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It's nice to see you around the Community @RJuth! 
If your run or non-bike exercise uses GPS, Surge will search for a GPS signal and vibrate when it is found. If a signal isn't found within a few seconds, a Quick Start option appears so you can start your activity immediately while Surge keeps looking for the signal.
The Surge has built-in GPS. When you select a GPS run or exercise, you'll feel a vibration that indicates Surge has found a GPS signal. If Surge doesn't find a signal immediately, keep in mind that environmental factors including tall buildings, dense forest, steep hills, and even thick cloud cover can interfere with your tracker's ability to connect to GPS satellites.
For best results, wait for Surge to find the signal before you start your workout. However, if you don't want to wait you may be able to use the Quick Start option. Quick Start begins tracking your workout without GPS until it finds the signal. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Quick Start is not available if you're tracking a bike ride because cycling requires GPS to track distance.
- If you see the Quick Start option and want to use it, press the Select button and then press Play.
- While Surge continues to look for the GPS signal it will use your step count to calculate distance traveled. In this scenario you can expect that your total distance calculated for the workout will be slightly less accurate than if GPS data was available for the duration.
At least two dozen GPS satellites are constantly in orbit around the Earth and broadcasting data. All GPS devices, whether your phone or a Fitbit Surge, require a direct path to these satellites in order to receive their radio transmissions. If the signal is being blocked—either because you're underground, near many tall buildings, or as a result of atmospheric effects—GPS will not work. Thus, whereas GPS gives you a more accurate measure of distance than step counting alone, the actual accuracy depends on both your environment and the weather.
If the GPS signal is lost, rest assured Surge or your mobile device will continually search for a GPS signal as long as the exercise is in progress.
Enjoy your weekend guys @RJuth @SunsetRunner!
Best Answer
Community Moderators ensure that conversations are friendly, factual, and on-topic. We're here to answer questions, escalate bugs, and make sure your voice is heard by the larger Fitbit team. Learn more
It's nice to see you around the Community @RJuth!
If your run or non-bike exercise uses GPS, Surge will search for a GPS signal and vibrate when it is found. If a signal isn't found within a few seconds, a Quick Start option appears so you can start your activity immediately while Surge keeps looking for the signal.
The Surge has built-in GPS. When you select a GPS run or exercise, you'll feel a vibration that indicates Surge has found a GPS signal. If Surge doesn't find a signal immediately, keep in mind that environmental factors including tall buildings, dense forest, steep hills, and even thick cloud cover can interfere with your tracker's ability to connect to GPS satellites.
For best results, wait for Surge to find the signal before you start your workout. However, if you don't want to wait you may be able to use the Quick Start option. Quick Start begins tracking your workout without GPS until it finds the signal. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Quick Start is not available if you're tracking a bike ride because cycling requires GPS to track distance.
- If you see the Quick Start option and want to use it, press the Select button and then press Play.
- While Surge continues to look for the GPS signal it will use your step count to calculate distance traveled. In this scenario you can expect that your total distance calculated for the workout will be slightly less accurate than if GPS data was available for the duration.
At least two dozen GPS satellites are constantly in orbit around the Earth and broadcasting data. All GPS devices, whether your phone or a Fitbit Surge, require a direct path to these satellites in order to receive their radio transmissions. If the signal is being blocked—either because you're underground, near many tall buildings, or as a result of atmospheric effects—GPS will not work. Thus, whereas GPS gives you a more accurate measure of distance than step counting alone, the actual accuracy depends on both your environment and the weather.
If the GPS signal is lost, rest assured Surge or your mobile device will continually search for a GPS signal as long as the exercise is in progress.
Enjoy your weekend guys @RJuth @SunsetRunner!
Best Answer