GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. It's a general term encompassing any satellite-based system that provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services globally or regionally. This includes systems like GPS (United States), Galileo (European Union), GLONASS (Russia), and BeiDou (China).
Understanding GNSS
Several sources define GNSS as follows:
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From GPS.gov and other sources: A global navigation satellite system is a collective term for any satellite constellation offering global or regional positioning, navigation, and timing services. (Oct 19, 2021)
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EU Agency for the Space Programme: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) refers to any satellite constellation offering global positioning, navigation, and timing services. (Jul 3, 2024)
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Symmetry Electronics: GNSS is the standard generic term for satellite navigation systems providing autonomous geo-spatial positioning services.
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Spirent: GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is a broad term covering various satellite-based positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems. (Jul 29, 2021)
The key takeaway is that GNSS is an umbrella term, not a specific system itself. Different GNSS constellations offer overlapping coverage and can be used independently or together to enhance accuracy and reliability. The interoperability and compatibility between these different systems is a significant aspect of GNSS technology.
