Geolocation function. What is geolocation in the phone? How to enable and disable geolocation on iPhone, how GPS works on mobile devices. Advanced Google Search. Determining geolocation by manually entering information

Recently, only certain categories of the population, for example, the armed forces or special services, had the ability to determine the location of the object.

Later, more portable devices for these purposes appeared - navigators, which became available to a wide range of buyers. They quickly gained popularity among motorists, hunters, fishermen and travelers. The installation of geolocation modules in most modern smartphones has become a real breakthrough in science and technology.

What is geolocation and location?

Geolocation is the determination of the location of an object on the earth's surface. In the Android operating system, many applications are tied to it, with which you can search for the desired establishments, organizations and attractions on the city map, as well as determine your location.

This search is carried out through communication with navigation satellites. The smartphone automatically finds and selects satellites for data exchange, whose signal is stronger. All satellite navigation systems are available for modern telephones, regardless of their country. Currently, and, and, and (the latter in China) are successfully used.

Why do you need geolocation?

One of the main features of geolocation (geo-location) is building a route to the desired object. To do this, Google in the Android operating system has provided a special application called Google Maps. The required address or coordinates are entered into the search bar, and the program determines their location on the ground. Based on this, a detailed driving direction is proposed. The only inconvenience is the possible lack of internet in some areas.

For such situations, the best solution would be to use any other application that downloads a geographic map during the installation phase. Despite the fact that in this case the memory of the smartphone is used, the stability of work will be ensured in any locality. For example, many car travelers use maps.me offline maps.

In addition to Google Maps, there are many applications that use location determination, build routes and show the nearest stores:

  • Yandex.Navigator and any navigators;
  • 2GIS and other directories;
  • Google Photos (remembers where the photo was taken).

Geolocation in Android allows you to:

  • make labels on photographs, signing them with the indication of the city, street, house number;
  • find friends nearby using the Google + social network;
  • find the phone in case of loss;
  • monitor the movement of people (of course, with their consent).

Privacy

When setting up the geolocation function, you have the option to enable or disable location history. Google says that storing visits allows us to offer the user a variety of amenities, goods and services along the way they regularly follow. He, in turn, can share information about the location with friends. As part of the privacy issue, Google assures that only the owner of the smartphone has access to this data.

We will not touch upon questions about general surveillance or a worldwide conspiracy, but it is obvious that everyone decides for himself what to choose: to use the full convenience of Google services or turn off geodata and sleep peacefully. It is also important to note here that always-on location detection can consume a lot of battery power.

How to enable geolocation on Android?

To enable location detection on an Android smartphone, just go to the settings and find the "Location" item (the name may differ depending on the Android version and firmware).

In the "Mode" section, you can specify which sources will be used for location determination: only by GPS, by network coordinates (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile Internet) and by all sources. The last method is the most efficient and fastest.

How to disable geolocation on Android?

Turning off geolocation on your phone is very easy - go to "Settings" - "Location" again and deactivate the option.On many smartphones, you can enable and disable the transfer of geodata in the quick settings menu (swipe down from the status bar)

Previously, only the special services and the military had the ability to track the location, but now any mobile user can build their own routes, view the visited places and follow another person (with his consent). The navigation system is built into all modern smartphones and is easy to activate: the GPS system and data transmission via the Internet are responsible for this. Geolocation data can also be obtained using spyware.

What is geodata transfer on Android

GPS is a system for determining the location of the device on the surface of the earth. Many applications based on Android and iOS are related to geolocation, for example, finding nearby attractions, cafes, shops. With the help of geodata, the user can find the best route to get to the destination point inside or outside the city.

The navigation system works thanks to communication with a satellite or the nearest towers of a cellular operator. As a rule, the phone finds beacons to receive a signal and receives information from them, transmitting data about your location. Modern mobile phones work with all available navigation systems without reference to a specific country. To work with GPS systems GLONASS, GPS, Deidou (China) are used. The main function of geolocation for Android is building a route to the desired point. To do this, you can use a Google account or third-party applications.

How to enable geolocation on android

Some applications and programs automatically after installation offer to enable the coordinate determination system, for example, photos, Instagram, Tinder, Maps. You just need to click on "Allow" - and the function is activated. If you need to enable the function yourself (manually), then follow the instructions below:

  1. Open the Settings menu.
  2. Go to Security & Location.
  3. Open the "Location" section.
  4. Flip the switch to the On position (just swap it to the right). The switch should be highlighted, indicating an active state.
  5. On newer phone models there is a quick settings panel (usually by swapping the top panel down).
  6. Find the GPS signature icon and activate it.

