Database Info

A GPS Grading System

Well it seems the GPS on our Captivates has been improving over time due to adjusted Jupiter files, ROM updates, improvements in some leaked builds, and now a new GLGPS Daemon port, etc, but still seeing posts by lots of folks who still have trouble achieving good results. So, while the improvement quest continues, was thinking it might be helpful to have a common scoring or grading system for people to use when reporting on their gps results.
Would appreciate any comments on the usefulness of this, or agreement or disagreement with the descriptions. Just seems to me that currently it is often difficult to know what someone means when they say their GPS is good, best its ever been, or terrible.
(Note - to be most helpful to others please post your grade/results and anything you've done that has improved the gps performance.)
It would go something like this:
Captivate GpsGrade
A Common Way to Report GPS Effectiveness
Grade = A. Description – Performance is excellent at all times and very consistent. Applications such as Maps, Copilot, Google Nav, MyTracks always perform perfectly. Tracks as recorded by MyTracks consistently show the route accurately. GPS Locks are quick – under 30 seconds, and accuracy shows 5 to 10 meters or better as measured by lbstest, or GPS Test applications. When used for navigation, there is no drifting off of the road, no lag, and no overshoot of intersections. In short – its how we would want it to be.
Grade = B. Description – GPS function often works as expected, but occasionally does not. Usually no problem seeing several satellites and get locks within 30 seconds but always under a minute. Navigation apps are usable but sometimes there is a small bit of drift and sometimes will lag or show overshooting of intersections. Tracking via MyTracks is often accurate to the route taken, but sometimes off by a bit. Locks are sometimes lost but the system usually locks on again in just a few seconds. Accuracy often around 30 meters. Its not quite what we would like, but can live with it. Might call it pretty good.
Grade = C. Description – system achieves locks but often takes 60 seconds or longer. Locks are sometimes maintained while moving, sometimes not. Erratic performance. Can sometimes get Apps like Maps and Nav to work, but often have trouble with them or the system shows being on the next road or off the road. Routes recorded by MyTracks show inaccurate performance – route shown is close to the one taken but has occasional gaps with loss of lock. Accuracy is between 30 and 50 meters. In other words, performance may be good enough for location based services to be used, but not too useful for map or navigation functions. Mediocre.
Grade = D. Description – system sometimes gets a lock but cannot maintain lock. GPS Apps are not useable do to poor performance. In GPS Test or lbstest can sometimes see a couple satellites, but trouble getting a fix. Basically the GPS Icon is flashing pretty much the entire time. Awful would describe it.
Grade = F. Description – system does not work at all – cannot get locks, and cannot use any GPS Apps such as Maps or Nav, ever. Its just horrible.

good idea.

The problem with this, is most people have no idea how to properly test anything. For this to have any meaning, all tests should be conducted as follows:
Using multiple devices - not just a Captivate but another phone as well on another run
Not holding the phone in your hand - we know this can cause signal issues
Repeatable routes (testing on the same route)
Driving - walking does not allow for fast enough position change to reveal problems
No other apps running on phone - try to reduce any type of processor or storage contention issues
1. Mount device in car mount in the front windshield - other windows may have tint that interfere with signal reception
2. Launch Google mytracks - start driving after 10 seconds (fixed time for lock - equal for all)
3. Drive route with local and highway speeds and turns
4. Repeat with another device
5. Compare MyTracks recordings
Turn-by-Turn nav is a nice way to view accuracy BUT it has no way to record measurements. Comparing devices with a tool like Googles MyTracks is the only way to show that the captivate GPS sucks or not - maybe other phones suck too in certain environments.
This same methodology should be used before and after any mods as well - otherwise it is all hearsay.

alphadog00 said:
The problem with this, is most people have no idea how to properly test anything. For this to have any meaning, all tests should be conducted as follows:
Using multiple devices - not just a Captivate but another phone as well on another run
Not holding the phone in your hand - we know this can cause signal issues
Repeatable routes (testing on the same route)
Driving - walking does not allow for fast enough position change to reveal problems
No other apps running on phone - try to reduce any type of processor or storage contention issues
1. Mount device in car mount in the front windshield - other windows may have tint that interfere with signal reception
2. Launch Google mytracks - start driving after 10 seconds (fixed time for lock - equal for all)
3. Drive route with local and highway speeds and turns
4. Repeat with another device
5. Compare MyTracks recordings
Turn-by-Turn nav is a nice way to view accuracy BUT it has no way to record measurements. Comparing devices with a tool like Googles MyTracks is the only way to show that the captivate GPS sucks or not - maybe other phones suck too in certain environments.
This same methodology should be used before and after any mods as well - otherwise it is all hearsay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there actually people that have GPS that is consistently accurate to 10 meters or less? I can't even get a lock like that standing in one spot on a sunny day. If I don't enable wireless networks, my GPS icon will flash forever.

