What’s the Difference Between GNSS and GPS?
GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. Think of GNSS like a big group or team of satellite systems that help people find their location anywhere on Earth.
GPS is one part of this big team. It’s the satellite system made by the United States. Other countries have their own systems too—like Galileo from Europe, GLONASS from Russia, and BeiDou from China. So, GPS is just one system inside the larger GNSS group.
If your phone or device works with GNSS, that means it can connect to all of these systems, not just GPS. This helps your device figure out where you are more quickly and more accurately.
What Are the Advantages of GNSS Over GPS?
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is better than GPS in some ways because it uses more satellites from different countries. This means it can give you more accurate and reliable location information, especially in hard-to-reach places like cities with tall buildings.
Here’s a simple comparison of GNSS and GPS:
| Feature | GNSS | GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Global Navigation Satellite System | Global Positioning System |
| Made By | Many countries (like USA, Europe, Russia, China) | United States |
| Satellite Systems | Uses GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, and more | Only uses GPS |
| Number of Satellites | Over 100 from different systems | About 31 satellites |
| Coverage | Worldwide, with more satellites for better coverage | Worldwide, but may be less accurate in some places |
| Accuracy | More accurate, especially in cities or tough spots | Accurate, but can struggle in tight areas |
| Who Uses It? | Anyone who needs very accurate location info | People all over the world |
| Device Needed | Needs a receiver that works with different satellite systems | Works with a GPS-only receiver |
Because GNSS uses more satellites, it’s often more precise. It’s especially helpful in crowded places where buildings might block the signal from just one system.
Summary
GPS uses about 31 satellites, while GNSS uses over 100 from different countries. This gives GNSS better coverage around the world.
Even though GPS is well-known, devices that use GNSS can find locations more accurately. This is really helpful in places where signals are weak, like mountains or big cities.