closeup Person Hand Using GPS Navigation<\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS issues are quite common. We may never eliminate them. Old GPS satellites lose their operational capacity from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When this occurs, the US government replaces them. Moreover, they may decide to increase the number of satellites in their constellation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nevertheless, as with Starlink outages<\/a>, you can monitor and check GPS status using GpsOutage.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It contains helpful information, graphs and other visual tools to help you track GPS\u2019s status. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, it\u2019s best to wait for the weather or until GPS handlers address any satellite network issues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Because of the nature of the technology, it\u2019s very common to encounter GPS issues.\u00a0 As the name implies, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a global satellite navigation system. This means you should be able to access it regardless of location. However, the number of visible GPS satellites differs from area to area. As such, … <\/p>\nWhy are GPS Issues so Common?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Main Causes of GPS Issues <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Obstructions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Idle Times and Cold Starts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This may sometimes take up to five (or more) minutes if your device solely relies on GPS to capture this information. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNot Enough Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interference or GPS Jamming <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Software Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Outdated Hardware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Deal With GPS Issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Update\/Upgrade Your Device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Using Additional Measures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Keep GPS On<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Optimize the Position<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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GPS Issues: Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n