Comparing the coverage and accuracy of the Russian GLONASS and the European Galileo navigation systems
Navigation systems are essential for everyday life, from getting around in the city to functioning at higher levels like avionics, maritime, and military operations. The Russian GLONASS and the European Galileo navigation systems have emerged as strong competitors within the global positioning market. In this post, we will compare the coverage and accuracy of these two systems to provide a better understanding of their functionalities.
What is GLONASS?
GLONASS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, developed by the Russian government for providing accurate positioning and timing information to the nation's military forces. This satellite-based system consists of 24 satellites. The first satellite launched into space in 1982, and now this system offers global coverage. It operates on two frequency bands: L1 (1602 MHz) for civilian use and L2 (1246 MHz) for military purposes.
What is Galileo?
Galileo is the European Union's own Global Navigation Satellite System. The system consists of 30 satellites, aiming to provide better positioning and timing services to combat ignorance of the US-owned GPS system. The first Galileo satellite launched back in 2011, and the remaining satellite deployments completed in 2021, offering full global services. Galileo operates on E1, E5, and E6 frequency bands.
Coverage
Galileo and GLONASS provide global coverage. GLONASS has 24 satellites in operation that ensure worldwide coverage with high accuracy. As for Galileo, it has 30 satellites in total, which offer better coverage than GLONASS, as Galileo can cover more high latitude regions like the North and South poles. Additionally, Galileo's satellites are positioned closer to the earth than those of GLONASS, which significantly reduces the signal latency, resulting in faster and more accurate positioning services.
Accuracy
The accuracy of these two navigation systems varies with the technology they use. GLONASS has an accuracy of up to 2.8 meters in comparison to Galileo's 1 meter accuracy, which is more accurate. Additionally, the combination of the E5 frequency signal and Galileo's design can improve the accuracy to centimeter level for positioning. GLONASS satellites use CDMA signal technology, while Galileo uses both CDMA and FDMA signal technologies.
Conclusion
Galileo and GLONASS, both GPS alternatives, have similarities and differences in their functions. Although both provide near-global coverage, Galileo's additional satellites and its distributed position give it greater coverage and more reliable positioning accuracy.
Therefore, Galileo has a slightly better advantage over GLONASS in terms of coverage and accuracy.