How Can I Make the Most of IoT Modules to Track My Location Accurately?

IoT Modules GNSS Module
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Hi everyone,

I’ve been exploring IoT modules, particularly LTE standard modules, and I’m really fascinated by their potential. I’ve been using one to figure out where I am at any given time, but there’s something that’s been puzzling me, and I’d love your input.

Here’s the situation: I rely on this tool to determine my precise location, whether I’m in urban environments, rural areas, or even while traveling. While it’s generally reliable, I’ve noticed that the accuracy can vary depending on the environment. For example, in areas with lots of tall buildings, sometimes the location feels slightly off, like it’s struggling with interference or lack of visibility to satellites. Have any of you faced this?

One thing I tried to do is find out how the module prioritizes different sources of data (GPS, cellular signals, etc.) when pinpointing my location. While it seems logical that GPS would be the primary source, there are moments when I suspect it’s relying on cellular triangulation, especially when GPS signals are weak. Does anyone know how these modules manage that?

I was thinking a lot about the question “where am I” and how tools like these answer it. At its heart, this question is a blend of technology and curiosity. The current location finder tool seems to work by gathering data from GPS satellites, cellular towers, and Wi-Fi networks to deliver an answer. I find it fascinating how these systems calculate and align this information, offering me a tangible result almost instantly.

What I’m curious about is whether there are settings or configurations within these modules that can influence how they handle challenging environments. Are there ways to prioritize certain signals over others to improve accuracy in specific conditions? For instance, if I’m in a dense urban area, could I adjust it to rely more on cellular signals? Or, if I’m in an open field, could I tell it to focus more on GPS data?

Also, I’ve been wondering about antenna placement and its role in location accuracy. I currently have my module housed in a small box, which I sometimes carry in my backpack or place on the dashboard when driving. Could this placement affect the signal reception significantly? What’s your experience been like with different setups?

I’ve also come across mentions of additional features like A-GPS or LTE positioning. Has anyone here used these? If so, do they provide any noticeable improvements, especially in tricky environments?

I’d love to hear your ideas, suggestions, and experiences with these tools.

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Hi Sanjay Alfhild,

  1. GNSS feature is mainly influenced by GNSS satellite signal. For example, in rural area, the buildings are lower and the signal is less likely to be blocked. While in urban area, especially in CBD, the buildings are taller, so signal is easier to be blocked, and the signal level become weaker. This is urban canyon scenario, a challenging condition for GNSS positioning.
    Besides, there are many glass wall/buildings, which lead to signal relection. This also weakens signal level. We call this scenario as multipath.
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  1. To make GNSS performance better and stabler
    (1) Keep GNSS antenna pointing to the sky. This can help module acquire more satellites.
    (2) Provide a good working environment. Do not block GNSS antenna by metal shell, or mount the antenna under centre platform in a car.
    For customer who wants to mount the device inside a car. It’s recommended to mount device/antenna on the centre platform, under the windscreen.
    (3) Avoid interference resource. Keep GNSS module, RF trace and antenna away from such as big capacitors, high-speed signal, radiation …
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  1. You can download Quectel serial port tool QCOM from https://market.quectel.com/docsdownload/QCOM_V1.8_EN.zip

  2. A-GPS is a feature to promote GNSS time to first fix(TTFF), to make module getting fixed quicker from a cold start. But this feature also rely on a good environment.
    If you were testing in weak/no signal area, A-GPS doesn’t promote TTFF significantly.

  3. Some Quectel cellular module supports positioning indoors. This technoloy relies on WiFi and cellular base stations.
    This block faces to Quectel GNSS standalone modules. So I’m not familiar with these feature or cellular modules.