GPS vs. GNSS

As you start looking into GPS tracking systems and doing deeper research, you may encounter the term GNSS and wonder what the relationship is between the two. In this post, we’ll discuss the core definitions of each term, how they relate to each other, and what it means for you as a shopper. 

Let’s start with the term we all know pretty well: GPS.

What is GPS?

GPS is an acronym for “Global Positioning System.” It’s a satellite system created and owned by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The satellites use radio signals to determine the position of various objects, people, and vehicles anywhere in the world.

The specifications of what would be GPS were first completed in 1973, with the original batch of satellites first launching in 1980. By 1983, the system was deemed operational and began to service military and civilian users. In 2025, there are over 30 operational satellites in orbit around the globe. 

If you want a deeper look into the history of GPS, check out our blog post on the topic. For now, let’s move on to GNSS.

What is GNSS?

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System. It’s a navigational network of satellite constellations created by various nations for their own specific use. It’s the umbrella term for all satellite navigation networks found around the world.

Think of GPS as a name brand, like Xerox, while GNSS would be the technical name, like photocopier. Russia’s GNSS network is called GLONASS, while China’s network is called BeiDou, and Europe’s is called Galileo. Japan is coming up with their own network, the QNSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) and India’s is the NavIC (formerly IRNSS). 

All systems are a part of the GNSS, yet separate in that they are owned and operated by individual nations. Each network is composed of different numbers of satellites, and each have different capabilities. 

Why is this information important?

Depending on where your GPS tracking device is made, different chipsets are used to receive signals from different GNSS systems. Most devices built for the US markets will be configured for the American GPS system by default, but more are being configured to also accept signals from GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.

As technology advances and more radio channels are built into devices, the options available to consumers like yourself increase. Devices can now provide more accurate locations thanks to the additional data sources. Consider that in the early days of GPS, fewer than 20 satellites were orbiting the Earth at any given time. This meant that only a max of 5 satellites were ever available to help pin down a location–assuming the GPS tracker had a clear line of sight to all of them, which it often didn’t. 

Now, with over 100 satellites criscrossing the sky and more advanced receivers, you enjoy a greater degree of accuracy and precision for your location.

As you shop for GPS trackers, check to see which GPS networks it’s configured to link to by default and what other networks it can potentially access. Not only is this important for domestic use, but could also affect whether or not you can use it abroad.