π Documentation
Complete guide to using the GPS Testing App
π Table of Contents
π Getting Started
Quick Start
- Open the app in a modern web browser
- Allow location access when prompted
- Click "Start Tracking" to begin GPS monitoring
- View real-time data on the dashboard and map
- 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
π± Step 1: Enable Location Services (iOS - CRITICAL)
This is the most important step for iPhone/iPad users!
- Open Settings app on your iOS device
- Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security
- Tap Location Services at the top
- Make sure Location Services is turned ON (green toggle)
- Scroll down and find Safari (or your browser)
- Tap Safari and select "While Using App"
- Make sure "Precise Location" is also enabled
Without these settings, the GPS Testing App cannot access your location!
π€ 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
π» 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
π§ 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
π§ GPS Testing Guide
Understanding GPS Accuracy
Test Types
π 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
πΆ 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
π 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
βοΈ 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
π 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
π§ Troubleshooting
Common Issues
π« "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
πΆ 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
π 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
πΊοΈ 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
π± 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
π€ 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
π» 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
βοΈ Technical Reference
GPS Metrics Explained
π 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
π 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
π Browser Compatibility
Supported Browsers
β Chrome
Version 80+ recommended. Excellent GPS support and performance.
β Firefox
Version 75+ recommended. Good GPS support with privacy focus.
β Safari
Version 13+ recommended. Native iOS integration.
β Edge
Version 80+ recommended. Good Windows integration.
Feature Support
Feature | Chrome | Firefox | Safari | Edge |
---|---|---|---|---|
High Accuracy GPS | β | β | β | β |
Continuous Tracking | β | β | β | β |
Background Tracking | β οΈ | β οΈ | β | β οΈ |
Offline Functionality | β | β | β | β |
β Full support, β οΈ Limited support, β Not supported
β‘ 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
β 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.