Learning iOS Development: A Hands-on Guide to the Fundamentals of iOS Programming

Core Location and Core Motion Differences

Core Location depends on three different approaches, each of which might or might not be available on a given platform. These approaches are limited by each device’s onboard capabilities. Wi-Fi location, which scans for local routers and uses their MAC addresses to search a central position database, is freely available on all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch platforms.

Cell location, however, depends on an antenna that is available on the iPhone and on suitably equipped iPad models. This technology triangulates from local cell towers, whose positions are well defined from their installations by telephone companies.

The final and most accurate strategy, GPS location, depends on appropriate hardware. Most ...