What is the difference between GPS and Sat Nav?

Both the words GPS and Sat Nav have gradually found their way into everyday use. They are often used interchangeably. Is there a difference between them and if so, what is the difference?

First of all, yes, there is a difference.

GPS is short for Global Positioning System. It is the collective name of a group of satellites that are in orbit around the Earth. They were placed there by the US government decades ago and were made available to the public during President Reagan’s administration.

Using a GPS receiver (a small device that can send and receive signals from any satellite within range) you can get your precise location. This location is provided as a set of coordinates.

Using this information and the coordinates of your destination, many GPS receivers can ‘guide’ you to your destination using an arrow similar to a compass. In theory, if you have the GPS coordinates of your home, using a GPS receiver you can find your way home even from the most remote place in the world.

The GPS receiver has become a common item that is installed in many devices, such as your mobile phone or your car’s security system. Many smartphones, like the iPhone, have built-in GPS. If allowed, apps can use this information to direct you, for example, to the nearest Italian restaurant. Some digital cameras even have a GPS. They can use it to record exactly where the photo was taken.

A satnav (short for satellite navigation) is actually a very special piece of software that uses the GPS signal. It takes the coordinates provided by the GPS and combines them with a complete map. Then, given a destination, the satellite navigation software will calculate a route for you to your destination. Since the GPS signal is constantly being updated, the satnav can give you turn-by-turn directions on where you are and when to turn.

TomTom and Garmin are probably two of the best known brands when it comes to GPS and satellite navigation equipment. TomTom is a European company that mainly produces satellite navigation devices for motor vehicles together with software for smartphones. Garmin, and the American company, have a much broader range of products: from GPS systems for airplanes to GPS watches to help athletes improve their performance.

Both technologies are improving and advancing and it will be interesting to see how they evolve.