How to Use Your GoPro GPS to Record Skydiving Telemetry
Introduction
Skydiving is thrilling—but capturing every detail of your jump with precise telemetry data takes it to another level. Your GoPro’s GPS feature lets you record essential stats like speed, altitude, and acceleration. This guide will show you how to set up and activate your GoPro GPS, ensure accurate data capture, and overlay this information onto your footage using the GoPro Quik app.
Step 1: Activating GPS on Your GoPro
To start capturing telemetry data:
Go to Settings on your GoPro.
Look for the GPS option and switch it ON.
To confirm that your GPS is active:
Return to the settings screen.
Check the GPS icon in the top left corner:
If the icon is white, GPS is active.
If it remains gray, the GPS hasn’t locked on yet.
Step 2: Understanding How GPS Works
Even with the GPS icon active, accurate telemetry requires a solid satellite connection. Here’s why:
The Global Positioning System (GPS) works by connecting to multiple satellites orbiting Earth. To determine a precise 3D position, your GoPro must connect to at least four satellites:
Three satellites help determine your 2D position (latitude and longitude).
A fourth satellite adds altitude data, providing a full 3D position.
More satellites mean better accuracy. Keep in mind that obstacles (like being inside a plane) can weaken or block the signal, potentially compromising the accuracy of your telemetry. Rule of thumb: 8+ satellites are necessary to get accurate data…
Step 3: Limitations of GoPro GPS for Skydiving
The GoPro’s GPS wasn’t designed specifically for skydiving—it's primarily intended for ground-based activities. This means:
Inside an airplane, the metal fuselage can block satellite signals.
Your telemetry data might be incomplete or slightly inaccurate when exported.
Pro tip: The only way to truly verify your telemetry is to jump and test it in real conditions.
Step 4: Importing Telemetry Using GoPro Quik
After your jump:
Open the GoPro Quik app on your phone.
Download your video from the camera to the app.
Go to Content and select your video.
Tap the pencil icon in the bottom left corner.
Scroll through the icons at the bottom until you find Stickers.
Tap on Stickers to automatically overlay your telemetry data.
You can position the telemetry data stickers in any of the four screen corners: top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right, by tapping multiple times.
Step 5: Available Telemetry Data
The GoPro GPS can display various data points:
Speed: Shows your total speed (combination of ground speed and vertical speed).
2D Map: Displays your flight path over a map.
Path: Visual representation of your movement.
Speed Graph: A visual chart of speed changes during your jump.
Altitude: Displays changes in height throughout the jump.
Acceleration Indicator: Shows how quickly your speed changes.
Understanding Speed Data
The speed indicator displays your total speed vector, which combines:
Ground Speed: Horizontal speed relative to the ground.
Vertical Speed: How fast you're falling.
Total Speed: The combination of both ground and vertical speeds.
For skydiving, all three speeds provide valuable insights, though the GoPro only displays the combined vector. This still gives you a good overall sense of your descent dynamics.
Step 6: Visual Example from a Real Jump
Want to see how telemetry looks during a real skydive? Watch my YouTube video where I showcase a jump with full telemetry data and a step-by-step tutorial on setting up the GPS feature on your GoPro.
Final Thoughts
Using the GPS feature on your GoPro allows you to capture more than just the visuals of your skydiving adventure—it lets you record valuable stats that bring your experience to life. While the system isn’t perfect for aerial activities, with a bit of practice and experimentation, you can collect impressive data that adds depth to your footage.
Now, gear up, activate that GPS, and take the plunge!
