3G Location - Xperia Arc Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys. Simple question here:
Always thought it was strange but never had the time to check if it was actually a Apple service only. Is it possible to obtain "My Location" through Google Maps app or Latitude, whatever, only with 3G on. I mean having Wi-fi and GPS disabled, wasn't it supposed to 3G be enough to obtain my phone's location?
Yesterday my brother who owns an Iphone4 did it and i thought "how come i never couldn't with my xperia arc"?
Is it any wrong configuration on my phone, or a google configuration or is it just a service xperia arc/xperia/android phones don't have?
Thanks.

Google Maps - works over GPS or 3G(HSDPA,EDGE)
Latitude also can work like one above..
But, if you have wirelles, and GPS disabled...accuracy will be around 300-500m.
while GPS accuracy is 2m

I always use Google maps with the data switch on. I usually have the GPS switch on also. Using just the mobile phone tower to use google maps doesn't accurately represent your true location, only the closest mobile phone tower the phone is receiving the signal from.
I have done this in the past, meaning using Google maps while using only the mobile phone network, since my phone at the time did not have built-in GPS.
Sent from my LT15a using XDA App

Thanks, electrash, you are spot on!
Sent from my LT15a using XDA App

No problem, try it and let me know.
P.s (sometimes it takes longer to get your location max 1-2min)

So meaning that something is wrong in my phone. I have it updated and non root. I have 3G (HSDPA) on and the phone is unable to obtain "My Location" and asking me to turn wireless or GPS on. What can i do to fix it?

but do you have 3G MB packet (pay for 200mb or etc) or you have flat internet on phone like me?

I have a 300mb per month subscription. Is there a difference here? The 3G or data connection isn't the same in both cases?

yes, but sometimes if you run out of MB Packet this wont work, i dont know why.
I have to go now, when im back i will find some app to test your phone (market seacrh)
Till then, have a nice day

Everything is working now. I needed to check in the location configuration the use of wireless and data connection to obtain position. LOL My bad! Thanks for all the help anyway! Cumps

Glade to hear that

Related

how to use gps?

Hello all...
I've been using a HTC Prophet since it's been "misplaced" 2 weeks ago. I've then decided to go for an unlocked TP2 and been marveling at it since
So, here's the deal. I live in Mauritius and since this is my first GPS device, I have absolutely no clue on how to use it. The only two things I have GPS related is Google Maps and a QuickGPS app. First, I have to ask. Do I need a data connection for the GPS to work?
If I connect through wifi at home and launch Google Maps, I get a completely wrong fix on my location, sometimes Bolivia and sometimes India. I've tried using the QuickGPS and after it successfully downloads the update, I'm still pointed to a wrong location. I've tried enabling "Use GPS" in Google Maps and I get no satellite connections.
But if I'm on the road, is it right that I should have a data connection for the GPS to work? And what about the wrong location given out by Google Maps?
Thanks for helping me out here
Hi Jedi,
I'll try to help you out here...
So, the phone has a GPS receiver built in. This receiver will work independently of a data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G, WiFi) and will get a location fix from the satellites. The phone is also capable of A-GPS (Assissted GPS) which uses the mobile network to assist the GPS in acquiring a location fix. The QuickGPS application will download the latest satellite data to the phone which can help decrease the time it takes to get a location fix.
Now, if you are using Google Maps, you will need a data connection because the application does not store the maps on the phone but actually downloads them as needed. Your inconsistencies with the location fix is most likely because of the WiFi connection you are using. If you have a data plan on your account, you will have much better results getting an accurate location fix using the wireless data from your service provider. Also, if you are inside, the GPS may not be getting good signal from the satellites, so try it again next time you are outside.
Additionally, if you use an application such as Garmin Mobile XT, the maps are stored on the memory card and you do not need any data service to navigate. For example, I have used the Garmin app on my Touch Pro 2 to navigate in my car without a SIM card in the phone or any WiFi connection.
Hope this helps
Following up on Nick's post . .
Make sure your GPS is set to "On" in the location settings under phone. By default, it's probably set to "911". You'll have to do a reset and you'll get a warning about the GPS being enabled (on the first reset only).
In Google Maps, make sure the GPS is selected (Menu, Use GPS) and go outside for the GPS to get it's first lock. You may have to leave the phone outside for a while (half hour or so) to get your first lock, but locks should be within 30 seconds or so after that.
thanks a lot nick for all those helpful info! I'll try to find Garmin Mobile XT but I doubt that they'll have a Mauritius map...
Hi SecretAgentMan. If I go in the Phone settings in TP2, I don't see a GPS settings. I only have Phone (Ring Type, Ring Tone, etc...), Services (Call Barring etc...), Network (Automatic), Band (Auto), Pin1/Pin2, Time Zones, More (Auto pickup etc...) and Advanced (Reject call with message etc...) but no "Location" setting where I can set GPS to "On" and nothing where I can see "911". In Google Maps, I've already set "Use GPS" and will try to leave the phone outside for that long...
Thanks again!
hi all! it works beautifully! I've been using it with Google Maps and I have to keep an open data connection cause of the map updates but it works very well. I got around 5,6 and sometimes 10 sats. It keeps on tracking though even after the data cut which means the GPS is fully functional and it's just google maps that's not being updated so everything's cool. Thanks a lot to you all!
Hi Jedi,
I'm glad to see you got your GPS working. Google maps is great but the Garmin app has superior routing with turn by turn directions and voice prompts. I looked online and they do have maps for Mauritius but I'm not sure the cost. You can do a google search for "Garmin Mauritius" and you may find what you are looking for.

