πŸš€ Getting Started

Quick Start

  1. Open the app in a modern web browser
  2. Allow location access when prompted
  3. Click "Start Tracking" to begin GPS monitoring
  4. View real-time data on the dashboard and map
  5. Export your data when finished testing

System Requirements

  • Device: Any smartphone, tablet, or computer with GPS/location services
  • Browser: Chrome 80+, Firefox 75+, Safari 13+, Edge 80+
  • Connection: HTTPS required for location access (automatically provided)
  • Permissions: Location access must be granted

First Time Setup

πŸ“± Step 1: Enable Location Services (iOS - CRITICAL)

This is the most important step for iPhone/iPad users!

  1. Open Settings app on your iOS device
  2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security
  3. Tap Location Services at the top
  4. Make sure Location Services is turned ON (green toggle)
  5. Scroll down and find Safari (or your browser)
  6. Tap Safari and select "While Using App"
  7. Make sure "Precise Location" is also enabled

Without these settings, the GPS Testing App cannot access your location!

πŸ€– Step 1: Enable Location Services (Android)

  • Open Settings β†’ Apps β†’ [Your Browser]
  • Tap Permissions β†’ Location
  • Select "Allow only while using the app"
  • Enable "Use precise location" if available

πŸ’» Step 1: Enable Location Services (Desktop)

  • Chrome: Click location icon in address bar β†’ Allow
  • Firefox: Click shield icon β†’ Allow location access
  • Safari: Browser will prompt automatically
  • Edge: Click location icon in address bar β†’ Allow

Step 2: Grant Browser Permission

When you first access the GPS Testing App, your browser will show a permission prompt:

  • Click "Allow" when prompted for location access
  • If you accidentally clicked "Block", refresh the page and try again
  • For iOS Safari: The prompt may appear twice - allow both times
  • If no prompt appears, check Step 1 settings above

Step 3: Optimize GPS Signal

  • Go outdoors - GPS works best with clear sky view
  • Move away from buildings - Tall structures block GPS signals
  • Avoid tree cover - Dense foliage can interfere with reception
  • Wait 30-60 seconds - Allow GPS to get initial satellite lock
  • Keep device flat - Don't hold at steep angles

πŸ”§ Still Not Working? Try These:

  • Restart your browser - Close completely and reopen
  • Try incognito/private mode - Sometimes helps reset permissions
  • Check iOS Settings twice - Go back through Step 1 carefully
  • Restart your device - Can resolve permission issues
  • Update your browser - Ensure you have the latest version
  • Try a different browser - Chrome often works best on iOS

🧭 GPS Testing Guide

Understanding GPS Accuracy

Excellent Β±5 meters or better - Ideal for precise tracking and navigation
Good Β±10 meters - Suitable for most applications and general tracking
Fair Β±50 meters - Acceptable for general location awareness
Poor >50 meters - May indicate GPS signal issues or interference

Test Types

πŸ“ Static Accuracy Test

Purpose: Measure GPS accuracy while stationary

  • Duration: 2-5 minutes
  • Best for: Testing device GPS precision
  • Setup: Stay in one location, preferably outdoors
  • What to expect: Consistent positioning within accuracy radius

🚢 Walking Accuracy Test

Purpose: Test accuracy during slow movement

  • Duration: 3-10 minutes
  • Best for: Pedestrian navigation testing
  • Setup: Walk at normal pace in open area
  • What to expect: Smooth track following your path

πŸš— Vehicle Test

Purpose: High-speed accuracy testing

  • Duration: 5-15 minutes
  • Best for: Automotive GPS evaluation
  • Setup: Drive at various speeds, avoid tunnels
  • What to expect: Continuous tracking with speed data

❄️ Cold Start Test

Purpose: Measure time to first GPS fix

  • Duration: 30 seconds - 5 minutes
  • Best for: Testing GPS initialization speed
  • Setup: Clear GPS cache or restart device
  • What to expect: Gradual improvement in accuracy

πŸ”„ Signal Recovery Test

Purpose: Test GPS reacquisition after signal loss

  • Duration: 2-10 minutes
  • Best for: Testing signal recovery capabilities
  • Setup: Go indoors/under cover, then return outdoors
  • What to expect: Quick signal reacquisition

πŸ”§ Troubleshooting

Common Issues

🚫 "Location access denied" or "Geolocation not supported"

  • Check browser permissions: Click the location icon in address bar
  • Try incognito/private mode: Sometimes helps reset permissions
  • Update your browser: Ensure you're using a supported version
  • Enable location services: Check device-level location settings

πŸ“Ά Poor GPS accuracy or no signal

  • Move outdoors: GPS works best with clear sky view
  • Wait for signal: Allow 30-60 seconds for GPS to stabilize
  • Check weather: Heavy clouds can affect GPS accuracy
  • Avoid interference: Stay away from tall buildings and electronic devices

πŸ”„ App not loading or freezing

  • Refresh the page: Simple reload often fixes temporary issues
  • Clear browser cache: Remove stored data and reload
  • Check internet connection: Ensure stable connectivity
  • Try different browser: Test with Chrome, Firefox, or Safari

