Which mobile devices support GPS?

This question was brought up by Greg Rybarczyk, Ph.D., director of the GIS Program at U-M Flint.

Is there a resource on which wearables and data management platforms allow for the collection of GPS coordinates?
 

Tags mobile-devices device-selection mobile-data-platform location-data GPS
Asked by Greg Rybarczyk on Fri 1/5/24 12:24 PM
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Answer (1)

Gabriel Mongefranco Fri 1/5/24 12:33 PM Last edited Fri 1/5/24 12:38 PM

The ability to report location data depends on many factors:

  • Whether the wearable has a built-in GPS chip or if it relies on the phone
  • Whether the participant authorized location sharing
  • Whether the device manufacturer makes location data available through an API
  • Whether the mobile data platform offers location data

 

This information is just to start the conversation. Please feel free to chip in!

 

Devices with built-in GPS: (not a complete list!)

  • Fitbit Versa series
  • Fitbit Sense series
  • Fitbit Charge 5 and 6
  • Apple Watch SE, Series 7+, and Ultra
  • Garmin (most devices)

Other devices not listed might still be able to use the GPS on the participant's phone, when the phone is nearby.

 

Device Manufacturer APIs with GPS Data:

  • Fitbit Device API (for custom mobile apps; Web API does not provide location data)
  • Google Health (?)
  • Apple HealthKit (requires authorization from Apple?)
  • Withings?
  • Garmin SDK
  • Samsung Health
  • Tuya IoT Platform
  • Amazfit?

 

Mobile Data Platforms with GPS data:

 

 

 

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