Yes; all Tractive GPS devices require a GPS signal in order to determine your pet's precise location. Read on to learn more about GPS.
How does the GPS location function work?
The Tractive GPS tracker uses GPS (Global Positioning System) to accurately determine its location. The tracker receives signals from GPS satellites with a built-in GPS antenna and infers the distance to the satellites from the signal's travel time.
The tracker can calculate its position when the distance to at least four satellites is established. The more GPS satellites it can detect, the greater the accuracy.
How accurate is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is influenced by many environmental factors. Each location is uniquely calculated and has its own associated accuracy.
A location determination at location X with an accuracy of 5 meters means that the real location is within a 5 meter radius.
According to the U.S. GPS Performance Standard, GPS signals provide an accuracy of 7.8 m (25 ft) at a 95% confidence level when calculating the distance between satellite and receiver.
For more information about GPS accuracy, continue reading.
GPS Signal Interference
If the GPS connection is lost, you will see the last known position of your pet on the map. You might lose the GPS connection inside buildings. Normally, the GPS signal will be reestablished when the device is outside with a clear line of sight to the sky. Read more about GPS interference here.
Further information about GPS can be found at the official GPS website of the US government: http://www.gps.gov/