For getting accurate GPS location, it is best to place the device facing upwards outdoors.
Due to the nature of GPS, if it is indoors it is very unlikely you will get a GPS Signal and the device will revert to the devices Backup Location Estimation Service.
Understanding Backup Location Estimation:
The AirBolt GPS is an advanced location device which has multiple layers of tracking increasing your chances of locating an item. One of the key features of the AirBolt GPS is back up cellular tracking.
Whilst your AirBolt GPS gives its best shot to get you a GPS signal, backup location estimation happens automatically when the GPS is not able to get a satellite signal. An example of this would be when you are indoors or surrounded by too many buildings
The backup service helps give you an idea of the vicinity your GPS is in helping you hone in to it (on a neighborhood level). Also it is particularly great when the GPS is moving fast such when tracking a package/vehicle. It is also particularly helpful in Airports when flying. However, when indoors stationary, the accuracy suffers.
On the map backup locations are shown as Red pins (least accurate) or blue pins (medium accuracy). The map below is a good example of estimated locations being shown.
So why backup location at all?
It is great for moving objects, and for example, luggage tracking so you can know your luggage as arrived in your destination. Other than this, if you need to know where your valuable is, this at the very least provides you with a vicinity to look around in, greatly increasing your chances of finding an item rather than not know at all.
At AirBolt we are always innovating and the backup service is just another feature designed to increase your changes finding your valuables.
How to turn on Backup Location Estimation:
You can turn on the back up service either via the app or via the portal.
Via the App:
1. Select your device, and swipe up to reveal the settings menu
2. Update Interval
2. Turn the toggle for "Backup Location Estimation" and click save.
Via the portal:
1. Login to your account on the portal at manage.theairbolt.com
2. Choose your device and click the "..." button
3. Select Alerts & Reports
4. Under the reports heading also tick "Cellular Backup" - note Cellular backup only works in conjunction with GPS not alone.
5. Click save.
NOTE: This service is a back up and will only work when GPS location is not obtained. There are a limited number of cellular back up location pings you get per month. Please check your subscription plans for details.
FURTHER READING:
Setting up a Reporting Schedule:
For getting accurate GPS location, you need to use the device facing upwards outdoors. If it is indoors it is very unlikely you will get a GPS Signal and the device will revert to cellular triangulation which reduces accuracy significant.
Please see this article to learn more about this.
Optimising for Responsiveness VS Optimised for Battery
Once you activate you GPS you will then be prompted to setup your device to be Responsive mode or Battery Optimised mode. This is crucial to understand so that you can make the most of your GPS.
Please see this article to learn more about this.
Note once again, this is highly encouraged as if these is not understood, your experience with the GPS may be suboptimal.