How to use Accelerometer to measure distance for Android Application Development

Solution 1:

You get position by integrating the linear acceleration twice but the error is horrible. It is useless in practice.

Here is an explanation why (Google Tech Talk) at 23:20. I highly recommend this video.

Similar questions:

track small movements of iphone with no GPS
What is the real world accuracy of phone accelerometers when used for positioning?
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iOS: Movement Precision in 3D Space

Solution 2:

You can combine it with GPS positioning, and filter data with Kalman filter. GPS give rough but stable position, while accelerometer give more accerate but drifting position.