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Quick GPS fix. From Samsung!

Samsung just wrote that apparently the use wireless networks, which is the option above use gps satellites must be selected to get proper locks.
I was skeptical because i just assumed that when I went exploring I selected it, but it actually wasn't.
Put it on, and agreed to the disclaimer and then right away the maps got my location and the live wallpaper map got my location.
you'll get an email saying google knows where you are and yeah its pretty ****ty that you have to do this, but it does work. at least for me.

not a real fix, I've had that on forever and still dont get a proper lock

Confirming that this does seem to work. It might merit mentioning that I've also messed around with my GPS settings quite a bit as well.
Regardless, I got a lock within two seconds after opening Google Maps. Cheers!
-deuX`

The phone used networks to locate you. Not GPS.

PuffinNugz said:
The phone used networks to locate you. Not GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, good to know. Thanks for the info!
-deuX`

This is to assist in the GPS lock. This is not a fix.

True it isn't a real fix, hence the "quick" fix in the title.
it's just another way to help maps get a lock.
obviously this won't help in no service zones but if you're using the data anyways might as well use it to help.
plus it unlocks all the fun location based services, and that maps live wallpaper is pretty freakin sweet!

This will only give you the location of the nearby cell tower. Unless you live under the cell tower all the time, I don't think this is useful. It might be useful for things like check the nearby stores and attractions. But will not give you navigatable fixes and does not speed up your GPS lock. If you're using Google maps, try to zoom out, and you will notice a big circle. Your location is anywhere inside that circle.
That's Samsung tip is pure BS and Engadet should be ashamed to even believe in that BS.

I not only allowed the use of wireless networks for location, but also changing the GPS setting to MS Based to allow for simultaneous use of triangulation and assisted GPS... before this change I NEVER got a successful GPS lock...after I changed the settings I finally can get a GPS lock after about about 3 minutes with direct line of sight outdoors.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

foxbat121 said:
This will only give you the location of the nearby cell tower.
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Click to collapse
Not quite. its actually doing cell tower triangulation, using the signal of all nearby towers your phone sees. In the city, this can be pretty accurate and is rarely off by more than a couple blocks. To see the accuracy, turn off GPS and click 'locate me' in google maps. The blue circle around your location shows the margin of error. The more towers you are in range of, the more accurate the fix.
As far as helping GPS, all this location can really do today is help you grab the most appropriate gps almanac/ephemeris info - if youve got an internet connection. I suppose it could possibly also be used in conjunction with the gps error in some kind of a filter to improve accuracy, but as far as I know that is not being done.

I actually started getting quicker locks with just using the GPS and having the wireless networks unchecked

Just an update:
I changed the SUP/LCP setting to Auto-config and the Operation mode to MS Based. I tend to get a gps lock within a minute or two with it sitting on my dashboard. I also tried it with the"Use wireless networks" setting turned off and it worked the same.
Also, I did try out the MS Assisted SUP/LCP setting and I was able to get GPS signal while indoors, but it was less accurate all around.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I'm not saying it's completely 100% accurate, but much in the same vein that an iPod Touch can get a location using just the wi-fi this is using much the same.
it uses whatever a-gps it can and then it helps with the cellular data. triangulation. it's useful and if it keeps getting me a signal then its all good

Updated Google Maps not updating my location

Anybody having this problem?
I recently updated Google Maps to Version: 4.5.0 (#4519). I didn't change anything to my Location or Privacy settings. This new version doesn't update my location (when I hit the dot on the upper right). Any possible fix or workaround to this in settings? Or is this a bug in the new update? I only have the Use Wireless Networks checked and usually that's enough to give me an approximate location. Still, Google Maps (and Latitude) shows that I'm my phone is at home when I have it here in my office 9 miles away.

I'm running that version for a while ago (or I think because mine has the location on top) and I'm having no problem at all

RexEscape said:
Anybody having this problem?
I recently updated Google Maps to Version: 4.5.0 (#4519). I didn't change anything to my Location or Privacy settings. This new version doesn't update my location (when I hit the dot on the upper right). Any possible fix or workaround to this in settings? Or is this a bug in the new update? I only have the Use Wireless Networks checked and usually that's enough to give me an approximate location. Still, Google Maps (and Latitude) shows that I'm my phone is at home when I have it here in my office 9 miles away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the same issue in San Diego (Mission Valley) trying to access my location via the 3G or Edge wireless network. It works fine using Wifi or GPS if I can get a GPS lock. The funny thing is I tried it up in Carmel Mountain Ranch and I was able to get my location via the 3G wireless network. I also flashed back to the stock rom and tried the original Google Maps and it has the same issue now as the latest version. There must be a problem with AT&T network in our area.

