GPS Vs GNSS : A Comprehensive Comparison

GPS Vs. GNSS - All You Should Know

GPS vs GNSS should be an easy decision. GPS is simply a more precise positioning system than GPS/GNSS. It uses GPS satellites to figure out exactly where something is at any particular moment. GNSS, however, is a more generic navigation system.

GPS works with a constellation of satellites. The constellation comprises low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and high earth orbit (HTO) satellites. The GPS constellation has significantly improved over the past few years. GPS/ GNSS positioning systems rely less on GPS satellites as time goes on.

GPS is accurate when using triangulation. That means it can find a way to measure the latitude and longitude where a GPS unit points. With GPS positioning, the triangulation algorithm will first look for the longitude and then the latitude. If these are found, the location of the GPS device is located. The reason that GPS relies on latitude and longitude readings is that radio signals power GPS units. However, GPS/ GNSS positioning depends less on satellite timing and more on GPS timing.

GPS relies more on GPS satellite positioning than on GPS/ GNSS constellations. As you might guess, GPS satellites are very precise. They can precisely determine the latitude and longitude of a GPS device even when a user is on the move or in a completely remote location. GPS/ GNSS units can only work in the areas where they are pointed.

GPS/ GNSS positioning has some limitations, however. For example, GPS/GNSS does not work well where the terrain is jagged or irregular. Also, GPS/ GNSS needs a line of sight to a GPS satellite, or the satellites may not lock onto a user’s signal. Also, GPS/ GNSS does not work well in areas with bad GPS reception or cloudy or overcast weather. These factors affect the accuracy of GPS tracking.

GPS vs. GNSS In the case of the global positioning system or GPS, there are two different types of satellites that GPS/ GNSS uses in its positioning process. First, there are GPS ground-based satellites that GPS/ GNSS uses as reference points. These references are also known as grid points and are usually set up within large grids, such as those used in aviation navigation. In addition, there are GPS surface-based satellites that GPS/ GNSS uses to locate itself and determine its location relative to other GPS points.

GPS vs. GNSS positioning is often compared using the example of airplanes that fly straight and level out to the horizon. You see them coming and going, but you never have to take any measures to ensure they fly straight and level. The plane’s GPS notes this and adjusts the angle of attack until the aircraft approaches the horizon. The GPS displays the location of the aircraft at every instant the information is available.

On the other hand, GNSS calculates how a body is moving relative to another with the help of tumbling mathematical equations. The United States Navy developed GPS to track ships in waters without using sonar or E-boat tracking systems. However, GPS has been created as an alternative to the older navigation and mapping methods. It first became popular in the commercial field, where it replaced the traditional rudders method of mapping by plotting position by correlated terrestrial signals. GPS/GNSS positioning is now widely used by businesses and consumers to ensure safe and timely delivery and avoid positioning errors.

GPS/GNSS positioning and timing require precise timing, so they are accurate enough to be used as navigational aids. GPS / GNSS timing and calibration depend on five measurements of parameters. RMS position estimate (RPE), azimuth, ground speed, phase angle, and satellite signals. GPS/GNSS positioning and timing require precise timing, so they are accurate enough to be used as navigational aids.

GPS vs. GNSS Several points separate GPS and GNSS. GPS is a digital system, whereas GNSS uses analog signals to store and synchronize time and positions. GPS/GNSS has the advantage of knowing approximately the exact location of a user. GPS can determine the velocity and direction of a user’s travel at any point in time. GPS can also store and synchronize past positions with future positions, whereas GNSS relies solely on the current situation.

GPS vs. GNSS This is an easy comparison since GPS was developed first, while GNSS is improved on GPS. GPS provides a lot of benefits over its competitors. GPS/GNSS systems share the ability to calculate a route directly from a GPS triangulation algorithm. GPS can measure latitude and longitude while GNSS does not. GPS is more efficient when it comes to longitude readings, whereas GNSS uses fortitude only.

What is GNSS?

GNSS or Global Navigation Satellite System is a system of satellites that provides positioning and navigation services.

The GNSS is a satellite-based navigation system that the United States Department of Defense developed. It depends on 25 satellites, operating in six orbital planes at an altitude of 20,200 kilometers. These satellites send radio signals to Earth which are picked up by receivers on the ground. The receiver takes the time difference between the signal being transmitted and received to pinpoint its location on Earth’s surface within 16 meters.

Other countries have their equivalent of GNSS – China has Beidou, Russia has GLONASS, etcetera.

What is the GPS?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system of satellites used to determine locations on Earth. This system is commonly used in navigation systems, smartphones, and self-driving cars.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. The US government initially developed it to help military personnel navigate. It was later commercialized for civilian use with the help of other entrepreneurs and is now widely available.

The US Department of Defense developed GPS in 1973 to provide precise navigation for military forces and improve public safety to pinpoint locations for emergency services like ambulances and police. GPS was first introduced to civilians in 1989 after they were denied access to the system until 2000.

GPS systems are now commonplace in modern life with GPS-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., which can pinpoint their location anywhere on Earth to within several meters. Emergency services also use GPS systems to find victims lost in remote areas or by rescue teams during natural disasters or accidents.

