GPS Delays
GPS location data can sometimes appear delayed, stale, or inaccurate. This guide helps identify the cause and determine whether it requires action.
Understanding GPS Update Frequency
Vehicle GPS devices report location at configured intervals (typically every 30–60 seconds when moving). Technician presence from the mobile app reports at key job events (arrived, complete) plus periodic background updates.
A 1–2 minute delay between real-world position and the map is normal. Longer delays indicate a problem.
Diagnosing a Delay
Check the last update time
On the fleet map, click a vehicle or technician marker and look at the Last Updated timestamp.
| Last Update | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Under 2 minutes | Normal |
| 2–10 minutes | Possible weak signal or device sleep |
| 10–30 minutes | Likely no signal (building, tunnel, rural area) |
| 30+ minutes | Device offline, signal issue, or device problem |
Check signal conditions
GPS delays are often caused by the vehicle being in:
- Enclosed parking garages
- Basements or loading docks
- Rural areas with poor cellular coverage
- Dense urban canyons where GPS satellites are partially blocked
Once the vehicle leaves the area, the map position should update within a minute.
For Vehicle GPS Devices
If a specific vehicle is consistently delayed or showing the wrong location:
- Check that the device is properly seated and powered (indicator light on)
- Confirm the device has not been physically disturbed or disconnected
- Check the vehicle was actually driven (parked vehicles may show the last known position for days)
If the problem persists for multiple days or across different locations, the device may need replacement. Contact support.
For Technician App Location
If a technician's location is delayed in the app:
- Confirm the app has Always location permission (see Technician Locations)
- Check that background app refresh is enabled on their device
- Low device battery mode may throttle background location — ask the technician to plug in
Note
iOS devices aggressively manage background processes on low battery. A technician with battery saver mode active may have location updates suppressed. This is a device-level setting, not a RoutePilot issue.
What Not To Do
- Do not repeatedly reload the fleet map expecting the position to "catch up" faster — updates happen on the device/hardware side
- Do not assume a vehicle is lost if it shows as Offline — check signal conditions first