GPS Notes
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Does snow affect GPS accuracy?
November 17, 2006
With winter fast approaching (it's already present in a number of places!), many people want to know the answer to the following question: Does snow affect GPS accuracy?
The answer is no, snow doesn't affect the accuracy of your GPS receiver assuming that your antenna doesn't have a coating of snow on it (if it does, then expect accuracy to drop). In fact, the effect of bad weather on the GPS signal is negligible.
However, there are some conditions that might make you think that snow (or rain for that matter).
- If you antenna (or vehicle) has a coating of snow on it then expect the accuracy to drop. It only takes a thin layer of water (rain, ice or snow) to dramatically weaken the GPS signal.
- If you have the antenna mounted in the front window of your vehicle then the movement of the windshield wipers across your windshield can affect the signal lock capability of your GPS.
- If your GPS receiver is battery operated then bear in mind that cold batteries can give out less power, and this can have an adverse affect on signal acquisition.
So, keep your antenna clear of snow and rain, keep your batteries in good condition and leave your wipers off until your GPS achieves signal lock and you should be just fine using a GPS receiver in the snow!
Posted by Kathie on November 17, 2006 9:42 PM.
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