The concept known as GNSS is an abbreviation for the Global Navigation Satellite System. Thus, with GNSS, it becomes possible to determine the geographic position of a user on Earth by transmitting signals from space. The system that determines this position can be called a navigation system. GNSS, which facilitates finding and determining the position, can be encountered in many aspects of daily life.
In the GNSS system, the method of trilateration is used to find any position. According to this method, the distance between the satellite and the receiver and the time it takes for the signal to travel from the satellite to the receiver, multiplied by the speed of light, provide the position information. Thanks to the GNSS measurement method, all user positions on Earth can be easily found.
In general, there is a need for GNSS systems in many aspects of daily life. Especially for military, civilian, and scientific purposes, support from GNSS systems may be necessary. The fields where GNSS systems are frequently used can be listed as follows:
– Navigation of land, maritime, and air vehicles,
– Geodetic and geodynamic measurements,
– Cadastral surveying operations,
– For military purposes,
– Monitoring of Earth’s crust movements,
– Determining earthquake magnitudes,
– Vehicle tracking systems.
What are the GNSS systems used worldwide?
GPS (Global Positioning System)
The GPS system is one of the widely spread facilities today. Established in 1978 by the United States Department of Defense, GPS consists of 32 satellites orbiting permanently. The radio signals emitted by the satellites are weak but can be easily received by the GPS receiver.
GLONASS (Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema)
GLONASS was established in 2008 by the Russian Space Defense Forces Command, with 24 satellites. Since it has worldwide coverage, it can be considered the second most widespread satellite positioning system after GPS.
IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System)
IRNSS was designed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The feature of this satellite system is that it provides an autonomous regional positioning system.
QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System)
QZSS is a satellite system developed to cover Japan.
GALILEO
Launched its first satellite in 2005, GALILEO is considered an alternative system developed by the European Union. In general, GALILEO consists of 30 operational satellites and 6 satellites in orbit.