πŸ—ΊοΈ Map not displaying

  • Check internet connection: Map tiles require network access
  • Disable ad blockers: Some blockers interfere with map loading
  • Try mobile data: Switch from WiFi if having network issues
  • Refresh the page: Reload to retry map initialization

Device-Specific Tips

πŸ“± iOS Devices

  • Ensure Location Services are enabled in Settings
  • Check Safari location permissions specifically
  • Consider using Chrome or Firefox as alternative browsers
  • Restart location services if having persistent issues

πŸ€– Android Devices

  • Enable high-accuracy GPS mode in location settings
  • Grant location permission to your browser app
  • Disable battery optimization for your browser
  • Try Chrome browser for best compatibility

πŸ’» Desktop/Laptop

  • Use Chrome or Firefox for best GPS support
  • Enable location services in browser settings
  • Note: Desktop GPS accuracy may be limited
  • Consider using mobile device for better results

βš™οΈ Technical Reference

GPS Metrics Explained

πŸ“ Position Data

  • Latitude/Longitude: Your exact coordinates in decimal degrees
  • Altitude: Height above sea level (when available)
  • Accuracy: Radius of uncertainty in meters
  • Timestamp: When the position was recorded

πŸš€ Performance Metrics

  • Speed: Current velocity in km/h (calculated from position changes)
  • Heading: Direction of travel in degrees (0Β° = North)
  • Distance: Total distance traveled using Haversine formula
  • Points: Number of GPS positions collected

Data Export Format

GPS data is exported as JSON with the following structure:

{
  "session": {
    "startTime": "2024-01-01T12:00:00.000Z",
    "endTime": "2024-01-01T12:30:00.000Z",
    "totalDistance": 1234.5,
    "avgAccuracy": 8.2
  },
  "positions": [
    {
      "latitude": 40.7128,
      "longitude": -74.0060,
      "accuracy": 5,
      "altitude": 10,
      "speed": 0,
      "heading": null,
      "timestamp": "2024-01-01T12:00:00.000Z"
    }
  ]
}

Accuracy Factors

  • Satellite visibility: More satellites = better accuracy
  • Atmospheric conditions: Weather can affect signal quality
  • Device hardware: GPS chip quality varies between devices
  • Environmental interference: Buildings, trees, and electronics
  • Movement speed: Stationary positions are typically most accurate

🌐 Browser Compatibility

Supported Browsers

βœ… Chrome

Version 80+ recommended. Excellent GPS support and performance.

βœ… Firefox

Version 75+ recommended. Good GPS support with privacy focus.

βœ… Safari

Version 13+ recommended. Native iOS integration.

βœ… Edge

Version 80+ recommended. Good Windows integration.

Feature Support

Feature Chrome Firefox Safari Edge
High Accuracy GPS βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…
Continuous Tracking βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…
Background Tracking ⚠️ ⚠️ ❌ ⚠️
Offline Functionality βœ… βœ… βœ… βœ…

βœ… Full support, ⚠️ Limited support, ❌ Not supported

⚑ Performance Tips

Optimize GPS Accuracy

  • Use outdoors: Open sky provides best satellite visibility
  • Stay still initially: Allow GPS to get initial fix before moving
  • Avoid metal objects: Cars, buildings can interfere with signals
  • Check time/date: Incorrect system time can affect GPS

Battery Optimization

  • Close other apps: Reduce background GPS usage
  • Lower screen brightness: Save battery during long tests
  • Use airplane mode + GPS: For testing without cellular interference
  • Monitor battery level: Low battery can reduce GPS performance

Data Management

  • Export regularly: Prevent data loss from browser clearing
  • Clear old sessions: Remove unnecessary data for better performance
  • Monitor storage: Large datasets may slow the app

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the GPS tracking?

Accuracy depends on your device and environment. Most modern smartphones achieve 3-5 meter accuracy outdoors. The app displays real-time accuracy estimates and uses high-precision mode for best results.

Does this work offline?

Yes! GPS tracking works completely offline. Only the map tiles require internet connection. Your GPS data is processed locally and doesn't need network access.

Can I use this for professional surveying?

This app provides consumer-grade GPS accuracy suitable for general testing and analysis. For professional surveying requiring centimeter accuracy, specialized equipment is recommended.

How long can I track continuously?

There's no time limit, but battery life and browser memory are practical constraints. Most devices can track for several hours. Consider exporting data periodically for long sessions.

Is my location data private?

Absolutely. All GPS processing happens locally in your browser. No location data is transmitted to any servers. You can use the app completely offline if desired.

Why is my GPS accuracy poor indoors?

GPS signals are very weak and cannot penetrate most buildings effectively. For accurate testing, use the app outdoors with a clear view of the sky.

Can I compare different devices?

Yes! Run the same test on multiple devices and compare the exported data. This is useful for evaluating GPS performance across different hardware.

What file format is the exported data?

Data is exported as JSON format, which can be imported into Excel, Google Sheets, or any data analysis software. The format includes all position data and calculated metrics.