If you own an Apple phone, you can activate geolocation as follows:

  1. Go to phone settings.
  2. Open the section "Privacy" or "Confidentiality".
  3. Then click on "Geolocation Services".
  4. Here you need to switch to On the switch opposite programs that support the determination of location data.
  5. The first time you turn on applications that use GPS, you will be prompted to activate geolocation.

Operating modes

There are several sources of information to track the position of a device in space. When activating the function, you will be prompted to choose one of three modes:

  1. All sources. The preferred option, in early versions of the Android operating system, was called High Accuracy. Offers maximum device positioning accuracy, using all available geolocation tools. Data will be collected from the mobile operator, from GPS satellites, information via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (if enabled).
  2. By network coordinates. Earlier versions of Android called the Battery Saver mode. This function used only data from a cellular operator or wireless networks for tracking. Economy mode is called because GPS is deactivated and does not consume battery power. This helps the user to extend battery life and conserve battery power.
  3. By GPS satellites. In earlier versions, Android is called By Device Sensors. For geolocation, only data from a GPS beacon is used. Information from wireless networks, mobile operator will not be taken into account.

Location history and geodata transfer

In the "Location History" section of the menu, you can activate the recording of your routes, places of visits to various establishments and attractions. The data is stored on Google servers, you can view it through your account in this system on Google Maps. To do this, you need to open a section called "Chronology". Before that, you must log in to your Google account at least once from your device.

If you want your relatives or friends to have access to your location, you need to add users in the "Transfer of geodata" section. They will have access to information about your movements and your actual location in real time. Trusted users will also be able to track their movement through "Google Maps" from the "Show where I am" section.

How to use geolocation

The peculiarities of using this function depend on the goals that you set for it. Geolocation for Android and iOS is available on all modern smartphones. After activation, you will be able to mark the places where they were taken on the photos (data is automatically pulled up), mark interesting points on the map. Coordinates are added with permission to all popular social networks: VKontakte, Facebook, Instagram. You can also use geolocation to track a specific person. To do this, you will need to use additional programs and applications.

Determining the location of the phone via Google

If you have a profile on the Google service, you can link your device to it. The search giant offers a special "Find My Device" feature that is activated when you first log into your account from your mobile. You will have the opportunity to start a loud sound signal even with the sound off, lock the device or erase all data from it completely. One of the "Show on map" sections defines the location of the mobile, but only on the condition that:

  • the device is turned on, associated with this Google account;
  • there is a connection to the Internet;
  • the geolocation function is activated;
  • find My Device is activated.

To view the location of an Android device inside a Google account, do the following:

  1. Go to your account page.
  2. At the top there will be a selection of devices (if you use several), select the one you need.
  3. A list of actions will appear: send a sound signal, block, find a device.
  4. If the above conditions are met, the point where the mobile is located will appear on the map.
  5. If some parameters are disabled, it will show the last place where the phone was fixed.

Find My Android

This geolocation program for Android is suitable for all models from version 1.6. You need to download the application and transfer it to your phone via a cable. Next, unpack the installation file, after installation, the application works offline, does not manifest itself in any way. Third-party services for storing data are not used, all data is sent to your mail on your behalf.

When you download, install wiretapping and tracking utilities, you automatically confirm that the program will not be used unlawfully. To use the program, you need to perform additional steps:

  1. Before installing in the Android device settings, you must activate the item "Unknown sources" so that you can install the utility.
  2. From the phone you want to track, go to the site and click on the "Install" button.
  3. The program will request the right to access the Internet, send and read SMS. Confirm all these tolerances.
  4. To receive location data, send an SMS with the command \u003d location \u003d to your mobile. You will receive a reply SMS with coordinates.

Google maps

Another application from Google that specializes in geolocation. Using maps, you can plot the best route around the world. A useful feature of the application "Show where I am" helps to track the user's location. The application works on both Android devices and iOS. The program must be installed on both phones (yours and the volume whose owner you want to track). You need to follow these steps:

  1. On the monitored device, activate the "Show where I am" function from your Google account.
  2. Select the tracking period, enter your phone number or email.
  3. Then, on your mobile, go to Google Maps, open the "Show where I am" section and select the tracked phone from the list.

Programs for building a route by addresses Android

All applications that are capable of working with maps can be roughly divided into two types: offline and online access. The latter for work requires connection to servers that contain data on maps, updates, and can pump up missing files. Connection is required during route building. If you save it later in the device memory (cache), then you will not need to reactivate the Internet. There are a number of programs that always require an Internet connection. The disadvantages of such cards are the following factors:

  • traffic is required to download maps, expenses are low, but they are;
  • the life of the mobile without recharging is reduced due to the constantly active connection to the network;
  • internet access is not available everywhere.

