GLONASS stands for Globalnaya Navigazionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema or Global Navigation Satellite System. You should note that GLONASS is Russia’s version of GPS and was developed by the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1976. GLONASS was launched in 1982 and the M variant was launched in 2003. The GLONASS-K variant project kicked off in 2011. If you take a look at the future, the GLONASS-KM will launch after 2025 and the project is in the research phase.
What is A-GLONASS?
A-GLONASS also called as Assisted GLONASS is identical to GLONASS. However, it brings in several new features for smartphones. You will be able to experience new features such as turn navigation, and real-time traffic data. It dynamically makes use of the mobile towers near your locality to lock your location. The technology also enhances the performance of processors. As of 2011, the Russian government has spent nearly 5 billion dollars and invested 320 billion rubles for 2012 to 2020.
GLONASS vs GPS
GPS is developed by the USA with a network of 31 satellites. It is used in smartphones and navigators. GLONASS has a total network of 24 satellites. In real-world, there is no difference between GLONASS and GPS except that fact it has an enhanced accuracy over GPS.
If you make use of GLONASS, it doesn’t have a very strong coverage as GPS. However, if you use both technologies together it increases accuracy with coverage. GPS has the advantage of GLONASS with up to 2 meters of accuracy. If you use both GPS and GLONASS, you will be able to work with 55 satellites across the world. If you are in a location where GPS signals are weak, then GLONASS will be able to track effectively.
Advancements in technology allow us to combine the power of both GLONASS and GPS, providing unparalleled accuracy in route planning for businesses. Together, they offer a stronger and more reliable solution for navigation and tracking.” – Founder of Route4Me route optimization platform
The Future
Nowadays, all the smartphones are equipped with A-GPS, which makes effective use of the various network capabilities to fetch your location. Going forward, you can expect the integration of the feature in all smartphones and tablets. If you work with a smartphone manufactured by a reputed company, it will ship with both GLONASS and GPS functionality.