auto tracking against manual maps

[Mrbean]

Why is it that if I set my Versa to auto-track after 10 minutes it logs my walk, run, etc but doesn't show a map? but when I turn off auto-tracking and set it manually I get a map?

[LZeeW]

@Mrbean   The feature that auto-tracks certain exercises is called SmartTrack.  Fitbit has many older trackers, still in use, that don't have either connected or built in GPS.  SmartTrack lets these users auto-track certain exercises.  It is also really useful on trackers that do have GPS capabilities.  Many, if not most, of my walks/runs/bike rides are familiar routes.  I don't need a map for each one.

[MrMarv]

@Mrbean -

First off, you can leave auto-track on and still initiate an exercise app "walk" and get the map.

The reason you do not get a map on an auto-recognized walk (sometimes referred to as SmartTrack) is that your device doesn't recognize a "walk" as such until you have steadily walked, with minimal breaks, for more than 10 minutes, minimum - that is a setting that you control, as I am sure you know. And you don't want assisted-GPS running 24/7 just in case your meandering around happens to reach the defined minimum. Your device and phone batteries appreciate it, I'm sure.

Bottom line - if you set off with an intent to perform a walk, trigger a walk with your device's exercise app and get your map. But, just in case you happen to do a little bit more tooling around than expected, let the device auto-recognize the walk - you will still get credited for the walk but miss the map.

There have been a few times that I have been out doing yard work and a neighbor was walking by and asked for a "short" conversation about their computer system at work - well, short turned into a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood and 3/4 of a mile - auto-recognized as such, as I noticed later - and I went back to looking for weeds in the yard.

Home this helps.