Strava. Is It Accurate?

[chrissa1]

I try to walk 2 miles per day.
My Health App records my steps but always records a lesser mileage than the Strava app.
I know that Strava uses satellite tracking, but if I have to walk behind a car waiting to pull out of a junction, the visible tracking picture looks as though I’ve walked a good way out of my way.

Which one should I trust? TIA.

[Buenchico]

It's easy to see how your Health App could get things wrong (simply because it thinks that your stride length is a little shorter than it actually is).

It's far harder to see how GPS tracking could get things wrong, so I'd put my trust in Strava.

[chrissa1]

Thanks, Chris. I thought that, but doubted it a bit.
I’ll keep on keeping on.

[ABerrant]

"It's far harder to see how GPS tracking could get things wrong..."

Except for typical single frequency receiver GPS accuracy (within a 4.9 m (16 ft.) radius) being degraded by:
Satellite signal blockage due to buildings, bridges, trees, etc.
Signals reflected off buildings or walls ("multipath")
Radio interference

and other factors
https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/performance/accuracy/

[ABerrant]

Also factor in possible inaccuracies in Strava calculations of distance.

https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/216919487-How-Distance-is-Calculated

[chrissa1]

Bo. Limey!!! That all looks very complicated. In ALNWICK where I walk I have to pass through Bondgate, a medieval gate and passageways which may throw the satellite off a bit. Thanks.

[chrissa1]

Now I’ve read your links properly, Aberrant it all makes sense. Thank you.