up vote 2 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

This afternoon I tested an AmbiCom USB GPS and the cordinates were jumping all over. Most of them were at least 30 feet off. Anyone have any experience with any other brands/have any recommendations for a more accurate USB GPS unit?

link|improve this question
75% accept rate
2  
That's called "Jitter" (IIRC) and 30 feet (10 meters) is about as accurate as consumer level devices get... – Farseeker Dec 11 '09 at 1:03
if you want significantly better accuracy, join (or possibly contract for) the US military. – quack quixote Dec 11 '09 at 9:20
feedback

migrated from serverfault.com Dec 11 '09 at 7:23

This question came from our site for system administrators and desktop support professionals.

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Accuracy of GPS depends on many factors:

  • the consumer accuracy (15 to 30 ft approx.), due to jam in consumer signals (the military accuracy is far better)
  • the number of satellites in view (3 is the bare minimum)
  • the environment (near building or structure, reflection and refraction of materials)

So don't expect a better accuracy.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

A very quick read of the specs for the device indicates that GPS accuracy is 16 to 33 ft Approximately. What you have observed is exactly how the device works or for that matter most GPS devices.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.