ChaoticKinesis said:
Are there actually people that have GPS that is consistently accurate to 10 meters or less? I can't even get a lock like that standing in one spot on a sunny day. If I don't enable wireless networks, my GPS icon will flash forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, many of us has GPS that works fairly well. I have had my phone since launch and running the stock GPS config.... it works OK.

My GPS is an A. I got a replacement and has worked perfectly since.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

ChaoticKinesis said:
Are there actually people that have GPS that is consistently accurate to 10 meters or less? I can't even get a lock like that standing in one spot on a sunny day. If I don't enable wireless networks, my GPS icon will flash forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Results are extremely variable. Your phone sounds like mine. By trial and error I have gotten mine to an "A", but only by doing these four things 1) flashing new ROM - Assonance (5.0), 2) installing Da_g's GPS fix, 3) Removing the rear cover and just using my Bodyglove cover, and 4) when in the car plugging into car charger.
There are other solutions and reported good results from other ROMs and methods, but these are the things that work for me. I have done extensive testing with each of the four items, including MyTracks recordings, to validate the impact they each have. Good luck with yours - it IS possible to get a working system.

Mines grade b at most.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Where can I get this Da_G fix? I'm using Assonance 5.2 and it works fairly well - about a C+ or B I guess. I tried searching XDA for the Da_G fix and couldnt find anything

PixelPerfect3 said:
Where can I get this Da_G fix? I'm using Assonance 5.2 and it works fairly well - about a C+ or B I guess. I tried searching XDA for the Da_G fix and couldnt find anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get Da_G's fix at the post below. Three options - I have been using the Google version and had good success with it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881941

AGPS patch for rapid GPS lock doesn't work with Endomondo sports tracker!

I have applied the patch as given in the below thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442032
and I'm using Reaper v1.3
Yesterday when I went for a run, 'Endomondo pro' never got a lock (in 20 minutes) though it was showing that the GPS was excellent and I was good to start my workout. Can someone check the same on other sports trackers like Runkeeper.. etc
Another weird thing I observed with the AGPS patch is that I get a GPS lock and Google Maps gives my exact position even when I'm deep inside my home (nowhere near any window). Thanks to the dev - With the patch the GPS lock times have become really fantastic but I suspect something amiss.
note: I can't post in the dev thread as I'm still new, but if this is a valid issue and faced by many we can ask someone to post the same in dev section and try and get it resolved. Thanks.

batmobile_bang said:
Another weird thing I observed with the AGPS patch is that I get a GPS lock and Google Maps gives my exact position even when I'm deep inside my home (nowhere near any window). Thanks to the dev - With the patch the GPS lock times have become really fantastic but I suspect something amiss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have turned on wlan? google is saving the position of your wlan, so it can give your home as position very fast!
try an app like "gps test" to watch how many satellites you get connected to!

I wasn't connected to WLAN, only gprs, so weird right?! I have used GPS test and yes I do see more satellites with the patch. I use sports tracker applications more frequently than navigation so its kinda more important to me that the patch is compatible with Endomondo pro.

batmobile_bang said:
I wasn't connected to WLAN, only gprs, so weird right?! I have used GPS test and yes I do see more satellites with the patch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
r u sure to get connected to satellites inside your house?
i get connected to 2-4 satellites when i'm at a window, but deep in the house i can't find anyone!
batmobile_bang said:
I use sports tracker applications more frequently than navigation so its kinda more important to me that the patch is compatible with Endomondo pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm on MIUI using runtastic, and haven't any problems, try if u can get connected with the liteversion outside!

mouzzza said:
r u sure to get connected to satellites inside your house?
i get connected to 2-4 satellites when i'm at a window, but deep in the house i can't find anyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At office I tested again, don't get GPS lock with gprs only, but with wifi there is an instant lock, that's ok I guess
mouzzza said:
i'm on MIUI using runtastic, and haven't any problems, try if u can get connected with the liteversion outside!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installed RunKeeper and tested it with Endomondo on a 10 min walk to lunch from office. Both endomondo and Runkeeper reported a gps fix within a couple of seconds but when I checked the embedded map in the respective sport app there was a big blue circle - similar to AGPS fix. My take on the issue is that these sport tracker apps are being reported of a gps fix much before a fix is established and they are not trying for a better fix?!
Anyone else facing this issue? I love the GPS patch, its making the GPS usable on my Desire S, but this is a deal breaker.

batmobile_bang said:
At office I tested again, don't get GPS lock with gprs only, but with wifi there is an instant lock, that's ok I guess
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the lock on wifi in my opinion is senseless for the sportapps!
batmobile_bang said:
Both endomondo and Runkeeper reported a gps fix within a couple of seconds but when I checked the embedded map in the respective sport app there was a big blue circle - similar to AGPS fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give a chance to "Runtastic".
while testing the apps, you should look that there r no skycrapers, trees,... around you

Runtastic works fantastic and it never lost the lock during the workout.
However, I upgraded the ROM to reaper v1.4, reinstalled endomondo pro and did a few tweaks. In the endomondo location settings I disabled the 'use wireless network' option - this solves the erroneous gps lock shown on endomondo before workout starts.
One curious observation about the AGPS patch though - there was no AGPS position lock (without gps assistance) for the first time after applying the patch, but it's fine once you acquire the position through GPS assistance. I'm still evaluating the same as I find it interesting.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App

[Q] Is my GPS working?