Offline programs do not require an Internet connection: you only need a connection to a computer that has an Internet connection. Through the cord from it, you can transfer cards to your mobile or other devices on Android. The route is built on the basis of the existing ones in the database, so the user will not be able to build completely new routes. Plus, you'll have to store a lot of data on your phone.

Yandex.Navigator

This is a service from the search engine Yandex, which is capable of working both online and offline. The navigator helps to solve problems, unforeseen situations that arise on the road. First, it must be installed on a mobile with an Android operating system:

  1. Open the official Google store.
  2. Search for Yandex.Navigator.
  3. Click on the "Install" icon.

To start using it, you need to make the initial setup of the application. The owner of the mobile can set the parameters for himself according to the following instructions:

  1. Click on the application icon that appeared on your smartphone screen.
  2. Only at the first start two requests from the program will pop up. Confirm access to geolocation, microphone.
  3. It is recommended that both resolutions be performed so that the navigator works as correctly as possible.

After the initial settings, a map will appear with an arrow in the center indicating your current location. Then you can set the following additional settings:

  1. Click on the "Menu" button located at the bottom right. Open the "Settings" section.
  2. The item "Map View" is responsible for switching between satellite and standard road and street schemes. You can choose one of the options, but the schematic option is considered more convenient.
  3. To switch to offline mode, you need to open the "Download maps" item, then click on the search line. A selection of countries, territories, regions, cities and provinces will appear. Find the area you need.
  4. The "Cursor" tab is responsible for the icon of your current position.

The "Sound" settings section is responsible for choosing the language in which the program will comment on the route, road information. On this tab, you can make the following settings:

  1. Launch the Narrator tab.
  2. Choose the setting that suits you (female or male voice, etc.).
  3. Leave the last three items on so that you can get directions using the voice command “Listen, Yandex”. Just dictate the destination and the program will lead the way.

These are all basic settings before starting to work with the program. You can use two input methods to build a route:

  1. Manual. Click on the search line, type in the required address and tap on "Search". The navigator will suggest street options.
  2. Voice. Say the phrase "Listen, Yandex". A window will appear at the bottom with the word "Speak" - name the street or destination. It is very convenient so as not to be distracted from driving.

Yandex.Navigator will offer two shortest routes, the distance to the destination. Select the appropriate one and click the "Let's go" button. The Android device will switch to travel mode, the remaining travel time, speed, and distance to the first turn will be indicated. Follow the given geolocation and the directions of the announcer. When connected online, the utility indicates traffic congestion, probable and existing traffic jams. You can activate this function by clicking on the traffic light on the top right.

To work with offline mode, you do not need the Internet, there will be enough mobile for Android and enabled geolocation via GPS. To plot a route, you need to download the terrain files to your mobile in advance. The algorithm for constructing a path in the presence of maps coincides with the online mode. To remember the route in advance, you must click on the "My places" button and save.

2GIS

2GIS is an independent project that does not belong to any of the search engines. Geolocation on Android is implemented according to the principle of a navigator, you can set a route from point A to point B by specifying the address, the name of the organization, or simply poking your finger anywhere on the map. The main disadvantage of the Android application is that it is paid. You don't need to buy it to use it on a PC.

The program will calculate the best route and show you how to get there by public transport. The utility does not support the path on foot or by car, so it is not suitable for motorists. 2GIS still has little content, not all cities in Russia have it, not to mention foreign ones, but the developers are constantly updating the maps. The program is used more as a reference than as an option for geolocation on Android.

Human Tracking Applications

GPS can be used not only for planning a route and facilitating travel to unfamiliar places. If desired, a person can determine the location of the android phone. The reasons for this are very different: the loss of a mobile phone, distrust of a loved one or employee, worries about a child. Tracking utilities connect to the geolocation system and send you location data. Below are the popular options for Android.

GPS Tracker Family Locator

The name indicates that the application helps to keep track of relatives and children, but only with their knowledge. For geographic positioning, be sure to turn on the GPS tracker, which will send data to your computer or mobile. The application is installed on several Android mobiles, then a "Circle" is created. Everyone must confirm permission for tracking using geolocation.

The main disadvantage of the program is that the GPS beacon must be activated, without it, it will not work to establish the location. You can download the Family Locator GPS tracker for free, download the file to your phone via a USB cable and start the installation. The application has the following options:

  • send an SOS signal with one click;
  • determines location when GPS is on;
  • sends a message when you deviate from the direction specified by the route;
  • you can set the point of arrival, the application will send a message when the user reaches it.

