Which GPS tracker do you use?

kindrabbit

Hi

Since I started jogging/running I have used Map my run to create a map and log the distance and time of my run. When I went to use it after a break from running I found I couldn't activate the GPS facility. I wonder if they have been bought out and you now have to pay for that feature?

Anyway, I downloaded the Endomondo app as I had heard good things about that but the GPS kept cutting on and off and so it didn't accurately record my distance.

Is that a fault in the app, the satellite or my phone? Can anyone recommend a good app for my HTC phone that will accurately record my runs via the GPS function which would create a map?

http://app.endomondo.com/workouts/522864906/18563708

As you can see from the map, it jumped from kilometer 6 to 7. In fact we ran in much more of a circle

belimawr

I use the Wahoo Fitness app with my HRM, but I've also used RunKeeper. Both are free, both are simple.

One thing to keep in mind is that for some reason not all apps calculate distance the same, so their calculations will differ. I guess it's up to the individual developer to calculate distances from the provided raw coordinates. I have yet to find the time to figure out which is most accurate. They're usually not terribly off, but yet it wouldn't be an uncommon sight (when I was using) to run both Endomondo and RunKeeper simultaneously and have the distances differ by 1/4 mi.

MeanderingMammal

Sounds like the problem is more likely to be your phone, rather than the apps.

MapMyFitness was bought by UnderArmour about 18 months ago, but the functionality that you're on about is basic free service. Endomondo were also bought by UA, on the same day that they acquired MFP. I find Endomondo a far superior app, and use the premium training plans on that.

Other app options include Runkeeper or Strava, both of which are good although my preference is Endomondo and Strava at the moment, for different purposes.

Phone GPS are more sensitive to signal obstruction; buildings and tree cover both cause more problems to phones than a dedicated GPS device. Heavy rain or fog can also cause problems. The GPS signal is in the microwave range and absorbed by water.

Another alternative might be other apps. As phone GPS is fairly simple only one app can use the output at a time, so if you have something that taps into geo data that could block Endomondo. Something like Google Now, Farcebook etc in the background.

I now use a Garmin Forerunner and send the data to Endomondo and Strava, and even using exactly the same GPS data b oth can differ slightly. What I've found is that Runkeeper tends to underestimate distance, but overestimate calories. Endomondo and Strava are close enough to one another not to worry about.

fwiw I haven't used MMF in a long time as it used to fail to upload my sessions and I'd lose the trace completely.

arachnofobia7

MOVES - very simplistic and fairly accurate, no need to activate it when starting workout, automatically differentiate between running walking cycling and transport, tried this along map my run to match the accuracy but I found it annoying that I had to start the workout and pick the activity, MOVES simply pops all data once you are done without any prior input

kindrabbit

Thank you, they're both really useful replies. I think I'll give endomondo the benefit of the doubt and if it keeps cutting in and out I'll give strava or runkeeper a go. I'll try and remember to make sure all apps are shutdown before I start (and lol at Farcebook!) so that the phone doesn't have to work too hard. I've just bought a running belt so it wont be stuffed down my bra when I run any more!

I'm not worried about the calories or even the timing (I have a Polar FT4 HRM for that) but the distance is important to me.

I've been thinking of getting a Fitbit Charge Hr but maybe a GPS watch might be a better investment?

kindrabbit

arachnofobia7 wrote: »

MOVES - very simplistic and fairly accurate, no need to activate it when starting workout, automatically differentiate between running walking cycling and transport, tried this along map my run to match the accuracy but I found it annoying that I had to start the workout and pick the activity, MOVES simply pops all data once you are done without any prior input

ooo, never heard of that one, will look into it

editorgrrl

Karen_libert wrote: »

I've been thinking of getting a Fitbit Charge Hr but maybe a GPS watch might be a better investment?

Fitbits calculate your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure), aka your maintenance calories. When you connect a Fitbit, MFP adjusts your daily calorie goal to TDEE minus deficit.

You can learn more in the Fitbit Users group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users

kindrabbit

editorgrrl wrote: »

Karen_libert wrote: »

I've been thinking of getting a Fitbit Charge Hr but maybe a GPS watch might be a better investment?

Fitbits calculate your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure), aka your maintenance calories. When you connect a Fitbit, MFP adjusts your daily calorie goal to TDEE minus deficit.

You can learn more in the Fitbit Users group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users

Yes youre right. I didn't mean for it to look like I though they did the same thing, only that I may invest my money in a product better suited to my needs.