Getting a good GPS signal while using the Pebbls tracking app is essential for accurate tracking of your journey. As you travel your device needs to be able to receive signals from satellites high above you. These signals can be blocked by buildings and other objects, which can affect the accuracy of your GPS signal. It is particularly difficult to receive an accurate GPS signal when you are inside a metal vehicle such as an aircraft or passenger ferry.
Here are some tips on how to get the best GPS signal while travelling:
On a boat
- Try to be in an open area with a clear view of the sky as much as possible.
- Keep your device away from areas that are covered by metal structures – position your device outside or next to a window wherever possible.
- Move around the boat if possible to find the best signal.
Cycling
- Keep your device in a location with a clear view of the sky, such as on your handlebars or in a frame-bag.
- If your bag, wallet, or pockets have signal blocking material then avoid putting your device in these places.
- Try not to stop for too long in areas with poor GPS signal, such as underpasses or heavily built-up areas.
- Consider using a handlebar mount for easy access and to keep your device out in the open as much as possible.
Walking
- Keep your device in a location with a clear view of the sky, such as in an open pocket or on a lanyard around your neck.
- If your bag, wallet, or pockets have signal blocking material then avoid putting your device in these places.
- Try not to stop for too long in areas with poor signal GPS signal, such as underpasses or heavily built-up areas.
In a car, campervan, or RV
- Keep your device in a location with a clear view of the sky, such as on the dashboard or windshield.
- Avoid placing the device in areas where it may be shielded from the sky view, such as under the seats or in the glove box.
- Make sure the device is securely attached to avoid any vibrations that may interfere with the GPS accuracy.
- Some areas will have particularly poor GPS signal reception, such as in a tunnel, or the center of an area with tall buildings – avoid spending too long in these areas if you can.
On a motorcycle
- Keep your device in a location with a clear view of the sky, such as on the handlebars.
- Avoid placing the device in areas where it may be shielded from the sky view, such as in a metal pannier.
- Make sure the device is securely attached to avoid any vibrations that may interfere with the GPS signal.
- Try to avoid riding for too long in areas with poor signal reception, such as tunnels or areas with a lot of tall buildings.
On a plane
- Turn on airplane mode and then turn on GPS only mode (on Android devices) or location services (on iOS devices) to save battery and avoid interfering with the aircraft’s systems.
- Keep the GPS device as close to a window as possible to improve signal reception.
- Avoid putting the device in an over-head locker as this might add further shielding.