One of my favorite features of Android and its core apps is Google Maps Navigation. Having the power of Google Search directly connected to navigation within one button press, what else do I need to say?
My issue came when I upgraded to the new Samsung Vibrant, only to discover that the GPS never seemed to get a lock on my location, even when I was in direct view of the sky. Samsung has already acknowledged the issue, and says it will be fixed in the next OTA update, whenever that may be. Being impatient and technologically mischievous , I looked elsewhere for a more timely solution. I found it within several XDA Developer Forum threads, detailing numerous different methods of improving the GPS signal on the Samsung Galaxy S devices, which at the moment include the T-Mobile Vibrant and the AT&T Captivate. Here are the two more successful methods, and a third fix untested by myself, that I found to temporarily fix this bug until Samsung officially handles it in their next OTA update.
Method One – Most Successful in my testing, quickest GPS lock
Disable ‘Use Wireless Networks’ under Settings —> Location and Security.
Go into LbsTestMode (*#*#1472365#*#*)
Go to Application Settings
Enable MS-Based Mode
Increase Accuracy to 100
Leave the rest stock
Return to the main LbsTestMode menu
Go to SUPL/CP Settings
Select the Serve FQDN Type drop down menu
Hit AUTO Config
Exit to the dialer and reboot your Vibrant twice for good measure.
Method Two – Worked, but was not as quick locking onto your location
1 – Disable “Use Wireless Networks” – Settings / Location & Security
2 – Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
3 – Under “Application settings” Change “Operation Mode” to MS Based
4 – Under “SUPL/CP Settings” Change the SERVER & PORT to supl.google.com and port 7276 [ Do not use www. in front of supl]
5 – REBOOT
6 – Turn back on the “User Wireless Networks”
Method Three – Untested by myself, but others have said it works
1 – Dial *#*#1472365#*#*
2 – Go outside to get an unimpeded GPS fix.
3 – Choose Delete GPS Data button.
4 – Choose Get Position Test button. Let it run for 3 min or until you have 10 to 12 Sat locks and back out.
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=739662
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728894
