Researchers Achieve 8cm GPS Accuracy on Smartwatches Through New Algorithm

Researchers from the University of Otago, in collaboration with Google and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a groundbreaking GPS algorithm capable of achieving location accuracy of up to 8 centimeters, all on a smartwatch.

In testing, the system maintained this level of precision continuously for four hours, updating location data every second. The breakthrough was achieved by combining signals from multiple satellite systems, including GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS, resulting in an unprecedented level of positional accuracy for consumer-grade devices.

For context, standard GPS systems available to the public typically offer accuracy of around 1.5 meters under optimal conditions sufficient for driving or basic navigation, but not ideal for more demanding use cases such as trail running, mountain biking, or search-and-rescue operations.

According to the researchers, this enhanced tracking capability could significantly improve sports activity recording and, more importantly, emergency response. In situations where users are lost or injured, such as during hiking or cycling, the system can provide precise coordinates to emergency teams, greatly improving rescue efficiency.

The research team plans to conduct further testing in more challenging environments, such as canyons and enclosed areas, to verify the system’s stability and performance under different signal conditions.