Runkeeper accuracy problems.
#1
Thread Starter
ouate de phoque
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
From: La Prairie, Qc, Canada
Bikes: Bianchi, Nakamura,Opus
Runkeeper accuracy problems.
Anyone keeping track with the Runkeeper app?
I just tried it this morning on my brand new Ipod touch but the thing added 4 kms to my usual distance!
I checked on the Runkeeper map when I got to work and according to RunKeeper I kept jumping from one side of the Yamaska river to the other all the way to work
Not impressed so far.
As anybody experienced the same kind of problem with runkeeper?
Thanks.
I just tried it this morning on my brand new Ipod touch but the thing added 4 kms to my usual distance!
I checked on the Runkeeper map when I got to work and according to RunKeeper I kept jumping from one side of the Yamaska river to the other all the way to work

Not impressed so far.
As anybody experienced the same kind of problem with runkeeper?
Thanks.
#3
curmudgineer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
Can't say I noticed any appreciable accuracy problems when I was using it a while back. On dozens of rides, logged distance was within +/- 0.1 mile on a 15 mile trip, and in agreement with Google Maps to the same accuracy.
I always used GPS only and not WiFi additionally for location, in spite of encouragement from RunKeeper to do otherwise.
I always used GPS only and not WiFi additionally for location, in spite of encouragement from RunKeeper to do otherwise.
#5
a.k.a., Point Five Dude
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 794
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From: Twin Cites, MN USA
Bikes: 1987 Trek Elance 400 T
#7
Thread Starter
ouate de phoque
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
From: La Prairie, Qc, Canada
Bikes: Bianchi, Nakamura,Opus
I think I found the problem. I bought a brand new 4th generation Ipod touch, I didn't need the newer 5th generation. But I just found out that the 4t generation Ipod touch don't have a biult-in GPS chip, it rely only on Wi-Fi signal. In metro area you don't see the difference but on my rural commute Wi-Fi signals are rare so that's probably why I ''jumped'' from one side of the river to the other.
Nothing to blame on the Runkeeper app.
Nothing to blame on the Runkeeper app.
#8
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
You are right runkeeper is making that issue I think we can just avoid this problem because no solution can be seen here.
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Last edited by EllaCadell; 10-07-13 at 11:33 PM.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
#10
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
It sounds more like an issue with getting an accurate GPS signal then a software issue. If you are in an area with a lot of tree or tall buildings the GPS signal can be poor an lead to inaccurate placement. It also depends on where you have your Ipod when your commuting for example, in a bag/pocket or even a case.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
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From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
^ +1
Had this problem yesterday, rode 16.25km, phone took a shortcut and went only 7.75km. However, the sky was solid clouds. I'm curious as to how accurate the Garmin devices are in similar circumstances.
Had this problem yesterday, rode 16.25km, phone took a shortcut and went only 7.75km. However, the sky was solid clouds. I'm curious as to how accurate the Garmin devices are in similar circumstances.
#12
I have 3 dedicated GPS devices and not once have I had an issue with accuracy regardless of tree cover or clouds. (I use these for driving, geocaching & biking.)
It's only my experience, but phones, on the other hand have been a bit of a letdown. I use the gps on my phone in a pinch but prefer to rely on dedicated gps.
It's only my experience, but phones, on the other hand have been a bit of a letdown. I use the gps on my phone in a pinch but prefer to rely on dedicated gps.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, ON, Canada
an iPod is unlikely to have access to aGPS, so I would take any results from those devices with a big grain of salt.
Phones generally use aGPS to speed up the GPS lock (911 requirement), and if they lost track of enough satellite and the towers don't provide the right information, they might spend a couple of minutes to actually re-lock on to the GPS the old fashioned way.
Phones generally use aGPS to speed up the GPS lock (911 requirement), and if they lost track of enough satellite and the towers don't provide the right information, they might spend a couple of minutes to actually re-lock on to the GPS the old fashioned way.
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