The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location information to GPS receivers as long as they maintain a clear line of sight to at least four satellites. While GPS doesn't require an internet connection or data transmission, factors like mountains, buildings, or dense foliage can disrupt the weak satellite signals, leading to inaccuracies.
Below is a guide to common GPS issues, troubleshooting tips, and instructions for ensuring Birda performs optimally on both Android and iOS devices.
Why Birda uses GPS
Birda leverages GPS technology to enhance your birdwatching experience by accurately saving the location of bird sightings and sessions. This allows the app to create Geographic Information System (GIS)-based life lists, categorized by region, country, state/province, or specific birding areas like national parks or nature reserves. GPS also enables Birda to provide a curated list of bird species relevant to your exact location. Instead of showing all 11,000 bird species, the app displays a location-specific list, prioritized by species' likelihood of occurrence. Additionally, Birda uses GPS to suggest nearby birding hotspots, while the species guide dynamically adjusts to show the most common birds for your current location. By integrating GPS, Birda ensures your birdwatching is localized, efficient, and insightful.
Common GPS Issues
GPS Drift: The GPS track deviates slightly from the actual path, following the general shape but with less precision.
Lost GPS Signal: Signal interruptions create gaps in recorded data, connecting points with a straight line.
GPS Bounce: Erratic or jumpy tracks can overestimate distances due to zigzag connections.
How to Optimize GPS Performance for Birda
General Tips for Fast and Accurate GPS Lock
Clear Sky View: Ensure the phone has an unobstructed view of the sky. Obstructions like trees, buildings, or even a pocket can weaken signals.
Device Stationary: Keep the device stationary while acquiring signals.
Enable Data: Allow the device's data communication for faster location acquisition. This provides the GPS with approximate location hints.
Troubleshooting GPS on Android Devices
Restart the Phone and GPS:
Restart your phone.
Toggle the GPS setting off and on.
Enable Location Permissions:
Go to
Settings > Apps > Birda > Permissions > Locationand set it to "Allow All the Time."Enable GPS for background use.
Disable Battery-Saving Modes: Adjust battery optimization settings to ensure Birda operates without interruptions:
Samsung:
Settings > Apps > Special Access > Optimize Battery Usage > All Apps > Birda > Toggle Off.OnePlus:
Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization > All Apps > Birda > Don't Optimize.Other devices may have similar options under "Battery" or "Power Management."
Set High-Accuracy Mode:
Settings > Connections > Location > Locating Method > High Accuracy.
Reset AGPS Data:
Use the GPS Status & Toolbox app. Navigate to
Menu > Manage A-GPS State > Resetto refresh the GPS data.
Test GPS Performance:
Record an activity in Birda for 10 minutes in an open area without moving the device. If problems persist, test with another fitness tracker app to verify if the issue is GPS-specific.
Activating GPS for Birda on iOS Devices
Enable Location Services:
Go to
Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.Ensure "Location Services" is toggled on.
Allow Location Access for Birda:
Navigate to
Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Birda.Select "While Using the App" to allow location tracking only while the app is running in the foreground.
Select "Always" to allow location tracking even when the app is running in the background.
Disable Low Power Mode:
Open
Settings > Battery > Low Power Modeand toggle it off, as it may restrict GPS functionality.
Set Precise Location:
In
Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Birda, toggle on "Precise Location" to ensure the app receives accurate GPS data.
Test GPS Functionality:
Open Birda in an area with a clear sky and post a sighting. When you land on the map screen, the blue dot should pinpoint your location.
Final Considerations
While GPS technology is reliable, its performance can vary due to weather conditions, satellite positions, and device-specific factors. If issues persist:
Ensure the Birda app is updated to its latest version for optimal compatibility.
Confirm the GPS hardware works by testing with other apps.
Try resetting or updating the phone's GPS data using a dedicated app like GPS Status.