Develop Bugs

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 maps offline, display position without data

Hello,
Google Maps can be used offline, so I downloaded the map area that I will need in another country (for holliday).
As I don't want my carrier to charge for data use abroad (which is very expensive), I would like to use the Aiplane mode.
Unfortunately, in Airplane mode, Maps can't show my current position (little triangle arrow), probably because it shuts off the GPS.
Is there a way to let Maps display my current position, without allowing data (2G, 3G, etc...) ?
Thank you.
(my Galaxy Nexus has Android 4.1.1, no root)

I had data shut off in Canada and my offline map still showed my position
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I had data shut off in Canada and my offline map still showed my position
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you shut off data without shutting off GPS ?
(maybe there is a menu/option that I didn't see yet)
Thanks.

Settings > More... > Mobile Networks > Uncheck Data roaming.
I believe it's default off already.
No need to uncheck "Data enabled" unless you want to turn off data at home too...

I feel stupid now, sorry I didn' find that myself.
Thank you !

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] GPS doesn't work without downloading GPS data from the internet.

Hello,
I have Galaxy nexus factory rom 4.2.2 (unlocked and rooted) and I am very angry with GPS offline locking. I was used from other devices like HTC that all I need is just to turn on GPS and it will get the signal right away without a need to download any data for better locking. And I don't understand what it can't be that simple on Galaxy nexus GSM.
If I start for example "GPS status" app and this app is not able to download GPS location it WON'T lock ( it gets for example 3-4 satellites for a while and then all satellites disappears and it starts locking for satellites again.. - finds few satellites and drop them afterward but never lock if no data connection....) etc. ! I also tried to reset GPS data. But if I let it use data connection (wifi) it works right away like charm!
I don't really understand how it works. I guess it needs to download some kind of first lock data location according to my carrier or location internet provider. I am using NAVIGATOR for GPS navigation.
question 1:
is there any way how to make the phone work just by turning GPS on without using any data connection ?
question2:
If not, is there any way how I can pre-download the GPS location so I don't need to download it from the internet but just load it from the saved file or something?
I was searching but didn't find this kind of problem.
Thanks for any help.

I'll piggy-back on that thread since I'm having the same problem.
I moved my Galaxy Nexus (GSM, Maguro) from the stock Android to Cyanogenmod over a year ago, and noticed that GPS just won't work when I'm in a foreign country, ie. without a data connection while it works fine in my home country with a data connection.
Even after riding around outside for a whole day in open fields, GPS still won't locate me without a data connection.
I also noticed that while travelling abroad, GPS will locate me within a few seconds after I connect to the Net through a wifi connection.
Before I get a GPS + Glonass smartphone, I was wondering if someone knows if the problem is software-related and has a fix.
Here's what I'm currently running:
Android 4.4.4
CyanogenMod 11.0-Installer-XNPQ32P
Baseband version I9250XXLJ1
Thank you.

Problems with GPS signal loss

Good afternoon.
Guys, I've been very angry with Google Maps.
When using turn-by-turn navigation, inside the urban perimeter works fine, but when I move to the rural area I have constant problems of "GPS signal loss".
I noticed that by losing the data signal (4G / 3G), Maps stops navigating. Do you have any way around it? Having a GPS dependent data signal is very infeasible.
Thank you.

Have you tried putting the location mode to "High Precision" or "Device only" in the location settings pane? Sounds like you're not using GPS, but cellular location....

I have already tried both modes and in both the problem is the same.
This problem comes from the time I had a Nexus 5, at the time thought was problem in his hardware, but start to be a bug of the Android itself.

Did you install the app GPS status? If not, please do. It will show an overview of your GPS receiving, and download the latest A-GPS library's.
However put the setting of location on Device only. That's important, it will use the internal receiver instead of network masts.