Troubleshooting built-in GPS on a BlackBerry device

[BESadmin]

Troubleshooting built-in GPS on a BlackBerry device

Doc ID : KB11950
Last Modified : 2007-03-21
Document Type : How To


Environment

BlackBerry® devices with a built-in Global Positioning System (GPS)


Procedure

Built-in GPS can be used with BlackBerry Maps and third party mapping applications. When a BlackBerry device user is unable to use built-in GPS, the following should be checked to ensure that built-in GPS is functioning

• GPS signal. In order for built-in GPS to work the BlackBerry device is required to be in an area of good coverage so that there is a strong enough signal. If the BlackBerry device is in a building or another area that is covered and is unable to get a signal, the BlackBerry device user must move to an area where the BlackBerry device is exposed to open sky. Some modern cars are now fitted with Athermic windshields which can affect the strength of the GPS signal in the car.
• GPS status. To locate details of the last time the BlackBerry device obtained a signal, on the BlackBerry device open Options > Advanced Options > GPS. The Fix time will indicate the last time the BlackBerry device got a GPS signal.
• Refreshing GPS. If the GPS is unable to get a signal, the GPS can be refreshed to force the GPS to attempt to obtain a signal. To refresh the GPS, on the BlackBerry device select Options > Advanced Options > GPS, press the Menu key and select Refresh GPS. The screen will display Searching for Satellites and will be updated with the signal information.
• IT policy. The BlackBerry device GPS IT policy setting can be used to specify whether an application can access the BlackBerry device GPS APIs. If the BlackBerry device user is using a BlackBerry Enterprise Server and is experiencing issues with using the GPS with an application, check the IT policy to ensure that this is not set to prevent the application accessing the GPS API.
• GPS with BlackBerry Maps. The GPS feature can be used with the BlackBerry Maps application to provide mapping and navigation information. To use the GPS feature with the BlackBerry maps application, on the BlackBerry device open BlackBerry Maps. In BlackBerry Maps press the Menu key and select Navigate. The BlackBerry device will then attempt to get a signal and display the BlackBerry device user's present location on the map.

[Selly]

Is it possible to use 3rd party programs for turn based map navigation without a data plan like a normal gps system? I imagine this would be memory intensive as the maps would need to be stored locally.

Cheers.....

[GaryCutri]

Originally Posted by Selly

Is it possible to use 3rd party programs for turn based map navigation without a data plan like a normal gps system? I imagine this would be memory intensive as the maps would need to be stored locally.

Cheers.....

At this stage all BlackBerry GPS applications require a data connection to download mapping data. With the release of newer devices that have much faster processors and large internal and external memory capacity we should see some new "stand-alone" applications appear onto market.

[CybaCowboy]

Wirelessly posted (RIM BlackBerry Curve 8300: BlackBerry8800/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/122)

Originally Posted by Selly

Is it possible to use 3rd party programs for turn based map navigation without a data plan like a normal gps system? I imagine this would be memory intensive as the maps would need to be stored locally.

Cheers.....

Whilst all current GPS applications for BlackBerry OS utilize a data connection, some (such as Nav4All) only use minimal amounts of data...

Fuurthermore, most BlackBerry service plans include "unlimited" Internet access, so this is almost always covered in your service plan anyway.



~ Posted wirelessly from my BlackBerry 8800 (http://wap.blackberryforums.com.au) ~