Satellite Navigation – GPS – How It Works

Satellite navigation GPS is the process of using signals from satellites to determine an object’s location on Earth. The satellite sends an alert to the receiver on the ground. This signal is processed by a computer that calculates where it must be, based on information from previous calculations and knowledge of satellite positions at any given time.

GPS is one of the most critical technologies in modern navigation because GPS can be applied across so many different industries for so many other purposes. We use GPS in our cars when we go on vacation or when we are looking for an unfamiliar place, in our smartphones when we travel abroad without cell service, and in airplanes to assist pilots with navigation. We also use GPS in agriculture – determining crop yields based on soil quality and moisture levels – and land surveying.

Satellite navigation is a system for determining a location on Earth. It usually consists of three components:

1) A device that is used to detect the position of satellites orbiting Earth,

2) A database that stores information on the satellites

3) A computerized program that can combine the data from the satellite with data from other sources to provide a location on Earth.

The three systems in a satellite navigation system are:

1) The satellite component,

2) The ground component, and

3) The user component.

The first step is to get your coordinates from some map or GPS receiver. This step will give you your latitude and longitude coordinates which are passed into the computer. You then sync your computer with one or more satellites that orbit Earth.

What are the various GNSS systems?

Different systems are available for navigation which are mainly used in the military or other precision tasks. This article will discuss the various GNSS systems used in cars, ships, aircraft, and satellites.

There are 4 types of GNSS systems:

  1. GPS – Global Positioning System
  2. Galileo – European satellite-based navigational system
  3. BeiDou – Regional satellite-based navigation system in China
  4. QZSS – Quasi-Zenith Satellite System in Japan
  • Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provide navigation data for vehicles, ships, aircraft, and satellites.
  • Different GNSS systems are available for various applications.
  • GNSS can be categorized into two types – Civilian and Military.
  • Civilian GNSS is generally known to users, while Military GNSS is not always widely publicized because of the need for security clearance before use.

GLONASS vs GPS: Key Differences

1. Origin and Development

  • GPS: Developed by the United States, GPS is a globally recognized navigation system that became fully operational in 1995. It was initially created for military purposes but is now widely used in civilian applications.
  • GLONASS: Developed by the Soviet Union (and later Russia), GLONASS became fully operational in 1995. It experienced a period of decline but was revitalized and upgraded in the 2000s.

2. Satellite Constellation

  • GPS: The GPS system consists of at least 24 operational satellites orbiting at an altitude of approximately 20,200 kilometers. The system is divided into six orbital planes, ensuring global coverage.
  • GLONASS: GLONASS also operates with a constellation of at least 24 satellites, but they orbit at a slightly lower altitude of around 19,100 kilometers. The satellites are arranged in three orbital planes.

3. Coverage and Accuracy

  • GPS: GPS provides excellent global coverage, with particular accuracy in most parts of the world. The accuracy for civilian use is typically within 5 to 10 meters, with higher accuracy available for military users.
  • GLONASS: GLONASS offers comparable global coverage but is particularly strong in high-latitude regions, such as northern Russia. Its accuracy is similar to GPS, within 5 to 10 meters for civilian applications.

4. Performance in Challenging Environments

  • GPS: GPS performs well in most environments, but its signals can sometimes be obstructed by tall buildings, dense forests, or deep valleys.
  • GLONASS: GLONASS is known for its robust performance in challenging environments, making it particularly useful in urban canyons, dense forests, and other areas where GPS signals may be obstructed.

5. Signal Frequencies

  • GPS: GPS operates on two main frequencies for civilian use, L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L2C (1227.60 MHz). The system also uses additional frequencies for military applications.
  • GLONASS: GLONASS uses a slightly different frequency range, with the main civilian signal transmitted at L1 (1602 MHz) and L2 (1246 MHz). This difference in frequencies can impact how devices receive signals from both systems simultaneously.

6. Dual-System Receivers

  • GPS: Many modern GPS devices are equipped to receive signals from both GPS and GLONASS satellites, providing improved accuracy and reliability, especially in challenging environments.
  • GLONASS: Similarly, GLONASS-compatible devices can also receive GPS signals, offering the benefits of both systems for enhanced performance.

Which System is Better?

When it comes to choosing between GLONASS and GPS, it’s important to note that neither system is inherently better than the other. Instead, the best system depends on your specific needs and the environment in which you will be using the navigation system.

  • For General Use: Both GPS and GLONASS provide reliable and accurate navigation for most users. Many modern devices are equipped with both systems, allowing users to benefit from the strengths of each.
  • In Challenging Environments: If you frequently navigate in areas with dense foliage, tall buildings, or high latitudes, GLONASS may offer a slight advantage due to its robust performance in these conditions.
  • For Global Coverage: Both systems provide global coverage, so users can rely on either GPS or GLONASS, regardless of their location.

Conclusion

In summary, GLONASS and GPS are both highly effective satellite navigation systems that offer global coverage and accurate positioning. While GPS is more widely recognized and used, GLONASS provides comparable performance and offers certain advantages in specific environments. The best choice often lies in using a device that can receive signals from both systems, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability no matter where you are.