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Did you know? Highlighting GPS vs GNSS

by Nov 21, 2014Ag Leader, Guidance & Steering

In the precision ag world a lot of acronyms are thrown around on a day to day basis. Sometimes we can get confused and misuse these terms. We thought we would explain where these acronyms came from and how they are used today. First, we will dive into GPS vs. GNSS. How are they similar but also so different?

GNSS: GNSS is a term used worldwide and stands for “Global Navigation Satellite System” and refers to the collection of satellite positioning systems that are now operating or planned globally. The advantage to having access to multiple satellites is redundancy and availability.  Though satellite systems don’t often fail, if one fails GNSS receivers can pick up signals from other systems.  Also if line of sight is obstructed, having access to multiple satellites is also a benefit.  Common GNSS Systems are GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), Compass (China).

GPS:  “Global Positioning System” was the first GNSS system in the United States and originally used for military applications. Today it is commonly used term in agriculture for describing a positioning system that allows us to map fields and auto-steer equipment.

What does that all mean? GNSS is the overarching technology that is used worldwide and covers other countries’ GPS system equivalents.  GPS is a specific term found throughout the world and more commonly used with farmers today.

On November 3rd, Ag Leader along with NovAtel released the latest GNSS technology. This included a new line of GNSS receivers – GPS 6000, GPS 6500, RTK relay and GPS 6500 base station. To learn more about the new features see the Ag Leader Introduces New Family of GNSS and Steering Products blog.

As always, if you have any questions about the new Ag Leader GNSS system please contact your local dealer.