GPS tracking update
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
GPS tracking update
I have my phones location shared with my wife so she can know where I am when I'm out on a ride but the phone location can pause for minutes so i might have moved on. I've noticed that sometimes when she is picking my up from work, she could be outside my office but her phones location appears 2km away. I don't know if this is a phone issue that could be "solved" with a Spot or similar device, or if they have the same issue.
Do they update more frequently? Can they be tracked more accurately?
Do they update more frequently? Can they be tracked more accurately?
#2
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,987
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6193 Post(s)
Liked 4,809 Times
in
3,317 Posts
I have used google maps to share location between me and my wife for years on our smart phones. Sometimes... actually more often in the last handful of years googles shared location has been way off at times just like you describe.
With my Garmin Edge I also share location when I'm riding my bike through what Garmin calls Live Tracking. It's been much more accurate and seems to be updated more often and gives more info. Though it sometimes screws up too. But way less often. Though you do have to remain in cell tower range to be able to provide info to whomever is tracking you.
Spot trackers will probably be very accurate. Unless they've changed up and offered some new stuff that works differently. I use to sail a lot and be out of cell phone reception quite often. The Spot trackers were made with tracking as their main and virtually only purpose. They communicate directly with satellites and even when a 100 miles or more off the coast well away from cell towers their location can be seen. Never seen any that seemed to be inaccurate in location. A friend still uses one and I can see where he is when he is out sailing way off shore.
On land in mountainous terrain, it might be that terrain might shield the Spot Tracker at time from communicating. But likely it's still way better than any cell phone based tracker.
With my Garmin Edge I also share location when I'm riding my bike through what Garmin calls Live Tracking. It's been much more accurate and seems to be updated more often and gives more info. Though it sometimes screws up too. But way less often. Though you do have to remain in cell tower range to be able to provide info to whomever is tracking you.
Spot trackers will probably be very accurate. Unless they've changed up and offered some new stuff that works differently. I use to sail a lot and be out of cell phone reception quite often. The Spot trackers were made with tracking as their main and virtually only purpose. They communicate directly with satellites and even when a 100 miles or more off the coast well away from cell towers their location can be seen. Never seen any that seemed to be inaccurate in location. A friend still uses one and I can see where he is when he is out sailing way off shore.
On land in mountainous terrain, it might be that terrain might shield the Spot Tracker at time from communicating. But likely it's still way better than any cell phone based tracker.
Last edited by Iride01; 07-26-22 at 09:02 AM.
#3
Full Member
If there is decent cell service in the areas that you bike, Garmin LiveTrack or Strava Beacon are going to be a much better deal than a Spot tracker.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,882
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3238 Post(s)
Liked 2,086 Times
in
1,181 Posts
Spot Tracker is a satellite connection that you pay a monthly service for. Not sure the OP wants that.
It sounds like for what you doing, both of you tracking the others phone, I would just research better phone tracking apps and use those.
It sounds like for what you doing, both of you tracking the others phone, I would just research better phone tracking apps and use those.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
SPOT is a satellite enabled messaging device made to get you rescued when you're in trouble and beyond cellular reception. These are not the drones you want.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Posts: 14,272
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4257 Post(s)
Liked 1,357 Times
in
942 Posts
I have my phones location shared with my wife so she can know where I am when I'm out on a ride but the phone location can pause for minutes so i might have moved on. I've noticed that sometimes when she is picking my up from work, she could be outside my office but her phones location appears 2km away. I don't know if this is a phone issue that could be "solved" with a Spot or similar device, or if they have the same issue.
The phone may not be using GPS continuously. Often, it's turned on "as needed" for a quick location check. You might need to change the permissions of whatever tracking app you are using to use GPS continuously.
SPOT requires a subscription, which seems overkill for what you are looking for.