Accuracy of Garmin GPS Running Watches over Repetitive Trials on the Same Route
Joe Dumas

TL;DR
This study evaluates the accuracy of three Garmin GPS running watches over repeated trials on the same route, revealing that newer models may sacrifice measurement precision for smaller size and longer battery life.
Contribution
It provides a comparative analysis of GPS accuracy across different Garmin watch generations using consistent testing conditions over several years.
Findings
Older watches showed similar accuracy
Newer watch was less accurate in distance measurement
Device design choices may impact GPS accuracy
Abstract
Many runners use watches incorporating Global Positioning System technology to track their workouts. These devices can be valuable training aids, but they have limitations. For several reasons including variations in satellite position, environmental factors, and design decisions made by the manufacturer, GPS-enabled watches can produce position measurement errors. These can result in incorrect estimations of total distance covered as well as running pace. This study examined the accuracy of three Garmin running watches of different technological generations using repetitive trials, over several years, by the same runner over the same route. The older watches, a Forerunner 205 and a Forerunner 220, showed similar accuracy when traversing the route. The newer generation watch, a Forerunner 45S, was found to be significantly less accurate in terms of both the trueness and precision of its…
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Taxonomy
TopicsErgonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders · Transport Systems and Technology
