Difference Between GAGAN and GPS

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth. GPS is widely used for navigation, surveying, and tracking applications. GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) is a satellite-based augmentation system developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to improve the accuracy and reliability of GPS signals in India and neighboring regions.

What is GPS?

GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that consists of a network of satellites in space, ground control stations, and GPS receivers. The system works by triangulating signals from at least four GPS satellites to determine the precise location, velocity, and time of a GPS receiver on the ground. GPS is widely used in various industries, including aviation, military, transportation, and surveying.

What is GAGAN?

GAGAN is a satellite-based augmentation system developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). GAGAN uses geostationary satellites to broadcast correction signals that enhance the accuracy and reliability of GPS signals in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring regions. GAGAN improves the accuracy of GPS signals from 20 meters to 1.5 meters and provides better coverage in remote and mountainous areas.

Difference Between GAGAN and GPS

Feature	GPS	GAGAN
Coverage area	Covers the entire globe	Covers only India
Accuracy	Up to 5 meters	Up to 3 meters
Number of Satellites	24 Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellites	3 Geostationary Satellites
Frequency Band	L1 and L2 bands	L1 and L5 bands
Availability	Worldwide Availability	Limited to India
Applications	Navigation, surveying, tracking	Aviation, maritime, and land-based sectors
Cost	Expensive	Affordable
Development	Developed by the US	Developed by India

Conclusion

Finally, GPS and GAGAN are satellite-based navigation systems that employ satellite signals to deliver precise location and time information. GPS has global coverage and is widely utilized in a variety of industries, whereas GAGAN is restricted to the Indian subcontinent and nearby countries and is mostly used in aviation, maritime, and land-based applications. GAGAN’s accuracy is higher than that of GPS, and it is less expensive. Nonetheless, GPS transmissions are free to civilian users, whereas GAGAN signals are only available to approved users. Both GPS and GAGAN have advantages and disadvantages, and which technology to employ is determined by the unique application needs.