Google Sky

Off on holiday next week with both my Desires (wife and phone!!!). As I am outside the UK I don't want to incur any roaming charges so will turn off all mobile networks/automatic updates/roaming. (if I need to turn off anything else PLEASE let me know).
However if I use Google Sky outside a wi-fi reception area am I going to incur charges for using say GPS satellites (in location services)?
Thanks.
hwvlover said:
As I am outside the UK I don't want to incur any roaming charges so will turn off all mobile networks/automatic updates/roaming. (if I need to turn off anything else PLEASE let me know).
However if I use Google Sky outside a wi-fi reception area am I going to incur charges for using say GPS satellites (in location services)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have actively disabled cell-radio (3G, GSM, etc) then I don't see how there should be any way to incur charges. Note however that mobile phones use A-GPS which connects over the data connection to get satellite information. Without this service it might take a while (read: a couple of minutes) to get a fix.
Normal GPS is strictly a downlink service, the phone never talks to the satellites.
I am not sure just how long into the future the A-GPS gets info though, so you might not notice any changes.
Google sky maps needs no data or GPS to work. The "map" of the sky is allready on your phone and the location you can alter yourself in the settings. (when entering a cityname, it does need a data connection, but when you enter it before you travel, or use coordinates, no data is needed to enjoy this extremely nice app)

GPS? what's that ?

Seriously ...i don't know how to use it ..i don't have a 3G plan and i use entirely wifi ...does GPS give me the ability to view maps even withou a connection ?
GPS stands for global positioning system. It allows applications (including Maps) to locate your position. If you don't have a 3G connection and use entirely WiFi it may not be the most useful to you. I use GPS for navigation primarily and it uses my data connection to download maps.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
oh..so without a 3G plan my GPS is actually junk ? what if i turn it on without an internet connection what does it do?
Well not entirely useless. While connected to WiFi you can make an area available on Google Maps. Then your GPS will navigate you within that area (I.e., if you're planning a trip). But if you are leaving that predownloaded area, your GPS is going to have difficulty without Internet connection.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Or you can buy a navigation app from the play store and use it. Most stand alone navigation softwares work without internet connection.
But Google Navigation is free, and it works.

Are you able to use GPS on without internet on Maps?

