GeoMessaging FAQ

Main | Instructions | FAQ | Contact -

English Português

Frequently Asked Questions

So how does GeoMessaging work?

As long as the GeoMessaging iPhone app is active it will monitor your location using the built-in GPS and check if you've crossed the target boundary on the map. When that happens an email message with your entered text will be sent out to all of your recipients. After triggering your GeoMessaging will become inactive and you can make changes to the settings or re-activate it again.

Does GeoMessaging run in the background?

iOS GeoMessaging fully supports multitasking and will monitor your position in the background while you interact with other applications on your device.

Hum, sounds interesting... But what about my privacy? Are people going to know where I am (or where I was) at all times?

There are many applications and online services for broadcasting to the world and friends your geolocated activities. With GeoMessaging you have complete control of how you divulge your location information to your contacts. That's because this information never leaves your iPhone. Your message is only sent out to your specified recipients, with no position information whatsoever.

How do I pick my GeoMessaging target region?

Easy: tap the Where tab and you are presented with a familiar Maps widget. Move around and find your region of interest--you can also perform an address search using the search bar, or select a Contact with an address (using the "+" next to the search bar). Then switch the map to the GeoMessaging mode by tapping on the Set Perimeter button on the bottom menu. The map turns a slight shade of green and with two fingers you "pinch" a circle on the map. You are presented with a distance value for the perimeter of the circle. The smaller you make your GeoMessaging the more accurate and frequent the GPS readings will be--but this uses up more battery life. Conversely, the wider the GeoMessaging the less accurate the GPS measures will be, but it uses less battery too.

How wide then should I make my GeoMessage?

It depends. Here are some recommendations:

• • I'm using GeoMessaging during driving, so accuracy isn't a big deal

    • Use about a one mile perimeter

  • I'm using GeoMessaging while biking, accuracy is somewhat important

    • Use about a 500 yard perimeter

  • I'm using GeoMessaging while walking, so accuracy is important

    • Use about a 200 yard perimeter

Is GeoMessaging dependable?

GeoMessaging is a nice utility app and it relies on the iPhone's GPS capabilities, which use a variety of techniques and technologies to pinpoint your location. These vary in reliability and accuracy. Also, the very nature of the mobile device means that other services may interrupt the GeoMessaging app and cause it to loose track that it should have triggered. So in short: don't bet your life on it. Be sensible when using it, be aware of these limitations, and make sure to contact your recipients via other means in order not to ruin your planned activities.

What about battery life?

Remember that continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. GeoMessaging only uses GPS when you activate it. Once you trigger the message, it stops tracking your location (consequently minimizing use of the battery).