How Accurate is iPhone GPS?
Can you use your iPhone to survey a property line? Definitely not. Here is why.
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Convert Coordinates in Seconds (No Setup Needed)The Simple Explanation
Under perfect conditions (clear sky, no tall buildings), a modern iPhone GPS is accurate to about 4.9 meters (16 feet). In a city with tall buildings, accuracy drops to 20 meters or worse.
Real World Example
If you are trying to find a buried utility line or a property corner, a 16-foot error means you could be digging in your neighbor's yard.
Pro Tip
When entering coordinates into map apps, always double-check if there is a negative sign (-). Missing a negative sign on longitude will place you on the opposite side of the planet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Android GPS better than iPhone GPS?
They use the same satellite constellations. Accuracy differences are negligible and depend mostly on the specific environment and phone model's antenna.