The following are important factors in getting accurate geolocation data.
Hardware - Outdated hardware is one of the main factors in getting accurate geolocation data. Older mobile devices typically do not have a GPS chip included and rely on WIFI or mobile network location to determine location. This is more taxing on the battery and less reliable when in rural locations. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use supported devices that meet Nextstop’s compatibility requirements. See Application Suite Compatibility Requirements and Nextstop 3 Unsupported Devices.
GPS Technology - There are many factors that affect the reliability of GPS data. Some factors are satellite geometry, signal blockage, atmospheric conditions, and receiver design features/quality. See https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/performance/accuracy/ for more information.
Battery Optimization and Background Restrictions - Battery optimization and background restriction settings are meant to improve battery usage but can also prevent your device from sending GPS information.
Optimal Nextstop GPS Performance Checklist
1. Enable GPS/Location Services
On iPhone
Tap Settings > Privacy.
Tap Location Services.
Move the Location Services slider to on/green. Location Services are now on. Apps that need them can start accessing your location right away.
On Android
Tap Settings > Location.
Move the slider to On.
2. Grant Location Permission to Nextstop
Quick Tip: You will want to choose “Always” on an iPhone or “Allow All The Time” on an Android to get the most accurate GPS updates.
You will be prompted to grant Location permission upon installation of Nextstop.
On iPhone
Tap Settings > Privacy.
Tap Location Services.
Scroll down to Nextstop.
Tap “Always”.
On Android
Go to Settings > Apps.
Find Nextstop and ensure that the location permission is enabled.
3. Deactivate Battery Optimization Settings (For Android Only)
Android has recently started using its “Smart Manager” for app optimization which automatically enables a device’s battery saver. Using the battery saver could interfere with some of the standard workflow behavior in Nextstop. To assist users in locating their battery saver settings for Nextstop, we have listed some commonly used Android device types and the steps needed to find the setting.
Every device manufacturer has a different way to control battery saver settings, and those can be subject to frequent change. We recommend doing a quick internet search for how to control it on your specific device or contacting your device’s manufacturer or cellular provider for assistance.The following was from the original doc. I am not sure if we want to add this to the customer-facing article or not. It is useful but can easily become outdated. do you think we could add something generic like “Every device manufacturer has a different way to control battery saver settings, and those can be subject to frequent change. We recommend doing a quick internet search for how to control it on your specific device, or contact your device’s manufacturer for cellular provider for assistance.” Added above and kept device specific info in the internal doc
4. Set Device Location Accuracy Level Settings to “High Accuracy”
Setting the Location Accuracy to “High Accuracy” is the best choice because it allows your device to use the GPS and your phone’s network to retrieve and receive location updates.
5. Disable Data Saver / Background Restrictions / Sleeping Apps
You'll need to turn background data on for Nextstop on your device to allow data to be downloaded or provide you with notifications even when you're not using the app. See https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/1663315?hl=en.
6. Check if Google Location Accuracy is on
For some devices, is a separate setting from the previous accuracy setting. See https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/3467281?hl=en
7. Enable Wifi
Enabling wifi is especially useful in metro areas to significantly increase GPS accuracy because many devices use high accuracy location by determining the local wireless networks in the area.
8. Set Timezone to Automatic
Since GPS data can rely on accurate timezone, it is important that the device is set to the correct timezone.
9. Pin Nextstop / Allow Display Over App
You can pin an app for quick access and prevent it from closing in the background on many devices with newer Android versions. See https://support.google.com/android/answer/6118421?hl=en.
10. Keep Google Maps Automatically Updated
It's Ideal to set Google Maps to update automatically. If your phone is running on an old or outdated version of maps, it can have negative impacts on GPS data accuracy.
11. Clear Cached Data for Maps
Sometimes cached data for Maps may have been corrupted. This can cause a problem for your GPS and it may begin behaving unexpectedly. See: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/9878013?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid.