GPS on Fitbit app adding extra distance and showing zigzag patterns

[Sunfish295]

My Alta HR App has been logging inaccurately for quite some time. I finally looked at the map, and it’s adding crazy zigzag patters in turn adding more mileage. I see on the forums this has been an issue with many. Any fix for this?

Moderator edit: Updated title for clarity

[FerdinandFitbit]

Hi there @Sunfish295, welcome to the Fitbit Community Forums! 🙂

I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems with the GPS not being accurate on your Fitbit app. I'd like to help you out with this.

When it comes to GPS tracking, at least 24 GPS satellites are constantly in orbit around the Earth and broadcasting data. All GPS devices, whether your phone or a Fitbit device, require a direct path to these satellites in order to receive their radio transmissions. If the signal is blocked—either because you're underground, near many tall buildings, or as a result of atmospheric effects—GPS won't work. While 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, your phone or Fitbit device continually searches for a GPS signal as long as an exercise is in progress which would explain the zigzag like pattern.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions!

PS. I moved your post to the iOS app board for categorization purposes.

[Sunfish295]

I understand this, however, I downloaded Map my Walk and also tested vs the Apple watch, and both of those tracked accurately on the same exact route. It seems to be exclusive to the Fitbit App.