The Pencil GPS Tracker offers precise pet tracking, generally accurate to within 8 meters, provided there's a clear view of the sky. This accuracy relies on having unobstructed access to GPS satellites. Obstacles like buildings, dense foliage, or indoor environments can reduce this precision due to GPS signal interference.
1. Ideal conditions: clear line of sight to the sky, fine weather
2. Possible GPS interference: thick cloud cover, heavy rain
3. Likely GPS interference: dense forest, steep hills, artificial or concrete structures
Please note that these are not limitations only for Pencil Tracker, but are limitations of the GPS & technology for any tracker across the world as of today.
But we have multiple ways to track your pet. First, we try to get the most accurate location (within 8 meters) using GPS.
But if the GPS location isn't available due to reasons mentioned above (that are a limitation of GPS technology), our tracker checks for WiFi based location tracking.
How does WiFi based location tracking work?
Our tracker checks for WiFi networks nearby & if there are 3 or more WiFi networks, our tracker calculates the pet's location (using triangulation) and shares the location. These can by any random WiFi & is not dependent on any passwords - any WiFi available will be used (using MAC address). This location will have an accuracy of 15-25 meters, which is also pretty good.
If there are not enough WiFi networks or if the tracker is facing any interference in using WiFi based tracking, instead of sharing no location at all, our system uses information from the nearest cell towers to calculate an approximate location of the tracker.
Approximate location from mobile towers is a backup (after trying GPS & WiFi methods) and is less accurate - with accuracy varying between 600 meters to 4000 meters (in the worst case scenario for very remote or rural areas), depending on how strong the mobile network signals are.
Despite the inherent limitations of GPS & other technologies, we're committed to providing the most accurate and reliable tracking data for your peace of mind.