{"id":4440,"date":"2023-10-20T03:24:01","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T03:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skynetwave.com\/?p=4440"},"modified":"2023-10-20T14:33:47","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T14:33:47","slug":"gps-vs-galileo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skynetwave.com\/gps-vs-galileo\/","title":{"rendered":"GPS Vs. Galileo: Navigation Systems Simplified"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
GPS vs. Galileo is a comparison between two accurate tracking systems. GPS was the navigation standard for a long time. However, tracking systems such as Galileo are coming up and enhancing accuracy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Galileo is more accurate than GPS. Galileo uses only 30 satellites, two less than GPS. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, GPS satellites are in six orbital planes. While GPS gives about 11.4 – 25.5 feet accuracy, Galileo provides a better 6.5 – 9.8 feet accuracy range.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Galileo and GPS work together to provide pinpoint location data. Combining both also gives better timing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s compare the two systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a GNSS(Global Navigation Satellite System<\/a>), Galileo is better than GPS in some aspects, the most obvious being accuracy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galileo has positional accuracy of about 1 meter for civilian use and less than 1 meter for encrypted use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As an independent GNSS, the positional accuracy reduces any margin of error when Galileo is used for critical operations such as military deployment or search and rescue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, on accuracy, Galileo has much better practicality in real-life emergencies. Most urban centers globally have tall structures that affect accuracy. Galileo is more effective than GPS in areas with high-rise buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, navigators apply Galileo in mountainous regions where navigation might be challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS application in a remote location<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS(Global Positioning System) has been active since April 1995, although the U.S. Air Force launched the initial satellites in 1978. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The United States Air Force originally developed it for weapon accuracy. However, they opened it up to civilian use for navigation and maintained higher-level control of the sensitive bits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Space segment has 32 satellites<\/a>. Although some might be old and up for replacement, they lie about 12,550 miles in Middle Earth orbit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 32 satellites are spread out across six orbital planes to provide accurate data at all times. Each plane has at least four satellites at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, every GPS satellite does an around-the-earth trip once every 11 hours and 58 minutes at a 55\u00b0 incline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS uses L1(1575.42 MHz) and L5(1176.45 MHz) frequency bands for civilian signals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But as we\u2019ve mentioned, some satellites are outdated and are due for an upgrade. That is where GPS III comes in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n SpaceX, the company behind Starlink<\/a>, is one of the companies behind launching newer generation satellites into space for GPS.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The process started in 2018 and continues until the end of 2023. The GPS III launch will open new frequencies (L2, 1227.60 MHz)<\/a> and L1C<\/a> for civilian use.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The L2 frequency is much faster and more accurate than L1. It enhances accuracy in obstruction-heavy<\/a> areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other satellites include L5 and M-Code. The L5 will remove the need for codeless and semi-codeless GPS receivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Removing these receivers is necessary since they use military signals for full operation. Currently, the L5 frequency will remain for emergency safety of life applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the L5 frequency has yet to get approval for civilian use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galileo systems are used in smart cars<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Galileo Satellite Navigation <\/a>has been active since 2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The European Union came up with the system to avoid the inconvenience of relying on other nations\u2019 satellites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The European GNSS Agency has full operational authority over the system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like GPS, it also has three segments: space, ground, and user. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it has 30 satellites across three orbital planes. Each plane has eight active satellites at all times, with two backup satellites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Galileo satellites lie 14,429 miles above Earth, orbiting once every 14 hours and 7 minutes at a 56\u00b0 incline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, unlike GPS, it transmits E1 and E5a (1575.42 MHz and 1176.45 MHz) frequencies for civilian use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It recently launched the E6-B signal<\/a> to provide free High Accuracy Service for civilian use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS has a satellite constellation of more satellites that provide worldwide coverage. Conversely, Galileo\u2019s coverage is more regional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS has been in existence longer than Galileo. Therefore, more devices use GPS than Galileo for positional accuracy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can see GPS\u2019s influence on smartwatches, phones, vehicle tracking<\/a> systems, and other wearable devices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, GPS gives updated times and dates to provide instant tracking and navigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GPS provides essential position, navigation, and timing(PNT) in two accuracy tiers: standard positioning service(SPS) and Precise Positioning Service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SPS is an unencrypted free-to-the-public service transmitted on L1 frequency, while PPS is an encrypted service only fully available to the U.S. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The main difference between SPS and PPS is that the U.S. can deteriorate SPS accuracy to reduce the likelihood of malicious service misuse against U.S. forces.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, SPS is accurate for the public within 10-20 meters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, Galileo offers five services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Open service is an open-to-the-public service with 99.8% availability. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIs Galileo better than GPS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Galileo vs. GPS Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is GPS?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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GPS has three segments. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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What is Galileo Navigation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How Is GPS Better Than Galileo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
GPS vs. Galileo Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Open Service(OS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n