[Qgis-user] Tablet vs GPS accuracy

[Michael.Dodd]

I did a considerable amount of testing comparing conventional gps devices and smartphones and some more advanced gps devices.  All compared to cm level dgps locations.
One factor to consider is that smartphones tend to be mass produced in much larger numbers than separate gps devices so they can potentially have the latest most accurate chips etc.  as far as i recall towers only affect speed of first location not accuracy as the location calculated just from tower is much less accurate than from the gps itself.  I also recall reading somewhere that one or two models of smartphone physically have the technology in them to do 0.5m accuracy but this ability is switched off at the moment.
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From: Blumentrath, Stefan [Stefan.Blumentrath at nina.no]
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2014 12:59 PM
To: Leo Kris Palao; QGIS Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Qgis-user] Tablet vs GPS accuracy

Hei Leo,

Unfortunately I do not recall where I read comparison of “proper GPS” and Smartphones regarding precision. But as far as I remember precision difference depends very much on where you are.
Smartphones (and also tablets I guess) make also use of the cell towers / access points to the mobile network for positioning.
So, if you are working in towns or populated areas you get probably comparable precision to a commercial GPS (a few meters difference). But if you are in remote areas, difference can be more significant 20m and more…

Others please correct me if I am wrong…

And as Zoltan writes: what is “good” (or more precise “suitable”) depends on your needs…

Cheers
Stefan
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