On Google maps I've downloaded the map of a city to use it while I'll have completely no access to the internet.
Now im in that city and have no cellular data and no wi fi during the day and I need to know where I am using the gps and my stored map.
Problem is that if im not connected to any internet source, gps wont function!
When I connect to any WiFi hotspot the GPS starts to work immediately.
Im on 4.2.1 full stock and latest version of maps.
I don't have a data plan, but I am able to use offline maps (yes, with GPS) just fine. Sounds like you may have disabled the warning about turning GPS on when maps starts, and it is using geolocation by wifi only.
polonordo said:
On Google maps I've downloaded the map of a city to use it while I'll have completely no access to the internet.
Now im in that city and have no cellular data and no wi fi during the day and I need to know where I am using the gps and my stored map.
Problem is that if im not connected to any internet source, gps wont function!
When I connect to any WiFi hotspot the GPS starts to work immediately.
Im on 4.2.1 full stock and latest version of maps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
amishcrusader said:
I don't have a data plan, but I am able to use offline maps (yes, with GPS) just fine. Sounds like you may have disabled the warning about turning GPS on when maps starts, and it is using geolocation by wifi only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm starting to get worried...
I can use GPS without internet and without mobile networks on Google Maps, but I usually sue the Navigon app.
But If I remember Maps cannot be used without any data connection at the first time, when once have been used it via mobile networks or WiFiot should work well with GPS..
Something is definitely wrong . Probabably nothing serious though. I am able to input an adress in Maps, load the route and then turn of the data connection off and still be guided all the way to the destination -with a blue line- with just gps.
Dmwitz said:
Something is definitely wrong. Probabably nothing serious though.I am able to input an adress in Maps, load the route and then turn of the data connection off and still be guided all the way to the destination -with a blue line- with just gps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK but that not my case. I know that if I set my directions when connect to the internet and to gps and than turn off intenret ill still be able to use GPS.
But I wanted to know if lets say there is a day that I completely have no access the internet, but I have the city downloaded for offline use. if i just turn on gps and open maps it will not locate me.
Can anyone try and confirm pls? Pls guys
polonordo said:
OK but that not my case. I know that if I set my directions when connect to the internet and to gps and than turn off intenret ill still be able to use GPS.
But I wanted to know if lets say there is a day that I completely have no access the internet, but I have the city downloaded for offline use. if i just turn on gps and open maps it will not locate me.
Can anyone try and confirm pls? Pls guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use both GPS and your offline maps without a data connection.
- Niamul

[Q] Possible to use GPS with no network service?

So I'll be in Japan until mid April, and I temporarily discontinued my cell plan. I'm just curious if anyone knows of a way to use the GPS without having any network support what so ever? I mainly use it for an application that tracks the distance and pace that I run, but turn by turn would be nice to have as well. Any help would be wonderful!!
Depends on if the app you have uses a local or network map.. i know with google maps (and maybe google navigation) you can dl map data for use while off network. GPS data is separate afaik (meaning pulling the times from the gps sats to get your location) so that should still work.
Assimilated using the interface that interacts with the advanced internet.
benmatlock said:
Depends on if the app you have uses a local or network map.. i know with google maps (and maybe google navigation) you can dl map data for use while off network. GPS data is separate afaik (meaning pulling the times from the gps sats to get your location) so that should still work.
Assimilated using the interface that interacts with the advanced internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. i'm pretty sure i'm out of luck here, Google maps thinks i'm in Hawaii and the wifi I connect to has a mean firewall and I can't get on half the websites I can back home (stupid government). I suppose I can live without GPS. .
simpkill said:
Thanks for the reply. i'm pretty sure i'm out of luck here, Google maps thinks i'm in Hawaii and the wifi I connect to has a mean firewall and I can't get on half the websites I can back home (stupid government). I suppose I can live without GPS. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the Optimus S i had no data connection whatsoever but still manage to get GPS. I used maps to pre-cache the place i wanted to go. It worked well. Just have GPS satellites on under settings.
Try navfee

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