Google maps not using GPS
 

I have an 8330 with Google maps. When it looks up any location it gives me the location within 1600 meters. I imagine this is because it triangulates off cell phone towers instead of gps. How do I get it to use GPS I also have bb maps and have no problems with it using GPS. I have Verizon. OS 4.5.0.175 google maps v 4.4.0

If my memory is correct, your phone is locked from most other GPS apps, expect BB Maps. That is a carrier issue. Newer Verizon phones dont have this problem

I thought that blocked was removed after a certain OS was installed, or am I remembering that all wrong now?

I assume that you have "Location Services ON" since you say BB Maps works. For GPS to lock on, you need to give it some time to find the satellites. If it has been a while since you last used GPS, then the BB must download the current ephemeris table so it knows where to look and which satellites it should see (they are not in a geo orbit). You also need to have a clear view of the sky.

And you are correct about the initial lock. Google Maps uses cell tower data initially to locate you from 1500 to 2500 meters and to help GPS find itself.

When I was running 4.5 on that phone with that carrier (same as user), I couldnt get Google for that reason but could get BB maps (same as user). For the sake of the user, I hope i am wrong.

Thanks
 

I appreciate all the thoughts, dont use the GPS much anyway, but my son is in the Marine Corps and he wanted to play around with Google maps and that latitude function. I seem to be able to pinpoint him pretty good, but I always show up to him a ways off

This wont be an issue for you with any of the newer Verizon Phones (I am not sure about about 8530?).
From a safety standpoint, maybe its good that he cant be tracked exactly

Same as my experience.

1. Have on Location services On:
Options -> Advanced Services -> GPS -> GPS Services = Location ON
2. Instantiate GPS satellites outdoors in an open place:
Options -> Advanced Services -> GPS -> Menu -> Refresh GPS.
3. If your bearings are refreshed then go to Google Maps and press 0 (Zero).
4. Depending on your Google Maps settings, sometimes Google Maps advises you to enable location setting ie within Google Maps:
Menu -> Help -> Enable My Location. Do this and refer to point 3.
This should resolve problem.
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These BB GPS devices are ok, but don't bet your life on one (in fact, in my profession and where I work we carry compasses and paper maps for those just in case moments). I have compared my BB tour and a few BB Storms to some high end Trimble GPS devices that give 2cm accuracy and the BBs can be quite a bit off. In fact, they can be off when compared to my personal Garmin 60CSx; as confirmed with the Trimbles.

Triangulation with cell towers can actually help with the GPS (also known as eGPS), but in areas where there are no cell towers, they lack accuracy. Not saying if you needed one to get out of a problem it would not work or get you out, but I know I won't bet my life on one in the desert areas I patrol. I'll stick with the Trimbles or even the Garmin.

(For road navigation, the software will lock onto a road, so it gives the appearance that the device is very accurate. This holds true for almost any road type naviagation unit.)

Also, in regard to ephemeris data, ephemeris data is specific to the satellite the sends that particular piece of information. It includes that particular satellite’s actual position and clock reading, as well its health status and other information not pertaining to your actual unit, but needed by the GPS gods. Whereas the almanac information sent gives coarse date of where all satellites are located so the unit knows what to expect.

Interesting stuff, however these other devices, compasses & paper, Trimble, Garmin do not work with Google maps.

I've read GPS is affected by tall buildings, clouds, etc but my experience has been Google Maps gives accuracies of 1-4metres when using GPS and 800-1700metres when using triangulation. On Google Maps this translates to undetectable inaccuracy when using GPS and being off by a block or so when using triangulation.

Theoretically in a desert GPS should even provide better accuracy (no buildings and clouds) however Google Maps is most likely not going to work - no cell network.

I therefore think the problem is not caused by GPS but by lack of it. And if lack of GPS is NOT caused by buildings and clouds then the problem is lack of GPS configuration.
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GPS is only as accurate as the US Dept of Defense allows it to be. To get the accuracies mentioned above and for aviation purposes, you need what is called WAAS - wide area augmentation services.

For detailed information on GPS go here: GPS Receiver Information, Software, and Hardware Reviews of Garmin, Lowrance, Magellan and other GPS Receivers. One of the best sites that I have found for GPS information.

Thanks samnyemba its work fine now. my location in Google map are right
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Glad it works!
I wish if Google Maps:
- ver 4.4 also worked with an external GPS as did in it's earlier versions.
- had a track up feature on blackberry.
- could talk when tracking given directions.
- could have a simulate driving a route in seconds or a few minutes to allow one to study a route. Simulating with FFWD, PAUSE, etc will be great!.
- could have manual drag to reroute the given directions
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