GPS settings and troubleshooting

GPS Settings and Troubleshooting
GPS, or global positioning system, is how mWater and other software find a location. mWater uses GPS to set a site's location or to record the location of a survey question when it is asked in the field. This page explains solutions to the most common problems. 
Setting location requires GPS
Setting location requires GPS

All Android phones should go through the mWater Android setup checklist. Android models come in many different configurations of versions and settings. This checklist instructs users to change settings and download updates that will ensure the phone or tablet operates at full capacity. This is especially true for GPS. 
Please note that some models of Androids have had so many problems that mWater recommends against using them for fieldwork. Check the mWater device knowledge base before purchasing phones or tablets. Please let us know if you have a good or bad experience with a device so that we can keep the knowledge base up to date. 

Troubleshooting tips

The GPS shows low accuracy 

mWater apps continuously try at better GPS accuracy as a site is mapped. Low GPS should become better over a few seconds or, at worst, minutes. Check to be sure you are not around high trees or inside a building that is disrupting the GPS. Concrete buildings tend to disrupt GPS signals. Move the phone around a bit or hold it above your head. If the GPS is still low accuracy, it may be because your Android has switched to low or no GPS accuracy. 
  1. Go to the Android home screen 
  2. Open Settings
  3. Click the Location icon
  4. Check that the GPS is set to High Accuracy mode

GPS is slow to find the device's position

Android devices usually turn off the GPS to save power and increase battery life. The first time each day you use an app with GPS, there will be a delay as the GPS starts up. As a result, the first time each day you use GPS to, for example, set a site location, it may take longer than usual. 

GPS does not work on a laptop or computer

Receiving GPS signals requires a special chip and antenna. These are usually built in to smart phones, but most laptops or desktop computers do not this functionality. Some computers can use wifi signals to approximate a location, but this will have poor accuracy. 

GPS does not work in my phone's internet browser

When using mWater in an iPhone or other model of phone or tablet's browser app, it is important to check that location tracking is allowed. Otherwise, mWater maps and GPS will not work. 

Important notes

Working with GPS 

  1. You do not need to calibrate the GPS or use an external app to record GPS coordinates in mWater Surveyor. 
  2. GPS does not require a cell signal to work. GPS relies on contact with satellites. Your GPS should work even if you are out of a service area. However, map tiles will not show unless you pre-cache them. 
  3. Clouds or rainfall do not usually have an effect on GPS signals, but trees and buildings can block GPS.
  4. Most phones and tablets with SIM cards, use assisted GPS, which uses both satellites and phone signals to fix a position. In urban areas, with good phone signals, GPS therefore, often works faster than in rural areas. 

GPS on iPhones and iPads

Tips for improving GPS on mobile devices

Last updated July 2018