Why is My Tracker Showing the Wrong Location?

Table of Contents

• What is GPS Drift?
• Identifying GPS Location Issues
• Common Causes of GPS Signal Problems
• Solutions by Tracker Type
  • For Portable Trackers
  • For Hardwired Trackers
  • For Plug-In (OBD) Trackers
• Prevention Tips

What is GPS Drift?

GPS trackers require a strong connection to multiple GPS satellites to calculate an accurate location. When this signal is partially blocked or weakened, your tracker may show incorrect positions - a phenomenon known as "GPS drift."

With a strong GPS signal, location accuracy is typically within 15-20 feet of the actual position. However, when the signal is weak due to obstructions (buildings, dense tree cover, etc.), the reported location can be off by as much as 200 feet.

Identifying GPS Location Issues

Location problems generally manifest in two ways:

Complete Signal Loss

When your tracker is fully obstructed from GPS signals, you'll see:

• No updated positions on your map
• Tracker status showing "Stopped without GPS"
• The last known location with a GPS signal will remain displayed

GPS Drift Examples

When your tracker has a weak but not completely blocked GPS signal, you might experience:

• The tracker appears to "jump" between nearby locations
• Positions are scattered around the actual location
• No error messages (the system believes it has a valid location)
• Possible false "Trip Start" notifications

Figure A - Example of GPS drift showing a tracker reporting multiple incorrect positions

Figure B - Example of GPS drift showing a tracker reporting approximately 150 feet from its actual location

Common Causes of GPS Signal Problems

GPS signal issues typically occur when:

• The tracker is inside a building or parking garage
• The tracker is placed in the trunk of a vehicle
• The tracker is surrounded by metal (which blocks GPS signals)
• The tracker is under dense tree cover or between tall buildings
• The tracker is in a deep valley with limited sky visibility

Solutions by Tracker Type

For Portable Trackers

Proper Placement Guidelines:

1. Ensure clear sky visibility:
   • Position the tracker where it has maximum view of the open sky
   • Avoid metal enclosures that block GPS signals
2. Avoid these locations:
   • Do NOT place in metal enclosures
   • Do NOT place within the undercarriage, engine compartment, wheel wells, bumper, trunk, glove compartment, or any closed compartment
3. Recommended placements:
   • Under the driver's or passenger's seats (with lights facing upward)
   • If using a magnetic case for external mounting, position it on a flat part of the frame toward the edge of the vehicle with LEDs facing down
4. To restore signal:
   • Take the tracker outside to an open area
   • Allow 2-5 minutes for the tracker to reconnect to GPS satellites
   • Normal tracking will resume automatically once a signal is acquired

For Hardwired Trackers

Proper Placement Guidelines:

1. Installation considerations:
   • Position the tracker where it has maximum view of the open sky
   • The dashboard area is typically ideal, especially near the windshield
2. Avoid these locations:
   • Do NOT hide the tracker in metal enclosures
   • Do NOT install in the engine compartment or glove compartment
   • Do NOT sandwich the tracker next to the firewall
3. Recommended placements:
   • Under the dashboard, as close to the edge or windshield as possible
   • Position so the device's GPS antenna has minimal obstruction
   • Note that plastic dashboard materials generally don't interfere with GPS signal

For Plug-In (OBD) Trackers

Signal Considerations:

1. Normal interference situations:
   • If your vehicle is inside a building or parking garage, GPS signal loss is normal
   • Signal will automatically restore when the vehicle exits the structure
   • No action is typically required
2. Placement tips:
   • Since OBD trackers connect directly to your vehicle's OBD port, positioning options are limited
   • If your OBD port is deeply recessed or surrounded by metal, signal quality may be affected
   • In rare cases where signal issues persist, consider a different tracker type

Prevention Tips

To minimize GPS drift and signal issues:

1. Be aware of environmental factors:
   • Understand that buildings, metal structures, and dense tree cover will affect GPS accuracy
   • Expect potential signal issues in parking garages, dense urban areas, and remote locations
2. Consider tracker placement carefully:
   • Follow the guidelines for your specific tracker type
   • Position trackers for maximum sky visibility when possible
3. Interpreting location data:
   • When your tracker shows unusual movement patterns, consider whether GPS drift might be the cause
   • Multiple position points clustered in a small area often indicate drift rather than actual movement

Remember: GPS signal will typically recover automatically once the tracker moves to an area with better sky visibility. No further action is required beyond ensuring proper placement.