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My iPad 4th Generation model MD510X/A does not have GPS as an option in Location Services. Locatrion Servicdes is turned on but the message below is "Location Services uses Bluetooth and crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspot locations to determine your approximate location".
Is this a fault or a setting I can fix somewhere. Can I check if the iPad has a GPS chip?
iPad (4th generation)
Do you have a WiFi Only model of iPad, or WiFi+Cellular? Your quoted model number suggests that you have a WiFi Only model.
Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have GPS - this being a function of the iPad Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location. This fundamental difference may significantly impact your ability to use mapping Apps - in particular if real-time positioning (e.g., a moving map) is required.
WiFi Only models can only “infer” their location from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate.
All this has significant implications for non-static mapping applications. If you need to have moving maps, or have future flexibility to do so, you’ll need to consider a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad. Choosing a cellular model does not commit you to adding a cellular service plan for the iPad, but ensures that you have immediate access to GPS/GNSS positioning services.
Your available options are:
Do you have a WiFi Only model of iPad, or WiFi+Cellular? Your quoted model number suggests that you have a WiFi Only model.
Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have GPS - this being a function of the iPad Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location. This fundamental difference may significantly impact your ability to use mapping Apps - in particular if real-time positioning (e.g., a moving map) is required.
WiFi Only models can only “infer” their location from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate.
All this has significant implications for non-static mapping applications. If you need to have moving maps, or have future flexibility to do so, you’ll need to consider a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad. Choosing a cellular model does not commit you to adding a cellular service plan for the iPad, but ensures that you have immediate access to GPS/GNSS positioning services.
Your available options are:
You are very welcome.
Clearly, with a WiFi Only model, you don’t have any built-in GPS capability. While your iPad is incapable of directly receiving GPS signals, you still have alternatives - although simply replacing your iPad with a recent WiFi+Cellular model that does include GNSS/GPS functionality would be the more cost-effective solution.
It is WiFi only so that explains it, thanks for your help
My iPad 4th Generation model MD510X/A GPS not working