Hey! I'm also in Mission Valley (work)! Something is up in the Mission Valley area, most def. College Area is ok, Mira Mesa, Lindbergh Field (places I've tried recently). Mission Vally is in the twilight zone.

It must be something with the cell towers.

Check your location now. Mine shows me at my office building with just the cell networks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Still not working. I've downloaded the new Google Maps and it does say that some cell towers aren't actively sending or receiving MyLocation data. It wants us to use GPS or WiFi for a more accurate MyLocation position. Bleh.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Is it possible to use location based on cell tower but have Wifi disabled?

Hello,
Is it possible to have location determined by cell towers but have WiFi disabled at the same time.
I'm trying to conserve battery power but still would like to know approximate location of my phone. Is there an option to disable WiFI but still use cell towers in this case?
G

artisticcheese said:
Hello,
Is it possible to have location determined by cell towers but have WiFi disabled at the same time.
I'm trying to conserve battery power but still would like to know approximate location of my phone. Is there an option to disable WiFI but still use cell towers in this case?
G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for something similar. My antiquated Sharp & Nokia cell phones were far from feature rich but one useful thing they did was to list the suburb you were currently in based on data from the closest cell tower.
I've yet to find an Android app that will do the same thing witihout a wifi or mobile data connection and loading up Google Maps or the HTC sense weather/clock widget.
My service provider charges a $1 per Mb on my plan for mobile data and free wi-fi in NZ is hard to come by (and I live in the capital...).
There are the apps like Maverick and Rmaps that let you pre-cache Google maps and give you your location on the map using GPS which are good for navigation.
I'm just looking for a simple widget that gives the suburb you're in without draining the battery (and bank account) by using wifi/mobile data/GPS.
Google has so far failed me - not sure whether this is not possible with the Android OS or whether developers would rather create apps that use all the bells and whistles to determine your actual location.
Anyone out there know of such an app (or could write one)?
Ta.

normally this is possible with google maps but the only flaw is that your location is determined by the strength of the signal from the cell towers it's never accurate at lease not very accurate it will generally be off by maybe anywhere between 500 feet if i remember.

[Q] Can I get my location using Cell towers only

Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.

fleen said:
Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already
Your approximate location will now be determined using cell tower triangulation. However, if you are trying to use Google Maps for example, you need to have previously made the area in which you are currently located available offline, or have it in your Google Maps cache. Otherwise it won't display anything of value to you without some sort of internet connection to download the map data.
You can also use Device mode which will use GPS to pinpoint your location. Same maps caveat applies as above, and obviously you need to be able to get GPS satellite locks (ie. outside or next to a window).

fleen said:
Can I get my location with Wifi OFF 3g/LTE off and GPS off using only cell towers or does it need internet to get the info, my father says his Iphone 5 with apple maps doesn't need internet to get his location but what does my father know is this even possible and if so how do I do it on my nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need internet to locate yourself only GPS.
Apps like Tasker and Llama can use cell tower location without draining your battery and requires a network connection but not data.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

xda_fanboy said:
Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already
Your approximate location will now be determined using cell tower triangulation. However, if you are trying to use Google Maps for example, you need to have previously made the area in which you are currently located available offline, or have it in your Google Maps cache. Otherwise it won't display anything of value to you without some sort of internet connection to download the map data.
You can also use Device mode which will use GPS to pinpoint your location. Same maps caveat applies as above, and obviously you need to be able to get GPS satellite locks (ie. outside or next to a window).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to get it to work I have downloaded google maps to view offline and it just stays there saying "waiting for location..."
And did the part "Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already"

Pretty sure the only way for that to work is if you have "WiFi always scanning" turned on.
You can set your locations to Device Only and it will just use the GPS and nothing else.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

fleen said:
I can't seem to get it to work I have downloaded google maps to view offline and it just stays there saying "waiting for location..."
And did the part "Settings > Location
Click Mode
Select Battery Saving Mode
Disable Wifi and Mobile Data if you haven't already"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need GPS on at least. Thats what gives you your location. You can get a location based off of three things: Your mobile data, WiFi networks or GPS itself. You said you turned it all off so yeah, you arent going to get a location that way.

