Ridiculous Watch 3 GPS accuracy

Hi

When comparing calorie data recorded by different devices and their apps, keep in mind that Apple Watch reports active calories, whereas many other fitness devices and apps report total calories (resting + active = total calories).

Calorie estimations depend, in part, on your personal information. To check that this has been entered accurately and to update it over time:

On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > Health > Edit (upper-right).

To help improve the accuracy of calorie and other activity-related estimations made by Apple Watch when GPS data is unavailable or not relevant, you can also calibrate it:

Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support

Resetting your calibration data can be equally as helpful for Series 2 & 3 models and will not erase your Activity history.

Also check your Location Services settings:

On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Privacy > Location Services:

• Check that Location Services (the main setting at the top) is turned on.
• In the list of apps beneath, check that Apple Watch Workout and Nike+ Run Club are set to While Using.
• Also enable options under System Services including Motion Calibration & Distance, Wi-Fi Networking and Mobile Network Search.

For the best performance from the heart rate sensor during workouts, ensure that you wear your Apple Watch snugly (but not too tightly) on the top of your wrist. Apple suggests that you consider tightening the band before starting a workout and loosening it again afterwards:

Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Other issues that can impact sensor performance include skin perfusion (which can also vary, depending on ambient temperature) and wrist tattoos:

• Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support
• Get the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch - Apple Support

More information:

Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If the issue persists and you are concerned about a potential hardware defect or software issue, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for further assistance:

• US: Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support
• Elsewhere: Apple - Support

Also check your Location Services settings.

I have edited my previous reply to include that step, so that all the information is within one reply.

If you believe that the issue lies with the Maps app and/or the Workout app, then I still suggest contacting Apple Support for further assistance, as Apple is the developer of both of those apps.