Retained satellite information influences performance of GPS devices in a forested ecosystem

Katie Moriarty; Clinton W. Epps

doi:10.1002/wsb.524

Treesearch

Retained satellite information influences performance of GPS devices in a forested ecosystem

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Katie Moriarty, Clinton W. Epps

Year:

2015

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.524

Source:

Wildlife Society Bulletin

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Abstract

Global Positioning System (GPS) units used in animal telemetry often suffer from nonrandom data loss and location error. GPS units use stored satellite information to estimate locations, including almanac and ephemeris data reflecting satellite positions at weekly and at <4-hr temporal scales, respectively. Using the smallest GPS collars (45–51 g) available for mammals, we evaluate how satellite information and environmental conditions affected GPS performance in 27 mobile trials, and field reliability during 56 deployments on Pacific marten (Martes caurina).

Keywords

animal movement, carnivore, fix success, GPS, location error, Martes americana, Martes caurina, Telemetry Solutions

Citation

Moriarty, Katie M.; Epps, Clinton W. 2015. Retained satellite information influences performance of GPS devices in a forested ecosystem. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 39(2): 349-357.