Does it matter if the GPS is off on an exercise?

[JoeGV]

I understand that the GPS on helps calibrate run stride length.  Still, I have a question.  With today's walk, I had the GPS set to off on my HR.  I forgot to turn it on.  I started my walk/exercise on my phone app.  It then tracked my walk on the map.  

So, 1/3 through I put the GPS on since I forgot to put it back on.  Then I got to thinking, if one isn't concerned about calibrating a run stride, what difference is there with the GPS off/on with ones fitbitHR?  The app knew where I was walking and kept track of my pace and distance.

Anyone know? 

TIA

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity. 

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

@JoeGV   I hope I can sort this out for you.

• When you started your walk on the app, you were using an app feature Fitbit calls MobileRun.  It is a way to capture detailed data with an older style tracker that does not have auto-recognized exercises or the Exercise app (and GPS connected exercises).
• You Exercise app/auto-recognition data comes from the tracker itself.  MobileRun uses the tracker to count steps, but the Exercise app/auto-recognition and MobileRun software "packages" don't "talk" to each other.  Exercises will be counted twice, unless auto-recognition is turned off.
• You were recording this walk from the app.  Whether the tracker GPS was on/off is irrelevant.  You didn't start the walk from the Exercise app on your Inspire HR.
• The auto stride length correction applies to GPS connected runs using the Exercise app on the tracker.  It will not correct your stride length if you run using MobileRun.
• Here are a couple situations where I do activities with the exercise app with the GPS turned off.  The is an indoor track at my gym. GPS gets distorted inside the building.  I have outdoor routes that take me through tunnels.  No GPS in a tunnel.  Stuff like that.
• Sometimes, using the Exercise app with GPS off is better than auto-recognition.  The Exercise app has an Auto Pause feature.  From time to time, autorecogntion stops with your pause, but then doesn't seem to start up again.

Here is a link to a Help article that will help you get the most from the Exercise app on your Inspire HR.  My big message -- don't start/stop from the app.  Your Inspire HR is more advanced.

[JoeGV]

@LZeeW 

Thanks for all that info.  It makes much better sense.  I admit the primary.. and maybe only, reason I use the app from the phone is that I like the voice prompts that tell me my walking pace.  Minor, but nonetheless, is something that I use.  When I use the HR or let it do it automatically, it does vibrate at set interval, but I don't hear anything about pace.   Guess I just have to choose.  Of course, I could "double track" by using my Samsung app- which actually does a pretty good job and does give audio pace and let the HR do its thing automatically.  Also, the Samsung app does a great job of auto pausing.  I have yet seen my HR auto pause an exercise that was manually started.  I use it most if I stop to chat with someone on my walks.  Samsung's pauses my "walk".. HR just keeps on tickin'.

Still, I wonder why the HR isn't better integrated into the app.

[AndreaFitbit]

It´s nice to see you in here @JoeGV. Thank you for sharing your GPS inquiry with us.

I hope that @LZeeW information was useful for you and helped you understand GPS use better. I also appreciate your feedback and comments, we always share this information with our team. 

Thank you for your assistance @LZeeW. 

Keep on visiting the forums. 

[LZeeW]

@JoeGV   I agree with you about the voice cues from the app.  I have used them myself.  I am not a software engineer, but my son is.  This is the answer I get when I ask why things can't work a certain way, like the device and the app.  He keeps it simple for me.  "It's a software thing." 

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us @LZeeW. I apologize for the delayed response and appreciate your help and feedback. 

Your son is a wise man. 

Keep on visiting the forums.