How accurate are mobile phone traking devices

[blackntan]

We were out hunting up in a wild area my mate could get my signel but i couldnot get his we were about a mile apart in some thick wood land. Good phone signal,

 

[iammedan]

WPH3 (newest tech still in development i think) - can direct where you are with high pinpoint accuracy.
WPH2 (normally in major cities) - can give your location within 2000 or less feet.
and WPH1 - cell tower.

Very likely there aren't many towers in mother nature that can give you exact location. Major metropolitan areas cell towers are more prevalent to help track locations.

I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher at one point.

Edit: i also just noticed you're from the UK so i'm not sure of how things are out there.

 

[MazeVX]

Try using a tracker app that uses GPS signal to track and cell service only to submit data.
"buddy-tracker" would probably do what you want.

 

[blackntan]

Try using a tracker app that uses GPS signal to track and cell service only to submit data.
"buddy-tracker" would probably do what you want.

Ive just been looking at that app many thanks for your reply BnT

 

[Rexplorer]

i've compared a track from my phone and a track from my garmin etrex20 made on the same drive. not much difference at all as far as the track goes. obviously the app you use won't make a difference on your phone. i like the usability on some apps more than my garmin, but i usually still have both running.

 

[Gryf]

The GPS in the newer phones is pretty accurate. I had a custom security application that I could actually see what office of the building my phone was in.

Don't rely on a peice of software that requires and active connection. Find an app that allows you to download maps and use your GPS signal. I use alltrails for my hiking activity and I have used it for offroad trails when the trail was available.

I can download maps of trails, put the phone in airplane mode, turn on location service and off to town. I could see my ground track very accurately, both driving and walking, and save it afterwards.

I am sure there are better overlanding apps available, I'm up for any suggestions.

Worst case: learn to download routes from Google maps and use it offline.

 

[Rexplorer]

I use memory map. its not free for a good version, but it's pretty cheap. they have a decent desktop version as well. also play with viewranger.