If your business relies on location tracking—whether for managing vehicles, tracking assets, or guiding customers—you’ve probably come across the terms GPS and GNSS. They both help with navigation, but what’s the real difference? GPS is the one most people know about, but it’s actually just one part of a bigger system called GNSS. Understanding how these two work and what sets them apart can help you choose the best option for your business.

The choice between GPS and GNSS comes down to coverage, accuracy, and how you plan to use it. GPS, developed by the U.S., is reliable and widely used, but GNSS combines multiple satellite systems from different countries, offering broader coverage and higher precision. So, which one should you go for? Let’s break it down so you can make the right decision for your needs.

What is GPS?

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system developed and maintained by the United States. It consists of a constellation of at least 24 satellites that transmit signals to GPS receivers on the ground. These signals help determine precise locations by calculating the distance from multiple satellites.

Benefits of GPS for Fleet Management:

• Wide Availability: GPS is widely used across various industries and is supported by nearly all tracking devices.

• Reliability: Since it is a well-established system, GPS provides consistent and dependable location data.

• Affordability: GPS-based tracking systems are cost-effective and readily available.

What is GNSS?

GNSS is a broader term that encompasses multiple satellite navigation systems, including GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union), BeiDou (China), and others. This diversity allows GNSS to offer broader coverage, higher accuracy, and more reliability compared to GPS alone. GNSS systems can switch between different satellites, ensuring continuous operation even if one satellite fails, which is critical for high-stakes applications like fleet management.

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is an umbrella term for satellite navigation systems that include GPS and other regional/global systems like:

• GLONASS (Russia): A constellation of 24 satellites providing global coverage.

• Galileo (European Union):  A more recent system with 26 operational satellites, known for its high accuracy and integrity.

• BeiDou (China): A comprehensive system with a constellation of satellites offering both regional and global coverage.

• QZSS (Japan)

GNSS-enabled devices can receive signals from multiple satellite systems, providing broader coverage and enhanced accuracy.

Benefits of GNSS for Fleet Management:

• Higher Accuracy: Since GNSS devices access multiple satellite constellations, they provide more precise location data, even in urban or forested areas.

• Better Coverage: GNSS ensures better signal reception in challenging terrains where GPS signals might be weak.

• Improved Redundancy: If one satellite system experiences interference or outages, GNSS-enabled devices can switch to another system for continuous tracking.

Key Differences Between GNSS and GPS

Which One is Best for Your Fleet Management Business?

Choosing between GPS and GNSS depends on your business needs. Here’s how to decide:

• If Your Fleet Operates in Open Areas:

• GPS is sufficient if your vehicles primarily travel in open areas where satellite signals are strong.

• If Your Fleet Operates in Urban or Challenging Environments:

• GNSS is the better choice as it provides improved accuracy in dense cities, forests, or mountainous regions where GPS alone may struggle.

• If Your Business Requires High-Precision Tracking:

• GNSS offers more precise location tracking, making it ideal for industries that require centimeter-level accuracy, such as logistics and emergency services.

• If Cost is a Major Factor:

• GPS-based tracking systems tend to be more affordable and widely available, making them a good option for businesses with tight budgets.

Practical Considerations for Fleet Managers:

• Device Compatibility: Ensure that your fleet tracking devices support multiple GNSS constellations.

• Software Integration: Verify that your fleet management software can process and display data from different GNSS systems.

• Cost: GNSS-enabled devices may be slightly more expensive than GPS-only devices, but the improved performance and reliability can justify the investment.

• Future-Proofing: Investing in a GNSS-enabled solution ensures that your fleet management system remains compatible with future advancements in satellite navigation technology.

Conclusion

For most fleet management businesses, GNSS offers superior accuracy, reliability, and coverage, making it the better choice, especially for operations in complex environments. However, GPS remains a viable and cost-effective solution for many companies with simpler tracking needs. Assessing your fleet’s operational regions and precision requirements will help you determine which system best aligns with your business goals.

By investing in the right navigation technology, fleet managers can improve efficiency, enhance security, and reduce operational costs, ultimately driving business success.

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Fleeto's vehicle tracking system, incorporates GPS tracking technology to equip fleet managers with advanced monitoring and control capabilities. With Fleeto's GPS tracking feature, fleet operators can establish custom tracking parameters, receive instantaneous alerts, and optimize route planning to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. By leveraging the capabilities of GPS tracking, Fleeto facilitates proactive fleet management, strengthens security measures, and enhances asset utilization, delivering significant value to businesses across diverse sectors.