Does GPS require phone service?

acercon · March 6, 2016

So I recently got a new running app and it has a tracking features that uses GPS, but sometimes when I am running on trails I lose phone service, will this cause the tracking to be inaccurate because my last run my phone said I only did 8.6 km and it felt a bit longer.

Also, does GPS use data?

Thanks.

Arty · March 6, 2016

Gps doesn't use data no.

GoodBytes · March 7, 2016

But keep in mind that the maps data requires data.

So, if you use Google Maps (say), it will need to download the maps to how them. But the GPS itself, no.

Some map software like Windows Maps, or now recently Google Maps just to name 2 that I know, but they are more, allows you to download a whole country, or state/province (Windows Maps), or an area (Google maps, for 30days, after that you need to redo it). So you can download what you need when you are on wireless at home, then you when you leave you can enable your GPS, and it won't consume data.

Something to note, is that GPS is battery intensive.So if you have a small battery in your phone, it can be an issue having enougth battery for the rest of the day, so I suggest to bring your charger or battery bank with you, especially if its a long drive. If you can plug the phone to your car that is also better.