GNSS vs GPS: The Differences Explained
What if you could be located anywhere on the planet and never get lost?
A GNSS vs GPS system is often the preferred navigation systems. They usually show your current and projected position. They also use satellites to determine latitude and longitude. When you are trying to get from point A to point B and don’t want to get lost, you need a navigation system.
Learn about the differences between GPS vs GNSS below.
What is GNSS?
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is an integrated system of satellites. This provides exact positioning and timing information to users in the air, on land, and on the sea. It is comprised of satellites that orbit the Earth and transfer location and timing signals to the ground.
GNSS is used to provide navigation and positioning information. This includes longitude and latitude, as well as altitude and velocity. Additionally, many GNSS receivers are capable of tracking multiple satellites simultaneously. It allows for a more accurate three-dimensional positioning.
The world’s primary GNSS constellations include GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and the upcoming QZSS. Each of which provides the global user community with accessible high-accuracy navigation. It also provides positioning services. Check this page for GNSS simulators to learn more.
What is GPS?
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system. It is used to determine the precise location and time of objects in the world. It operates by continuously tracking a network of satellites that orbit the Earth.
GPS uses the latency of signals from these satellites to determine the exact location and time of an object. This makes it an invaluable tool for mapping, tracking, and navigation. In short, GPS is a system of satellites that transmit radio signals. This is to enable people and devices to accurately determine their position on the Earth.
GPS technology is also used for surveying, tracking animals, tracking fleets of vehicles. It also helps aircraft pilots navigate.
Technical Differences
GNSS and GPS are two satellite navigation systems which determine the location, time, and speed of a receiving device. They use a series of satellites. While they are both satellite navigation systems, they have some technical differences.
GNSS uses signals from multiple satellite constellations. While GPS uses signals only from the US-owned satellite constellation. GNSS provides better accuracy than GPS. It uses multiple constellations of satellites with different orbital geometry, speeds and altitudes.
Another key difference is that GNSS receivers can receive signals from multiple satellite constellations. While a GPS receiver is limited to signals sent from satellites in the US-operated constellation.
GNSS receivers may require longer processing cycles for their navigation calculation. This results in increased latency. GNSS signals are also stronger than GPS signals. This can minimize interference. This can also provide more reliable service in areas with weak GPS signal.
Accuracy Differences
GNSS and GPS both use satellites to provide accurate locations for navigation. But there are distinct accuracy differences between the two systems.
GNSS systems have dual navigation capabilities, meaning that they are able to receive both GPS and GEO satellites. This allows GNSS systems to determine the position of a user more accurately than GPS systems. The full set of satellites offers a greater range of coverage for a finer degree of precision.
GNSS accuracy can be within 15 feet, while GPS accuracy is commonly within 33 feet. GNSS accuracy is unaffected by environment and atmosphere. While GPS accuracy can be degraded at high elevation or in dense tree/urban environments. GNSS is also more efficient than GPS and can produce faster fix times, making it the preferred system for accurate navigation.
Reliability Differences
GNSS or Global Navigation Satellite Systems are a combination of satellite positioning systems. It is typically made up of 24 or more satellites that use advanced technology. This is to locate users based on their position.
GPS is a subset of the GNSS. It is using at least 24 satellites for navigation and to provide positioning accuracy. The differences between the two systems has to do with the reliability.
GNSS systems have greater accuracy and can better determine the altitude of users making it more reliable than GPS. Additionally, GNSS systems have more redundancy with multiple satellites compared to GPS. They have the ability to provide positioning information in severe weather conditions and indoors.
Advantages of GNSS vs GPS
GPS is a reliable way to determine location and track assets, however, GNSS offers advantages that GPS alone can’t offer. GNSS navigation offers improved safety. It also offers increased coverage, and faster positioning times than GPS alone. GNSS provides more precise location data due to the increased number of signals. It has a larger geometry of satellites.
Additionally, GNSS can provide more continuous or persistent coverage. It has access to numerous satellite constellations with multiple signals per satellite. GNSS technology is also able to be used in more challenging environments. This includes urban canyons or through tunnels.
GNSS also provides faster positioning times. Once 4 to 5 satellites are acquired, position can be found in shorter amounts of time. This is especially indoors or in other challenging environments.
Challenges of GNSS vs GPS
GNSS and GPS (Global Positioning System) are systems relied on for real-time navigation. But there are a few differences between the two systems. First, GNSS uses a combination of satellite constellations. While GPS relies solely on the US-operated NAVSTAR satellites.
Another challenge is that accuracy is somewhat dependent on the number of GNSS satellites being tracked, meaning that areas with only 3 or fewer satellites being tracked may see reduced accuracy compared to GPS systems with 24 satellites. Additionally, GNSS receivers are more costly due to their higher power consumption and higher performance.
Lastly, GPS signals are transmitted at a lower frequency than GNSS signals making them susceptible to jamming and interference from nearby infrastructure like tall buildings.
Read More About GNSS vs GPS
Overall, GNSS vs GPS technology in its triangulation accuracy. GPS satellites are limited to a grid while GNSS can triangulate worldwide by using multiple satellite constellations.
GNSS provide more accurate, reliable, and timely performance. Take advantage of GNSS technology and start using it in various applications today.
Did you find this article useful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!
