Improving the GPS Accuracy, Distance and Speed Readings of an Outdoor Watch

With a strong satellite signal, the GPS position reported by an outdoor watch should be accurate to 3 meters or 10 feet. A weaker satellite signal may decrease position accuracy, affecting the accuracy of the distance, pace and speed readings. The articles linked below provide information about a number of factors that can affect the accuracy of position, distance, speed and pace readings, and steps that can be taken to prevent or minimize factors that decrease accuracy.

GPS Drift and Environmental Factors 

GPS Drift and Environmental Factor Impact on GPS Accuracy

This article covers factors that degrade GPS signal, along with how GPS Drift can add additional distance to your activities. Incorrect speed readings are often related to incorrect distance readings. If you are having issues with speed and distance, this is a good place to start.

Change Settings to Improve Accuracy

Settings that Improve the Distance and Speed Accuracy of an Outdoor Watch

This article walks you through making changes to your outdoor watch settings that can improve the accuracy of speed, pace and distance. 

Enabling Secondary Satellite Constellations

Secondary satellite constellations help your watch receive GPS signal much more quickly, and help maintain satellite connectivity in situations where satellite signal is degraded. Use this article, to enable secondary satellite constellations on your outdoor watch. 

Satellite Prediction Data

Satellite prediction data helps your watch predict where satellites are to get a GPS signal more quickly. Expired data can cause your watch to take much longer to acquire GPS. If you are having trouble getting a GPS signal in areas with a clear view of the sky, use the information in this article. 

Downloading GPS Satellite Location Data to a Garmin Fitness Device 

NOTE: For activity tracking and step distance accuracy, see - Improve the Step Distance Accuracy of My Outdoor Wearable