Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology refers to a network of satellites providing signals from space that transmit positioning and timing data to GNSS receivers. These receivers then use this data to determine location. The most widely known GNSS is the United States' Global Positioning System (GPSGPS: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system consisting of a network of 24 orbiting satellites. These satellites are approximately 20,180 kilometres above Earth's surface and make two complete orbits in less than 24 hours. They are built to last about 10 years, and…), but other countries and regions have developed their own systems, such as Russia's GLONASSGLONASS: The GLONASS satellite system, a global navigation system from Russia, consists of 24 satellites orbiting Earth. This system is comparable to the GPS system from the United States. The satellites operate in three orbital planes, with eight satellites on each plane. The system covers the entire globe…, the European Union's GalileoGalileo: The Galileo satellite system, developed and operated by the European Union, stands as a significant advancement in global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). This system offers worldwide coverage, delivering precise positioning and timing information. Galileo consists of 30 satellites, 24 of…, and China's BeiDouBeiDou: The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, also known as BDS, is a Chinese satellite navigation system. It is globally accessible and provides high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing services. The system operates with three types of satellites: Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Inclined….
GNSS technology functions by transmitting signals from satellites orbiting the Earth to GNSS receivers located on the Earth's surface. These receivers require signals from at least four satellites to accurately determine three-dimensional position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and time. The system is based on a principle known as trilateration, which involves measuring the distance between the receiver and multiple satellites through the time it takes for the signals to reach the receiver.
Unlike other location technologies that require terrestrial landmarks or infrastructure, GNSS provides global coverage, offering positioning and timing information under all weather conditions anywhere on or near the Earth's surface.