Have you ever wondered what the difference is between GPS and GNSS, or how smartphones, drones, and professional instruments determine your position so precisely? In this guide, we will explain in a simple and clear way how satellite positioning systems work and why it’s worth using multi-constellation receivers.
You’ll discover what RTK technology is, which factors influence surveying accuracy, and why relying on devices like ProTRACK can make a real difference in topographic, agricultural, and industrial contexts. By the end, you’ll know how to choose the right technology to obtain reliable and precise data, even in challenging conditions.
Every time you use your car navigator, track your drone, or follow the route of a delivery, you’re using an incredibly advanced technology: satellite navigation. But have you ever wondered how it actually works? And more importantly, do you know what the difference is between GPS and GNSS? In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about these systems and also show you how to choose the best tools to achieve maximum accuracy, such as the ProTRACK receiver.
GPS: The Global Positioning System (and more)
GPS (Global Positioning System) was developed in the United States and is one of the first and most widespread satellite positioning systems. It was originally developed for military purposes, but today it’s used by billions of devices worldwide, from smartphones to smart tractors.
How does it work? Very simply: your device receives signals from at least 4 GPS satellites, and thanks to a calculation called trilateration, it can determine your precise position on Earth.
GPS has revolutionized how we navigate, but today it’s no longer the only system available.
GNSS: A Broader Vision of Satellite Navigation
The term GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) refers to all existing satellite positioning systems, not just GPS. In addition to the American system, there are also:
- Galileo (European Union)
- GLONASS (Russia)
- BeiDou (China)
- QZSS (Japan, regional)
- NavIC (India, regional)
Using a GNSS receiver means being able to connect to more satellites, from more constellations, drastically improving accuracy, reliability, and coverage anywhere in the world.
How a GNSS System Works: The Three Key Segments
To understand how a GNSS works, it’s useful to divide it into three main segments:
- Space Segment
Composed of orbiting satellites that transmit signals. Each system has its own constellation: GPS has about 31 operational satellites, Galileo plans for 30. - Control Segment
Includes ground stations that monitor and manage the satellites, ensuring that signals are accurate and synchronized. - User Segment
This is everything that receives the signal: smartphones, navigators, professional receivers… This is where signals are processed to return your exact position.
The principle is simple: the more satellites you can receive, the more reliable the data will be.
GPS vs GNSS: What Are the Differences?
Many people still use the term “GPS” to refer to any kind of satellite-based positioning, but the truth is they are not synonymous.
Why is this distinction important? Because a device that only uses GPS depends on a limited number of satellites and may struggle under certain conditions, such as dense urban areas or natural obstructions. A GNSS receiver, on the other hand, can communicate with many more satellites simultaneously, from different constellations. This results in greater accuracy, more signal stability, and more reliable global coverage.
In practice, using a GNSS receiver means being ready for anything: even when GPS alone isn’t enough, other systems can fill the gaps, ensuring more robust and continuous data.
That’s why today, especially in professional contexts, it’s strongly recommended to rely on advanced GNSS devices capable of utilizing multiple satellite constellations simultaneously. Because when you need reliable field data, you can’t afford for your device to “get lost.”
Accuracy and Reliability: The Key Factors
The accuracy of a GNSS system depends on many factors:
- Obstacles such as trees, buildings, or urban canyons can interfere with the signal.
- Multipath: when the signal bounces off surfaces before reaching the receiver.
- Number of visible satellites: the more satellites, the more accurate the calculation.
- Differential correction (RTK): a technology that corrects errors and achieves centimeter-level accuracy, essential in precision agriculture or topographic surveys.
That’s why not all receivers are the same: professional models are designed to minimize errors and ensure high performance even in difficult conditions.
ProTRACK: Top-Level Accuracy and Reliability
If you’re looking for a professional GNSS instrument, ProTRACK is the ideal solution.
- Multi-Constellation Reception: connects to satellites from GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou simultaneously.
- RTK Technology: real-time correction for centimeter-level accuracy.
- Compatibility with Analist CLOUD: import your data in one click and turn it into maps, sections, 3D models.
- User-Friendly: designed for technicians and professionals, it’s configured in just a few steps.
Ideal for: topographic surveys, precision farming, construction sites, logistics, environmental monitoring.
While traditional GPS offers general positioning, ProTRACK provides precise positioning, perfect for those working in the real world with real data.
Conclusion
In a world where every meter counts, relying on GPS alone is no longer enough. Whether you’re performing a topographic survey, driving an agricultural vehicle, or working on a construction site, it’s essential to rely on precise and reliable instruments.
Choosing a modern GNSS receiver means having access to more satellite constellations, improving coverage, and increasing accuracy, even in difficult conditions. Among the devices available today, ProTRACK stands out as one of the most advanced and complete solutions.
It’s easy to use, compatible with leading professional software, and designed to deliver excellent performance in any application.
If you’re looking for a positioning system you can always count on, ProTRACK is the right choice. It will help you work better, save time, and achieve professional results, with the peace of mind of having top-tier technology at your service.
