How to Use GPS Tracking on Outdoor Smartwatches

How to Use GPS Tracking on Outdoor Smartwatches: A Complete Guide

Outdoor GPS-enabled smartwatches serve as much more than just a fitness tracker, instead helping guide you through navigating location and tracking your activities. You could be running an exciting race route or on the hunt to discover new grounds like hiking. The awareness that comes with the usage of GPS tracking can therefore mean a whole difference.

This guide helps you to set up GPS for your outdoor smartwatch. Here is how you should calibrate your GPS, avoid interference, and maximize accuracy on this feature.

Understanding GPS on Smartwatches

GPS is a technology of location ascertained through satellite-based navigation. A smartwatch would, using GPS tracking, monitor your movement map routes and ascertain real-time location.

Two setups are formed with GPS on smartwatches:

Built-in GPS: It does not require your phone to track the whereabouts since the GPS is possessed by the smartwatch itself.
Connected GPS: It gets its location information from your smartphone's integrated GPS and only functions when connected to a smartphone.

Knowing whether yours is connected or onboard empowers you to have proper control over the GPS feature while at an outdoor activity.

Setting Up GPS on Your Smartwatch

To start using the GPS on your outdoor smartwatch, follow these steps:

Enable GPS: First and foremost, enable the GPS feature. Normally, you will find it under 'Location' or 'GPS' in your smartwatch's settings.
Pair via Mobile App: If your smartwatch has connected GPS, you may pair it with your phone using a mobile app provided by the brand; for example, Garmin Connect, Suunto App, or Polar Flow.
Select Activity Mode: Most smartwatches have specific activity modes, such as hiking, running, or cycling, that automatically activate the GPS. Choose the activity you are engaging in for better accuracy.
Check Signal Strength: Before starting your activity, check the GPS signal on your watch. Strong signals ensure more accurate tracking. In open outdoor spaces, GPS signal reception is usually better.

Using GPS for Outdoor Activities

Once put in place, it can be used for so many outdoor activities:

Track Routes: GPS tracking enables the tracking and saving of routes. It doesn't matter if it's a new trail you are trying out or just running your usual route; you will see your route on a map and be able to save it in real time.
Measure Distance and Speed: GPS distance measures precisely how far you run, hike, or bike. Your speed and elevation gained also get tracked while performing any activity.
Navigation: Some outdoor smartwatches include built-in navigation; some provide breadcrumb trails and turn-by-turn directions for getting back on the right track in unknown areas.
Wait for the Strong GPS Signal: Any activity should be performed after ensuring that the signal is stabilized. This is mostly within some seconds to a minute and mostly in areas like densely wooded places and tall buildings. Some smartwatches support preloading of maps just in case you lose your GPS in remote places.
Reduce Obstacles: Obstacles such as trees, skyscrapers, or even the human body can hinder the function of GPS. Place the watch on the wrist wherever feasible for a line of sight to heaven to improve.

Popular Smartwatches with GPS Features

Quite a few smartwatches are excellent at GPS outdoor performance. Here are a few recommendations:

Garmin Fenix 7: It is great because it provides flawless GPS accuracy with outdoor-specific features. Therefore, ideal for adventurers.
Suunto 9 Peak: This watch has compelling GPS performance with an extended battery and is perfect for mountain sports.
Apple Watch Ultra: Combines fitness tracking with strong GPS capabilities; perfect for both the casual and serious outdoor enthusiast.
Polar Grit X: It is an outdoor watch that boasts robust GPS; it is suitable for endurance athletes and explorers.

Conclusion

This would add immense value to your outdoor activities since it provides accurate location tracking, navigation, and route management. The setup and optimization of your GPS can enhance your outdoor activities as a runner, hiker, or cyclist. Make sure you pick the right smartwatch that suits your needs in an activity and ensure you get good signal reception for the best possible tracking.