Find an app that reports longitude and latitude in decimal format to six decimal places (e.g. 51.000001, -0.816161). Ensure it works on your device at desired location/s (some tablets need to be in range of wi-fi). Good apps are GPS Status and Physics Toolbox GPS.
We need results from two positions: inside and outside a building respectively. In each case, follow steps 3-7.
At your measurement position, start app and wait 2 minutes for values to settle. Write down latitude reading. If readings still change, take a photo and jot down the value from that.
Move your device about 100 paces from your measurement position forcing the GPS device to reset. Return to your measurement position to record latitude there again after 2 minutes.
Repeat step 4 enough times to collect 5 latitude readings.
Calculate the range between the smallest and largest values. e.g. 51.000051 - 51.000001 = 0.000050.
Convert decimal latitude range to metres by multiplying by 110.
Perform steps 3 to 7 indoors and also outdoors (away from trees and buildings).
Thoughts, tips and information
SI measurement units
metre (m) for position
second (s) for time
Challenge Topics
Measurement Science, Maths, Geography.
How long do readings take to settle? What is happening during this time?
Some GPS devices use an additional signal from a nearby receiver of known fixed location to dramatically improve accuracy.
Clocks on board satellites have enough resolution to show effects to relativity.
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