Issue on accuracy of distance recorded 5k.

[crsh]

Happening repeatedly. Today I did 5k run. Smart mobile in my pocket.

Started run. - charge 2

1.Switched on run in app (GPS connected)

2. Started the RUN command in watch.

       Both of them recorded the run statistics and map in the app. 

 Charge 2 tracker mode gave me 5.02 km. 

App mode gave me 4.72 km. 

Most of the time tracker mode seems better.

Please let know if this bug can be corrected and improved.

Moderator edit: Clarified subject

[murjd17]

Crsh,

   I've run into this frustration as well. It sounds like you are running with GPS linked to your fitbit (as I do) and what I've discovered is that the culprit has been my phone. I was consistently getting 20% shorter recorded distances than the distance I knew I was running. I've tried a few things and generally have been happy with the improvement but it's probably never going to be 100% accurate. 

If you're using an android phone (I'm assuming so since you're in the android forum) here are a couple things I found helpful:

1. Training runs with less overhead cover (think tall buildings and trees) will generally give you a better GPS signal

2. Try switching the GPS mode to high accuracy - search for a tutorial on how to do this with your phone.

3. Calibrate the compass on your phone before starting a run

4. Sync your fitbit with the app just before starting the run

Of those four things I personally found that the second step made the least difference and I don't use it anymore (your phone may give you a different result however so It's worth trying). The combination of step 1, 3, and 4 for me usually has my recorded distance and the known distance within about 5%

One other aside - I've found that the combination of my phone and fitbit seems to be more accurate if I initiate the run from the fitbit rather than the app.

Hope that helps!

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello @crsh and @murjd17.

Thanks for sharing your feedback on the matter and the steps that have been tried to improve the accuracy.

In this case I'd recommend following the steps listed in this help article to guarantee that the GPS connection is working correctly. In addition to that, please also try the steps recommended by @murjd17. It is possible that they will help you get more accurate information.

Feel free to reach out with any further questions 

[crsh]

---

@LanuzaFitbit wrote:

Hello @crsh and @murjd17.

Thanks for sharing your feedback on the matter and the steps that have been tried to improve the accuracy.

In this case I'd recommend following the steps listed in this help article to guarantee that the GPS connection is working correctly. In addition to that, please also try the steps recommended by @murjd17. It is possible that they will help you get more accurate information.

Feel free to reach out with any further questions 

---

Thanks for the reply. Had same issues. Coming to conclude that Fitbit with agps is better than from app. 

As I was mentioning, both modes ran through GPS, hence accuracy issues would be same.

I'm guessing when u run through app, it needs two way sync and hence lose the data, compared to one way sync through tracker. But I'll try other points u mentioned on enhanced GPS accuracy setting, sync etc. 

If this is so the app developer should have mentioned these shortcomings.

Thanks once again

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello @crsh.

Thanks for bringing this up and mentioning all of those.

If you have the time, maybe you could visit one of our Discussion boards. Lots of different topics to talk about with other users. Maybe one will pique your interest.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[crsh]

Thanks. I also put up at idea board, that the tracker should control the app. That way I get better accuracy. Can see stars on the screen, voice cues etc. Getting heart rate to display while on run, with limit alarm function would be an added bonus!!!.

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello @crsh.

Thanks for bringing this up and posting about it.

The suggestion would be the one showing up by clicking here. I'm posting in here so that other users who come here can find it and show their support.

Let me know if you have any further questions.