Lost Android

You can download the utility directly from the official Android application store, it is distributed free of charge. It helps to find out with the help of geolocation, where is the mobile on which the program is installed. To manage, view the data, you must register on the developer's website, access to your personal account will be provided. The main drawback is the absence of the Russian language, the interface is completely in English. The application has high potential for remote control of a device on Android:

  • blocking the device;
  • destruction of data from a mobile;
  • reading received, sent messages;
  • enable, disable Wi-Fi, GPS;
  • sIM card change notification;
  • removing the launch icon from the desktop;
  • mobile control using text commands;
  • displaying the call list and much more.

Where are my kids

The application helps to track not only the location of the child by geolocation, but also the state of the mobile. When the battery is low, the system sends a message to the parent about it. Locating Android is not the only function of the program, it also has the following options:

  1. Wiretapping. Triggers the microphone to work remotely, which allows you to listen to the environment, record an audio track without the knowledge of the child. This is a useful feature for parents whose children are in a hectic teenage age.
  2. Installation of movement zones. Parents create special zones (school, sports section, your yard) and if the child leaves it, an alert comes. You can call him and ask him to come back.
  3. Saving the route of movements. The application stores data about where the user has been in the last 2 days.

After installation, the program can work in two modes - child and parent. The first one must be activated on the android device that will be tracked. The second is for data acquisition and control. Remember that geolocation on Android works only when GPS is on and the utility can be easily turned off if the user notices it, so it will not be possible to secretly install tracking.

How to turn off geolocation on Android

The geolocation function usually requires internet access and activation of the GPS navigator. This puts additional stress on the battery and discharges faster. You can disable geolocation on a device running Android using the following instructions:

  1. Go to device settings.
  2. Find the "Location" section.
  3. Deactivate the option.
  4. You can also disconnect through the quick access menu (swipe down from the top of the screen). Just tap again on the GPS icon.

Video

Geolocation is one of the main functions of a modern smartphone. With its help, you can use your smartphone as a GPS navigator, leave your coordinates in photos, send data about your location, and much more. In this article, you can learn how to enable geolocation on an Android smartphone, as well as how to set it up correctly.

In most cases, geolocation is enabled and working on an Android smartphone. But, if you turned off this function before, and now want to turn it on again, then you need to go to the Android smartphone settings and find a section called "Location" there (in the latest versions this section is located at: Settings - Protection and location - Location). It is in this section that all the settings related to geolocation are concentrated.

In the "Location" section, at the very top of the screen, you will find a switch with which you can enable geolocation on Android.

Below there will be a section "Mode". In which you can choose how geolocation works.

How to set up geolocation on Android

If you open the "Mode" section, then you will see three possible geolocation modes. Let's take a closer look at each of these modes.

  • All Sources Mode (in older versions of Android, this mode was called "High accuracy"). The most accurate geolocation mode. If you enable this mode, then all information available to your smartphone will be used to determine your location. These are data from satellites, data from a mobile operator, as well as data obtained through Wi-Fi and wireless networks.
  • Mode "By grid coordinates (in older versions - "Saving battery power"). This mode uses data only from the mobile operator and wireless networks (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). While the GPS module does not work and does not consume battery power. Enabling this geolocation mode allows you to save battery power and extend the battery life of the device.
  • GPS satellites(in older versions - "By device sensors"). Geolocation mode in which data is used exclusively from the GPS module. In this case, information from the mobile operator and wireless networks is not taken into account.

If you go back to the "Location" settings section and scroll through the settings to the very end, you will find a couple more interesting functions there. These are "Location History" and "Geodata Transfer".

If you open the "Location History" section, you can enable or disable the recording of the history of your movements with your Android smartphone. This history is stored on Google servers and can be viewed on the Google Maps website in the Timeline section. You can get more information about this function.

Geolocation on Android is determining the location of the phone.

Any user of mobile technology can view the places he visited, build personal routes and find out the location of another person with his consent. The navigation system is supported by all modern smartphones. To use it, you must first activate geolocation. GPS and data transmission over the Internet are responsible for determining the location of the device.

Navigation in your device is set at the factory. In order to use it, it is enough to activate the option in the settings.

The function works by connecting to a satellite or nearby base stations. The smartphone finds beacons to receive a signal, transmitting information about where it is.

Modern mobile devices are compatible with all existing navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS) regardless of the region. The main task of geolocation in Android phones is to create your own route. To implement it, you can use a Google account or third-party programs from the official market.

How to turn on

Geolocation on the Android phone is enabled through the quick access panel, which drops out when you slide your finger across the screen from top to bottom. In this menu, you need to activate the function by clicking.