Hi guys! I recently bought LG L5 II, but I have a problem with my GPS. I simply can't figure out if it is working at all or if it is just slow.
I have installed the following applications:
1. GPS Status (blue icon with the button Get Xtra data)
2. GPS Status and Tools (orange icon, with radar)
3. Google Mps (obviously)
4. Navitagor Free
5. Osmand
6. OruxMaps
All of them are freeware (I can't afford to buy GPS application like iGO Primo, Sygic, NAVIGON).
When I download using 3G/Wi-Fi the GPS data with either of the GPS Status programs, my GPS fixes me for 30-40 secs, when I'm outside and standing still. And this works for a couple of days... After that in the same situation without 3G/Wi-Fi my GPS simply doesn't locate my destination for at least 3 minutes - after that SOMETIMES it does locate me.
But in all cases - with 3G/WiFi ON or with 3G/Wi-Fi OFF my GPS doesn't locate me when I'm in a vehicle and driving with 30-40 km/h. Whatever app I use, it doesn't locate me on map. This is the main problem!
This wasn't happening on my old phone (samsung galaxy spica i5700).
Please, tell me, am I doing something wrong or is the GPS broken? What type of sensor is used in my LG L5 II?
Is that sensor reliable or not?
And most importantly - should I return the phone and get it checked out? Or should I try with factory reset?
What do you guys think? One of the main reasons I've bought a new phone is because of the larger screen and GPS usage.

Huawei Watch 2 - GPS accuracy

Hello. I recently started to ride a bike with Strava and track monitoring via watch. I have noticed poor GPS accuracy that makes strava recorded data unusable (max speed >100 kmph, twice more distance due to lost fix...).
Does anyone else observed same issues?
LEO-DLXX (LTE with no sim inserted)
WearOS 1.0
OREO

Hi,
I did not observed this issue on my watch (LTE version). I would event say it is much more acccruate than my phone. But I notice that is not the same in every zone: in some cities, it is OK ans data are usuable, and in others, the GPS is more efficient and I can see which side of the road I was.

Here are some examples of my HWatch2 GPS:
https://ibb.co/iBmcDc
https://ibb.co/fpNHDc

Although I have only used GMaps for navigation, I will say it does give very accurate notifications which has helped me a lot in turning the right turns around 99% of the time compared to relying on only voice navigation on my phone.

Same happens here!
Hi dreamnewbie, Exactly the same thing happens to me, first I thought it was because of the coat, maybe a problem of low signal or the fact of running in the city, some interference by the constructions. after several tests I get to run with short sleeves in open spaces and it's exactly the same, I record the session with the phone and it always measures better, HW2 makes like "peaks" in the route indicating that I got to run at about 40 km/h? !! I do not know if the GPS antenna is very weak or a fault after the upgrade to Wear OS. I love the Huawei propieraty app to run but it is impossible to export workouts to cloud-based services. Regards!
LEO-BX9 (no LTE)
WearOS 1.1
Nexus 6P OREO 8.1.0

Do you guys have a third party watch band? I recently changed the original watch band with a metal one. I noticed the metal interfere with the watches sensors like the compass. Also bluetooth range decreased... i guess i could influence gps reception as well. Now i have the original band installed and no problems. I have the watch for almost a year now and used it a lot for running. Never had any accuracy problems, distance and track was spot on....

I also encountered the same problem. .
What is the version of Strava you are using? Is there any solution?
If there is no way, is there any other application that can be used on the watch and synced to Strava?

ud4x said:
I also encountered the same problem. .
What is the version of Strava you are using? Is there any solution?
If there is no way, is there any other application that can be used on the watch and synced to Strava?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found out that the issue was interference with wireless bike counter - Kross KRC 319WC. After dismounting counter HW2 track recording is OK.

Question Low GPS Accuracy

Recently I've been experiencing a low GPS accuracy in Google Maps (with the app reporting a low accuracy and offering to try to use the camera to improve it). When I'm trying to navigate in my car, often the reported location will be off by 25 feet or more. This results in navigation giving the "you missed your turn" drum sound when I'm actually going the right direction or nuisance reports saying to make a u-turn, etc. It makes me think it might be relying on cellular A-GPS rather than actual GPS. Up until recently the GPS had been excellent on this phone.
Google Location Accuracy: Improve Location Accuracy is enabled.
Location > "Use location" is enabled.
The Maps app has "Use precise location" enabled.
I feel like this might have started after I upgraded to Android 13, but I wasn't paying close attention, so perhaps not.
Anyone else having GPS problems? Is there any other setting that could cause this? Is there an app that can tell me if I'm using A-GPS rather than real GPS?
EDIT: The "GPS Status" app seems to show that the phone is seeing GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites. Checking inside my car, it claims 9 foot accuracy. Strange.