Global Positioning System (GPS) | GPS World

Do you realize that you can get greater GPS accuracy by doing a few simple tips? Most people think all you have to do is turn it on and your done. Well in a sense that is true, but to get the best and most accurate readings there are a few tips that will help you accomplish that. We have compiled some tips to help you get the most from your GPS receiver. Read further, discover, and implement these tips for better coverage and accuracy.

Turning on your GPS receiver is something that many people really do not pay much attention too. Many times this is why you do not always get the kind of reading that you are looking for when you start off. First always start it outdoors and in the widest space possible. Try to stay away from buildings an any large geographic formations and trees. This will give you a much more accurate reading. Being patient when you first turn on your receiver is also something that you will need to learn. We all like to just turn it on and go, but giving it some time to lock on the satellites will give you much better readings than if you just turned it on and went. Wait for at least three satellites to be utilized. The more that you can get a fixed on though will give you much greater accuracy which is what we really want anyway.

Look over the PDOP measurement on your GPS unit. The PDOP measurement will provide you with a general measuring stick for accuracy. It will measure the geometrical strength of your GPS satellite configuration. Set the minimum speed on your unit. The minimum speed is an application on your GPS that tells you what you're doing hiking, driving, walking. The main reason for this is it will give you a much more accurate reading if it knows what the intended method of travel happens to be. Using waypoints to get a more accurate reading. This is another option that you have, but if you do use this method, there are some things you should know. First of all come to a complete stop when making a waypoint. Secondly do not move at least for 20 seconds or more prior to setting the waypoint. This time is needed for the GPS system to realize that you have come to a complete stop and you are not move this will give you a good accurate reading as well.

Disable the static navigation is you are a Sirfstar III user. The reasons for this are if you do not disable it, your readings at pedestrian speeds could be adversely affected and give you a reading that is not as accurate as you would have hoped for. Most people who use these tips above find greater results than if they do not use them at all. Instead of just doing it your own way why not give these a try and see how much easier it could actually be on you.

A quick overview of getting accurate GPS readings is the follow. Make sure that you are outdoors and in a wide open area before turning your unit on. This will eliminate bounce and give you a better reading than any other way. Secondly, give your receiver time to get a fix on the satellites. Do not rush it as the longer you let it get a good fix the better and more accurate reading you will receive. Three satellites is a good starting point, but the more the merrier as you will get more detail readings that way. If you need to make waypoints make sure you come to a complete stop for at least 20 seconds before you even try to set into your GPS unit.

There are many different things that affect the accuracy and readings of a GPS unit. Most people just do not realize that and tend to blame the unit or something else on the problem. If you follow, the tips we gave you above you will get more accurate readings and it usually will take you a lot less time than any other way you do it. Accuracy is very important in things you do in life and if you are traveling, you want fast accurate records quickly. The factors that can effect this of course many you cannot control, but after a few using these tips a few times you will be better prepared and more knowledgeable in how to get more accurate readings all the time.