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Cell Tower Masts and google location history.

  • 24-05-2016 10:55am
    #1
    kevkelly90
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭


    Hi guys I'm wondering if any of you may be able to give me a professional answer to my question.

    I would like to know what are the chances that Google Location history could be 3km out?

    I understand google uses GPS/Cell and Wifi to track locations. Could it be possible that a Cell Mast tracked location be so far out of range to actual location.

    To help with question. The said location should be Stephens Green but it is showing Harrolds Cross?


Comments

  • #2
    jimmycrackcorm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,378 ✭✭✭✭jimmycrackcorm


    kevkelly90 wrote:
    I would like to know what are the chances that Google Location history could be 3km out?


    For a number of reasons it can be out if it is based on cell location only. But if you're also using Wi-Fi in the location settings then around st stephens green it should be more accurate.

    You should check the location settings mode also.


  • #3
    kevkelly90
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭kevkelly90


    jimmycrackcorm wrote: »
    You should check the location settings mode also.

    Will that tell me which mode (GPS/Mobile Mast) was use to capture the location?


  • #4
    28064212
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,902 ✭✭✭✭28064212


    kevkelly90 wrote: »
    Will that tell me which mode (GPS/Mobile Mast) was use to capture the location?
    No. And even if it did, both of them (and WiFi location) can be out by significant distances, either through software or hardware estimations and errors. Google location history is not reliable enough to be able to say where someone was with any kind of certainty

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  • #5
    kirving
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,127 ✭✭✭kirving


    It can also be due to where your Internet connection thinks it is. I work for a French company and occasionally I get sent to Google.fr with my location showing as France since some of our Internet traffic is routed through there. It is helpful, but by no means a reliable way of determining someone's location


  • #6
    kevkelly90
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭kevkelly90


    28064212 wrote: »
    No. And even if it did, both of them (and WiFi location) can be out by significant distances, either through software or hardware estimations and errors. Google location history is not reliable enough to be able to say where someone was with any kind of certainty

    Ok thanks for the info.


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  • #7
    kevkelly90
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭kevkelly90


    Kevin Irving wrote: »
    It can also be due to where your Internet connection thinks it is. I work for a French company and occasionally I get sent to Google.fr with my location showing as France since some of our Internet traffic is routed through there. It is helpful, but by no means a reliable way of determining someone's location

    Over wifi im guessing? Cheers for the response.


  • #8
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    If it was that far out chances are GPS was off, GPS will trump other sources which generally are guessing.

    If you're asking for a legal/disciplinary use it really cannot be counted on.


  • #9
    jimmycrackcorm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,378 ✭✭✭✭jimmycrackcorm


    kevkelly90 wrote:
    Will that tell me which mode (GPS/Mobile Mast) was use to capture the location?

    The settings mode is about the accuracy. I.e, whether or not GPS is even used.


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