I have a Garmin GLO 2 that connects to my iPad Pro 12.9 via Bluetooth. How can I tell if I’m getting GPS position from the external GPS instead of the internal GPS? Is it automatic? A setting?
iPad Pro, iPadOS 16
Do you have a WiFi+Cellular model iPad - or a WiFi Only model?
Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have built-in GNSS/GPS capabilities - this being a function of the iPad's Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location.
WiFi Only iPad 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 internet connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate.
All models of iPad can be augmented with an external GNSS/GPS receiver - such as a Garmin GLO. Both WiFi+Cellular and WiFi Only models will derive precision location data from the external receiver while this data is available. However, when an external GNSS receiver is connected, there is no visible indication that position data is being derived from the external receiver. Switching between internal (where available) or externally generated GNSS data is fully automatic; there are no settings that configure this behaviour.
Be aware that most civilian receivers at their best - and in ideal conditions with optimum satellite geometry - have position accuracy of many metres. If your software has the ability to average a fixed position for an extended period, relative position accuracy can be improved.
Do you have a WiFi+Cellular model iPad - or a WiFi Only model?
Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have built-in GNSS/GPS capabilities - this being a function of the iPad's Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location.
WiFi Only iPad 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 internet connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate.
All models of iPad can be augmented with an external GNSS/GPS receiver - such as a Garmin GLO. Both WiFi+Cellular and WiFi Only models will derive precision location data from the external receiver while this data is available. However, when an external GNSS receiver is connected, there is no visible indication that position data is being derived from the external receiver. Switching between internal (where available) or externally generated GNSS data is fully automatic; there are no settings that configure this behaviour.
Be aware that most civilian receivers at their best - and in ideal conditions with optimum satellite geometry - have position accuracy of many metres. If your software has the ability to average a fixed position for an extended period, relative position accuracy can be improved.
You are getting location from the Garmin, because the iPad does not have GPS.
Sorry: Didn’t mention that the iPad Pro has wifi & cellular and does have internal GPS. I need the external GPS for verifying private aids to navigation. We put the Garmin GLO 2 on the end of a boathook and extend it to the aid. This limits the potential error to that of the receiver.
I think I’m getting the position data from the external GPS, but was hoping for a way to be certain.
Selecting external (bluetooth) GPS on iPad Pro with internal GPS