jsgraphicart said:
You need GPS on at least. Thats what gives you your location. You can get a location based off of three things: Your mobile data, WiFi networks or GPS itself. You said you turned it all off so yeah, you arent going to get a location that way.
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Click to collapse
I can get my location with wifi and cell towers together. No GPS so I think its possible with Cell Tower Triangulation only in theory.

fleen said:
I can get my location with wifi and cell towers together. No GPS so I think its possible with Cell Tower Triangulation only in theory.
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Click to collapse
Well just from looking at the settings, you can either use GPS, WiFi and mobile networks....WiFi and mobile networks....or GPS only. So I guess, take your pick.
What are you trying to get out of this anyway? Just use your phone for calls and maps and thats it?

jsgraphicart said:
Well just from looking at the settings, you can either use GPS, WiFi and mobile networks....WiFi and mobile networks....or GPS only. So I guess, take your pick.
What are you trying to get out of this anyway? Just use your phone for calls and maps and thats it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know those fitness apps that track where you have been and stuff, well I want to use one but outdoors theres no wifi and GPS uses too much battery

fleen said:
You know those fitness apps that track where you have been and stuff, well I want to use one but outdoors theres no wifi and GPS uses too much battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to save some battery on the GPS side put your phone in airplane mode. That will shut down all but GPS. I use mine all the time with an app called Backcountry Navigation Pro. They have a free version so you can check out most of the features that way. You can set it to record a track from every 5 seconds to 30 minutes. I set it to 5 minutes and have pretty good accuracy as far as where I've been and the GPS use is only on for that time. You should be able to do that with any good mapping app.

theesotericone said:
If you want to save some battery on the GPS side put your phone in airplane mode. That will shut down all but GPS. I use mine all the time with an app called Backcountry Navigation Pro. They have a free version so you can check out most of the features that way. You can set it to record a track from every 5 seconds to 30 minutes. I set it to 5 minutes and have pretty good accuracy as far as where I've been and the GPS use is only on for that time. You should be able to do that with any good mapping app.
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Click to collapse
This is an option but if I can get the cell tower location working I would prefer it.

fleen said:
This is an option but if I can get the cell tower location working I would prefer it.
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Click to collapse
Cell tower triangulation is not precise at all. It's only used to help your device catch GPS fix faster. If one would only use cell towers the accuracy would in most cases not got below 300-500m...

One cell tower can provide signal for a very large area. It can not be used for precise tracking as you need.
When I drive away from my house it can take over 5 minutes to leave the area of my 3 "home" cell towers.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

So its not what I want ok guys thanks how can I close this thread now?

Receiving Weather using GPS Only?

Hey guys.
So I have a friend that says he can receive Weather on his Samsung Galaxy phone using GPS Only and that all phones should be able to. I have searched Google and Bing and everywhere and can't find anything... All I can find is apps that basically download the forecast when you are connected to the internet but Oklahoma weather is always changing and that doesnt work.
Anyone know of a way to do this?
Being part of a Scout troop, we go on camp-outs a lot and in fact just got back from one last night. Nobody had service the entire time as we were about 15+ miles from a nearby cell tower, campsite was down in the valley area, and was touring around between caves.

The only thing that bothers me with this, is you need data to download (& update the current) forecast from the weather service provider the app uses. Sure, some apps need GPS only..such as a mapping app or a compass that shows your coordinates along with the heading.
What is the name of the app your friend has? Maybe the app uses the barometric sensor to (sort of) predict the coming weather? My Galaxy Note 3 has that sensor to show air pressure. Changing air pressures are a good start to predicting the weather, so maybe this is it??

I have no clue.

You need data. Some map apps work with GPS only, but that's only because the maps have been downloaded before hand. GPS can tell you where you are, but not where you are, if you get my meaning. A weather app, whether it needs maps or simply just receives bulletins, needs data. In some areas you might be able to receive alerts through your phone (including Amber alerts and presidential stuff) without data, if you're still with in range of telephony signal. But that's not the same.
Your friend is either mistaken of full of crap (I'd lean toward mistaken - I can't see why anyone would deliberately lie about that). I think your best bet would be to take an emergency AM/FM/NOAA radio with you. I believe the Boy Scouts have a motto this sort of thing.