GPS and open sky

Question

Hello, from reading devzone, the recommendation for optimal GPS performance while using the nRF9160 DK, is for the antenna to have an unobstructed view of the open sky. 
 I've seen a few vendors selling fleet management devices where you connect their GPS device to the OBD port under the vehicles dashboard. There is no mention of running an antenna from the device to the outside of the vehicle for open sky. 
 In that GPS is defined as a satellite-based radio navigation system, how are these inboard solutions able to advertise as GPS while Nordic needs open sky for GPS to function optimally? 
 thank-you,

Kaja · Accepted Answer

Hi, view of open sky will always give you better performance then if you block/interfere the path between satellite and GPS receiver with obstacles, regardless of the type of GPS receiver you use. 
 Our module is low-power cellular-device, with a GPS receiver on board. A dedicated GPS modules can have better accuracy, however that would require extra cost, size and complexity for the end design. compared to using an nRF9160. We see that many Asset Tracking application does not need better accuracy than 5-3 meters, so therefore they see the benefit of using the onboard GPS receiver on the nRF9160, one example could be pet tracking. Best regards, Kaja

GPS and open sky

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