126 Section 2F. Tools
To improve accuracy and increase your chances of a
successful calculation, do the following while your
phone is determining your approximate location:
ⅷ Stay in the open. The GPS feature works best where
there is nothing between your phone and a large
amount of open sky. If possible, go outside, away
from tall buildings and foliage. While performance in
a building is improved by moving closer to windows,
glass with certain sun shielding films may block
satellite signals.
ⅷ Hold your phone to enhance reception. Signals from GPS
satellites are transmitted to your GPS antenna, which
is in your phone antenna. Hold your phone away
from your body, giving the antenna clear access to
satellite signals. Do not cover the antenna area with
your fingers or anything else.
ⅷ Stand still. If possible, stand still until your phone is
finished determining your location. Moving your
phone at a walking pace while your phone is
calculating your approximate location may
substantially decrease GPS performance.
ⅷ In a car. When using the GPS Enabled feature in a car,
position your phone so that the GPS antenna has
good access to GPS signals through the car’s
windows. Typically, the GPS antenna has best access
to GPS signals in a car when placed near a window.
ⅷ Stay in network coverage. The network will provide your
phone with information that helps determine your
location more quickly and accurately.
Updating Satellite Almanac Data
Another way to keep the GPS feature of your phone
working well is to keep your satellite almanac data up
to date.
The United States government maintains an almanac
of data about where GPS satellites are as they orbit the
Earth. This information is available to your phone.
Keeping your satellite almanac up to date helps your
phone determine your location more quickly.
Note
Although moving your phone at a walking pace
decreases GPS performance, moving it at the speed
of a moving car does not.
