Why Does Making an '8' with Your Phone Strengthen GPS Signal Strength?

Have you ever wondered why trying to make an '8' with your phone can sometimes improve its GPS signal strength? This article explores the science behind why this technique works, how it benefits GPS performance, and what users can do to enhance their signal.

Antenna Orientation

GPS signals originate from satellites high above the Earth, and the way your phone's antenna is oriented can significantly impact its ability to receive these signals. Simply moving the phone in a figure-eight pattern can help reorient the antenna to better align with the satellites. This is because the figure-eight motion often helps the antenna reposition itself in a way that optimizes the signal reception.

Multipath Mitigation

Around buildings and other large structures, signals can be affected by multipath interference. This occurs when signals bounce off surfaces before reaching the receiver. By moving the phone, the figure-eight motion can help mitigate multipath interference. This is because the motion can help the GPS receiver better distinguish between direct and indirect signals, leading to more accurate positioning results.

Signal Acquisition

Another reason a figure-eight motion can improve GPS performance is by helping the receiver acquire signals from multiple satellites more effectively. A fluid motion like the figure-eight increases the chances of the receiver obtaining a clear line of sight to several satellites. This is crucial for accurate positioning, as GPS receivers require signals from at least four satellites for triangulation.

Dynamic Positioning

Moving the phone in a figure-eight pattern can also help the GPS system determine the phone’s position more dynamically. This can lead to faster updates and improved accuracy as the device quickly adjusts to changes in its environment. The figure-eight motion helps the GPS system recalibrate and better understand the phone’s current location.

Compass Calibration

It's important to note that while the figure-eight motion might improve GPS signal reception, it does not directly affect the GPS itself, which operates independently of other sensors. Instead, this motion primarily recalibrates the phone's compass. The phone contains several sensors, including compass inclinometers and accelerometers. Performing a figure-eight motion can recalibrate these sensors by causing them to detect movements along all three axes. This can enhance the accuracy of other sensor-based functions on the phone.

Alternative Methods for Compass Calibration

If you find the figure-eight motion a bit too cumbersome, there are alternative methods to recalibrate the phone's compass. One effective method involves rotating the phone on each axis a few times. For example, you can lay the phone flat on a table and rotate it back and forth. Then, hold the phone vertically and repeat the rotation. Do the same for the short axis to ensure all axes are properly calibrated.

In summary, making an '8' with your phone can enhance GPS signal strength due to improved antenna orientation, multipath interference reduction, signal acquisition optimization, and dynamic positioning. However, it does not guarantee improved GPS performance and is less effective in challenging environments like urban canyons or heavily forested areas. Additionally, it primarily recalibrates the phone's compass rather than directly enhancing GPS functionality.