About positioning methods
Maps shows your location on the map using GPS, A-GPS, Wi-Fi, or network (cell ID) based positioning.
A-GPS and other enhancements to GPS may require transferring small amounts of data over the cellular network.
| GPS | The global positioning system (GPS) is a navigation system that uses satellites to work out where you are. |
| A-GPS | The Assisted GPS (A-GPS) network service retrieves location information using the cellular network, and assists GPS in calculating your current location. Your phone is set up to use the Nokia A-GPS service, unless your network service provider has its own A-GPS settings. To get the assistance data to your phone, you need to be able to connect to the internet. Your phone gets the data from the service only when needed. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi positioning improves positioning accuracy when GPS signals are not available, especially when you are indoors or between tall buildings. |
| Cell ID | With network (cell ID) based positioning, Maps locates you through the cellular system your phone is currently connected to. |
The availability and quality of GPS signals may be affected by your location, satellite positions, buildings, natural obstacles, weather conditions, and adjustments to GPS satellites made by the United States government. GPS signals may not be available inside buildings or underground.
Do not use GPS for precise location measurement, and never rely solely on the location information provided by GPS and cellular networks.
Depending on the available positioning methods, the accuracy of positioning may vary from a few metres to several kilometres.
Related topics
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