About positioning methods
Maps displays your location on the map using GPS, A-GPS,
WLAN, or cell ID based positioning.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based
navigation system used for calculating your location. Assisted
GPS (A-GPS) is a network service that sends you GPS data,
improving the speed and accuracy of the positioning.
Wireless local area network (WLAN) positioning improves
position accuracy when GPS signals are not available,
especially when you are indoors or between tall buildings.
With cell ID based positioning, the position is determined
through the antenna tower your mobile device is currently
connected to.
Depending on the available positioning method, the accuracy
of positioning may vary from a few metres to several
kilometres.
When you use Maps for the first time, you are prompted to
define the internet access point to use to download map
information, use A-GPS, or connect to a WLAN.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the
government of the United States, which is solely responsible
for its accuracy and maintenance. The accuracy of location
data can be affected by adjustments to GPS satellites made
by the United States government and is subject to change
with the United States Department of Defense civil GPS policy
and the Federal Radionavigation Plan. Accuracy can also be
affected by poor satellite geometry. Availability and quality
of GPS signals may be affected by your location, buildings,
natural obstacles, and weather conditions. GPS signals may
not be available inside buildings or underground and may be
impaired by materials such as concrete and metal.
GPS should not be used for precise location measurement,
and you should never rely solely on location data from the
GPS receiver and cellular radio networks for positioning or
navigation.
The trip meter has limited accuracy, and rounding errors may
occur. Accuracy can also be affected by availability and quality
of GPS signals.
Note: Using WLAN may be restricted in some countries.
For example, in France, you are only allowed to use WLAN
indoors. For more information, contact your local authorities.