Why is my tracker inaccurate by a few metres?

It’s completely normal for GPS trackers to show location differences of up-to 10 metres. GPS technology is incredibly powerful, but it isn’t pinpoint-perfect in every situation. SafeTag trackers are accurate to within 10 metres under normal conditions. A small offset doesn’t mean there’s a fault, it’s simply how satellite-based positioning works. GPS trackers rely on signals from multiple satellites, and their accuracy can sometimes be affected by nearby buildings, trees, metal surfaces, or being used indoors or under cover. 

You may also notice something called static drift. This is when a tracker appears to move on the map even though the vehicle hasn’t actually moved. Because the GPS position is constantly recalculated, small variations in satellite signals or environmental interference can cause the displayed location to shift.

In rare cases, this static drift can appear quite extreme while the vehicle is stationary, especially in areas with limited sky visibility. This is expected behaviour and should resolve as soon as the vehicle starts moving, at which point the tracker can more accurately calculate direction and position.

To get the best possible accuracy, we recommend placing the tracker where it has a clear view of the sky, avoiding direct contact with metal surfaces, and allowing a few minutes after powering on for the tracker to fully lock onto satellites.

If you’re seeing large inaccuracies that continue while driving, please let us know and we’ll be happy to look into it further.