The GPS Settings allows the user to specify various settings for GPS data collection, specifically in relation to GPS tracks. The settings available include the ability to use only satellite fixes, horizontal accuracy, distance threshold, time threshold, and the ability to ignore suspicious fixes.
Android
iOS
Location Source
This allows users to specify whether the app should use any GPS source (internal and external), external sources, or internal sources. Please note that the external source setting is currently only compatible with Trimble GPS units. In order to use your GPS unit as an external source, you must have it set up as a Mock Location service via your device settings. For more details on setting up an external GPS device, please see the article here.
Only Use Satellite Fixes (Android)
When enabled, the app will only record the GPS location fixes that come from a satellite source. Please note that with this enabled, there may be gaps in data collected if a satellite signal can not be obtained. By default this setting is disabled.
Horizontal Accuracy
This setting will ignore any GPS location fixes that are greater than the distance specified. These thresholds will be in either meters or feet depending on the default settings. The default setting for this is 32m (105ft). To change this setting, tap on it, and you will be able to select from the following options:
- Keep all fixes: Allows location fixes of any accuracy. Suitable when you are not concerned about recorded track quality
- 8m (26ft): Allows for high accuracy location fixes only. Suitable for use outdoors when there are few obstructions (e.g. on a hiking trail). This can result in gaps in data if there are lots of obstructions
- 16m (52ft): Allows for normal accuracy location fixes. Suitable for use outdoors with partial obstructions (e.g. in a city)
- 32m (105ft): Allows for low accuracy location fixes. Suitable for use outdoors with lots of obstructions (e.g. dense urban environment)
- Custom: Allow you to choose a custom threshold in meters. Defaults to 1 meter.
Distance Threshold
This setting specifies the distance that must be traveled from the previous point before a GPS location fix is recorded. These thresholds will be in either meters or feet depending on the default settings. The default setting is 2m (7ft). To change this setting, tap on it and you will be able to select from the following options:
- Keep all fixes: Records all location fixes regardless of distance traveled. This will result in a high volume of data, including redundant fixes. Suitable for the highest accuracy required, but should only be used for short tracks in order to remain manageable
- 2m (7ft): Suitable for recording accurate tracks in most situations
- 50m (164ft): This will record fewer location fixes. Suitable for very long duration tracks with a reduced accuracy
- Custom: Set a custom distance threshold in meters. Defaults to 1 meter.
Time Threshold
Once specified, this setting will record, at most, one GPS location fix in the specified time interval. The default setting is 2 seconds. To change this setting, tap on it and you will be able to select from the following options:
- Keep all fixes: Records all location fixes regardless of the time interval. This will result in a high volume of data, including redundant fixes. Suitable for the highest accuracy required, but should only be used for short tracks in order to remain manageable
- 2 seconds: Suitable for recording accurate tracks in most situations
- 30 seconds: This will record fewer location fixes. Suitable for very long duration tracks with reduced accuracy
- Custom: Set a custom time threshold in seconds. Defaults to 1 second.
Combined Tracking Mode
When enabled this option requires both the Distance and Time thresholds to be met before data is collected. If you only want to use one of these options, please disable this setting.
Elevation Service
When enabled, this setting will add elevation data to placemarks and when using the Draw & Measure tool. It requires an internet connection to access the external service for elevation data. Users can input their own custom elevation value with or without an internet connection.
Ignore Suspicious Fixes
When enabled, this setting will ignore GPS location fixes that may be incorrect. Examples of these fixes include fixes that are very old or fixes that are suddenly very far away (outliers). By default, this setting is enabled.
Reset to Defaults
This will reset all of the above settings back to their default settings.
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