Another method is to go into the settings and find the item "Location" or "Geolocation", activate the option using the slider. In the Android phone settings menu, you can also go to the "Google" item and find the "Location" item, then activate geolocation.

For a more precise definition, below, check the box "All Sources".

How to send geolocation from Android

If the person who needs to send your location has a Google account, add their email address to Google Contacts and follow these steps:

To send geolocation on Android from Yandex map, select the desired object and follow the instructions:

Geolocation on an Android phone is disabled in two ways:

  1. Via the menu on the quick access bar at the top of the screen.
  2. Through smartphone settings.

To delete the saved information about your movement, you need to go to "Settings" and select the "Location" item, click on the "Options" icon at the top of the screen, then select "Delete location history" and confirm the action 2 times.

On Samsung

To remove the function of determining geolocation in Samsung smartphones, just swipe down from the top of the screen and deactivate the Geolocation icon on the drop-down menu.

Through the settings menu, you can disable the function by taking the steps:

  • find the item "Geodata";
  • disable by moving the slider to the left.

On Xiaomi

There are also 2 ways to disable geolocation on a Xiaomi Android phone. Via the quick settings menu and using the usual smartphone settings:

  1. Swipe the screen and find the "GPS" icon on the drop-down panel. Click on it to disable it.
  2. In the smartphone settings, find the "Other" option, then select "Privacy" and scroll down. Go to the "Location" item and deactivate the slider.

In Viber

To prevent the Viber application from sending your location through the Android phone settings, you need to follow the instructions:

  1. Go to "Settings".
  2. Select the section "Privacy and Security" (in some devices "Applications" - "Permissions").
  3. Go to "Location" and disable the slider.

How to set up geolocation on your husband's phone so that he doesn't know

There can be many reasons for the need to locate another person: concern for a loved one, suspicions of one of the spouses, prosecution of the debtor, surveillance, search methods can also be different, for example, by number or using services that provide geolocation services, with or without the owner of the smartphone. Not all methods are legal.

To determine the location of the owner of the Android smartphone, you can use the remote control service. It is designed to search for a mobile phone in case of theft or locate a child for his safety.

To set up the function, you need to add a Google account to your husband's device and save his login and password in a safe place. Next, open the Find My Device service on your PC, you can find it through a search engine, and enter the data from this account on the input page.

On the expanded map, you will see the location of the husband's device, provided that the phone is turned on and connected to the Internet.

How to setup

Google services use data about the user's location. The most common:

  • location determination;
  • transfer of geodata to other users;
  • history of geolocations.

For options to work correctly, they must be configured.

To determine your location, you must activate the "Geolocation" icon in the drop-down menu of quick settings or in the smartphone settings. For a more precise definition, you need to activate the item "Use all sources" in the "Mode" section or, in newer versions of Android, select the "More precise definition" function.

Location history allows you to use additional services: device search, data on traffic jams, recommendations for visited places, individually built routes.

Location history is linked to your Google account. To use the service, you need to make the following settings:

  • sign in to your Google account;
  • activate location history;
  • allow sending locations.

How to change geolocation

To maintain anonymity, you can change your location in Android devices. There are many third-party applications for changing the phone's geodata, various VPN services.

It is also possible to change the location by standard means. To do this, go to the Android phone developer options:

  • go to the settings and find the item "About device";
  • click on the item "Assembly number" with frequent rhythmic movements more than 8 times;
  • after the actions taken, a new item will appear in the menu - "For developers";
  • go in and check the box "Fictitious locations".

How to update geolocation

Sometimes, with a change of location, geolocation on Android does not change. For correct display of geodata, the location determination function should be updated:

  • go to the settings of your device;
  • select the "Date and time" section;
  • deactivate the time zone over the network and select it manually;
  • re-enable the display of the time zone over the network;
  • go to the "Location" item in the smartphone settings;
  • make sure the function is active;
  • select the "Mode" section;
  • select "All Sources".

Why geolocation does not work on Android

Navigation malfunction in a smartphone can occur for several reasons. They are divided into software and hardware. Failure of the navigation module belongs to the second group. It occurs due to mechanical damage, shock or wetting of the smartphone.

The software includes:

  • outdated firmware version;
  • using third-party applications from the Play Market that use geolocation data (for example, to call a taxi);
  • small system crash;
  • incorrect settings.

Why geolocation shows the wrong location on Android

The display of the wrong location of the phone occurs if:

  1. Only one source (Wi-Fi, GPS, or cellular) is selected in the geodata settings.
  2. Enabled mock location feature in developer options.
  3. The compass needs to be calibrated.

To calibrate, you need to open Google Maps and make a few circular movements with your hand with your phone in the air. The compass beam will become narrower and point in the right direction.