Explanation
A GPS tracker relies on a strong connection with the GPS satellites in space to obtain an accurate location. If a tracker is inside a building, or in a trunk of a vehicle, it will typically fail to get any GPS signal.
In some cases, however, the tracker won't completely lose its GPS signal, but the signal will be weakened. For example, a tracker in a vehicle that's under a tree may have a hard time fully picking up an accurate location.
In these situations, you may experience what is known as GPS Drift.
What You'll See
With a strong signal, GPS positions are typically accurate within 15-20 feet, but if there are obstructions that are causing a weak signal, the position can be off by as much as 200 feet.
If your tracker is fully obstructed, you will have no updated positions on your map and you will likely see this error message on your account: "Tracker doesn't have GPS signal. You may need to reposition."
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💡 Please Note: If your device is inside a building or parking garage, the above message is normal. As soon as your device leaves the location, it will regain GPS signal and normal tracking will resume.
In other instances, you might not receive an error message. However, the tracker will report sporadically around the actual location, example below in Figure A:
Figure A - Examples of GPS Drift
Since we know the tracker did not drive into each home and the vehicle is still parked, it's safe to assume that GPS drift had caused the misreporting in Figure A. In the example below, Figure B illustrates the GPS drift was isolated to one location about 150 feet away.
Note: This temporary miscalculation may accidentally trigger a "false positive" for a Trip-Start notification within the tracking apps.
Figure B - Examples of GPS Drift
How to Resolve
💡 Please note: If you have an OBD tracker and you are experiencing GPS signal issues, please check the location of the vehicle or asset you are tracking. If your device is inside a building or parking garage, the above message is normal. As soon as your device leaves the location, it will regain GPS signal and normal tracking will resume.
GL300 Tracker
You'll want to ensure your tracker is positioned as outlined in these placement guidelines:
- The GL300 needs to have as much access to the open sky as possible to retain a connection to the GPS satellites.
- The tracker cannot be surrounded by metal since it blocks GPS signals.
- DO NOT place the GL300 in metal enclosures.
- DO NOT place it within the undercarriage, engine compartment, wheel wheels, bumper, trunk, glove compartment, or any closed / lidded compartment of a vehicle.
- The best position for the device within a vehicle is under the driver's or passenger's seats. Be sure the lights on the device are facing up if placed under the seat.
- If you're placing the GL300 under a vehicle, please be sure to use our magnetic case to safely secure it to the vehicle. (See our M2 Case here).
- Once placed in the magnetic case, position the case on a flat part of the frame towards the edge of the vehicle with the LEDs on the face of the device facing down toward the pavement. When you get low to the ground, you should be able to see the case.
Hardwired Tracker
You'll want to ensure your tracker is positioned as outlined in these placement guidelines:
- The hardwired tracker needs to have as much access to the open sky as possible to retain a connection to the GPS satellites.
- The tracker cannot be surrounded by metal since it blocks GPS signals.
- Do NOT hide the hardwired tracker in metal enclosures such as the engine compartment, glove compartment, or sandwiched next to the firewall. The best position for the device within a vehicle is under the dashboard, with the lights facing as much open-air as possible.
- When placing the tracker in a vehicle's dashboard, position it so that the device is as close to the edge of the dashboard or as close to the windshield as possible. The plastics of the dashboard shouldn't affect the normal operation of the device.