Have you ever wondered what the difference is between GPS and GNSS or how smartphones, drones, and professional instruments determine position accurately? In this guide, we’ll explain clearly and simply how satellite positioning systems work and why it’s worth using multi-constellation receivers.
You’ll discover what RTK technology is, which factors influence survey accuracy, and why using devices like ProTRACK can make the difference in topographic, agricultural, and industrial fields. In the end, you’ll know how to choose the right technology to obtain reliable data and precision even in difficult conditions.
Every time you use a car navigator, check your drone’s location, or track a delivery package, you’re using incredibly advanced technology: satellite navigation.
But have you ever wondered how it really 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 get maximum accuracy, such as the ProTRACK receiver.
GPS: The Global Positioning System (and beyond)
GPS (Global Positioning System) was developed in the United States and is one of the first and most widely used satellite positioning systems.
It was created for military purposes, but today it’s used by billions of devices around the world, from smartphones to smart tractors.
How does it work? Very simply: your device receives signals from at least 4 GPS satellites, and through a calculation called trilateration, it can determine your precise position on Earth.
GPS has revolutionized how we orient ourselves, 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 lock onto more satellites from multiple constellations, significantly improving coverage, precision, and reliability anywhere in the world.
How Does a GNSS System Work? The Three Key Segments
To understand how 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 is expected to have 30. - Control Segment
Includes ground stations that monitor and manage the satellites, ensuring the signals are accurate and synchronized. - User Segment
This includes everything that receives the signal: smartphones, navigators, professional receivers… This is where the signals are processed to provide 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 location system, but the truth is that they are not synonymous.
Why is this distinction important? Because a device that uses only GPS relies on a limited number of satellites and may struggle in certain situations—for example, in dense urban areas or zones with natural obstructions.
A GNSS receiver, however, can communicate with many more satellites at the same time, from different constellations. This leads to greater accuracy, more stable signals, and more reliable global coverage.
In practice, using a multi-constellation receiver means being ready for anything: even when GPS alone is not enough, the other systems can “fill in the gaps,” ensuring more stable and continuous data.
That’s why today, especially in professional fields, it’s strongly recommended to rely on advanced technologies that can utilize multiple satellite constellations simultaneously.
Because when you need reliable data in the field, 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 like trees, buildings, or urban canyons can interfere with the signal.
- Multipath: when the signal bounces off surfaces before reaching the receiver.
- Visible satellites: the more satellites, the more precise the calculation.
- Differential correction (RTK): a technology that allows for centimeter-level accuracy, essential in precision agriculture or topographic surveys.
That’s why not all receivers are equal: professional models are designed to minimize errors and ensure high performance even in complex conditions.
ProTRACK: Top Precision and Reliability
If you’re looking for a professional GNSS tool, ProTRACK is the ideal solution.
- Multi-Constellation: connects simultaneously to satellites from GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou.
- RTK Technology: real-time correction for centimeter-level accuracy.
- Compatible with Analist CLOUD: import the data and turn them into 3D models.
- Easy to use: designed for technicians and professionals, it can be set up in just a few steps.
While traditional GPS offers general positioning, ProTRACK provides precise positions—perfect for those working in the real world with real data.
Conclusion
In a world where every meter matters, relying only on GPS is no longer enough. Whether you’re conducting a topographic survey, driving an agricultural vehicle, or working on a construction site, it’s crucial to use precise and reliable tools.
Choosing a modern GNSS receiver means accessing more satellite constellations, improving coverage, and increasing precision even in difficult conditions. Among today’s available devices, ProTRACK stands out as one of the most advanced and complete solutions.
It’s easy to use, compatible with top professional software, and built 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.
