FastField uses GPS technology to equip your team with accurate location tracking, real-time data, data validation, mapping, and more. To achieve this, you can enable GPS tagging on certain fields or add the Location/GPS field to your form.
When collecting GPS location data, it's worth noting some specific details when it comes to accuracy, timing, and caching.
Accuracy
The GPS receiver aims to achieve an accuracy of within 10 meters. Some specialized Android devices can even achieve an accuracy of within 2 meters. However, this precision can vary based on several factors, such as the device's GPS chip, geographical location, and operational duration. External obstructions like buildings, trees, and access to cell towers can also impact accuracy.
Note: It can take anywhere between 5 to 60 seconds to obtain signals from the four essential satellites needed for GPS location data.
The accuracy of GPS coordinates is divided into two properties:
- Horizontal accuracy: The latitude and longitude coordinates determine the center of a circular area, and this value indicates the radius of that circle. Negative values indicate invalid latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Vertical accuracy (iOS only): In cases involving altitude, the value can be positive or negative, with the property value representing a range. A negative value indicates that the altitude value is invalid. Both accuracy values are included in the JSON form submission. In instances where satellite GPS signals are unavailable, the device makes an effort to employ Cell Tower Triangulation-based coordinates, provided they are accessible.
Time Taken to Lock Coordinates
In both the iOS and Android apps, the time taken to lock onto GPS coordinates generally occurs within a few seconds. This time can vary based on the device's communication with satellites, however.
When the Location/GPS field is first opened, the location manager obtains an initial location fix, which usually just takes a few seconds. After that, the receiver generates updated events when a more accurate location is read. Once a connection with the satellite is established, the response time tends to be more rapid.
Caching of Coordinates
The FastField app uses the live GPS receiver coordinates as location events are triggered. However, if a location update event doesn't occur within 5 seconds or until a more accurate location update is obtained, the GPS relies on the last cached location. These cached locations remain valid for a duration of 5 seconds.
Interacting with the GPS Field
With the latest update to the FastField web app, as well as the iOS and Android apps, the GPS field offers enhanced interactivity. Users can now tap anywhere on the map within the Location/GPS field to instantly place a location pin if Allow User Defined is enabled. This allows for easy manual selection of locations without relying solely on the device's real-time GPS data.
This feature is especially helpful when adjusting or correcting a location if the automatic GPS data is slightly inaccurate or when users need to tag a location other than their current position. Simply click or tap on the desired spot on the map, and the system will place the pin accordingly.