GPS Settings

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 how Avenza Maps determines their location. The default setting is Use Only Internal Sources. Please note that connecting to an external GPS receiver requires a Pro subscription. 

• Use Only Internal Sources (default) - Exclusively uses the device's built-in GPS sensor.
• Use Only External Sources - Uses only a paired external receiver. If no paired device is detected, users will be notified that location-based activities have stopped. 
• Use Any Source - Uses both external GPS sources and device-based location services. If a user pairs their device to a supported receiver, the external source will take priority until it is disconnected. If no external device is detected, the app will use the device's internal GPS automatically. 

Only Use Satellite Fixes (Android)

When enabled, the app will only use incoming GPS location fixes from a satellite source, filtering out network or WiFi fixes. 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.