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GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate location and time information on Earth. GIS is a computer-based system used to collect, store, manage, and analyze geographical data.
While both GPS and GIS deal with location and geographic data, their functions are distinct.
Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) are two important and modern technologies used for managing and analyzing geographic and spatial data.
Typically, we encounter these terms when tracking and sharing locations on Google Maps or other devices. Many people use both technologies, directly and indirectly, multiple times, but only a few understand how they work and the key differences between them.
What is GPS (Global Positioning System)?
GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate location and time information on Earth. It determines the position of a receiver using signals from multiple satellites.
GPS is mainly used for navigation, vehicle tracking, surveying, and location-based services. It calculates the exact latitude and longitude of any location from a network of satellites, providing distance and time data after processing these signals.
What is GIS (Geographic Information System)?
GIS is a computer-based system used to collect, store, manage, and analyze geographical data. This technology allows users to analyze maps and spatial data, presenting useful insights by combining different datasets.
GIS is widely used in town planning, environmental management, disaster response, and business analysis. It can handle maps, aerial and satellite images, and survey data to produce outputs to make data less complex and turn into maps, graphs, and charts.
Major Differences Between GPS and GIS
While both GPS and GIS deal with location and geographic data, their functions are distinct:
- Processing and Data Collection: GPS provides precise location data from satellites, whereas GIS is a system that manages and analyzes spatial data.
- Data Source: GPS determines a receiver's position and time through satellite signals. GIS uses a variety of geographic data, such as aerial images, maps, and surveys.
- Areas of Use: GPS is primarily used for navigation and tracking. GIS, on the other hand, is used for town planning, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
- Real-Time Data: GPS Provides real-time data received from receivers, which is constantly updated. GIS can also incorporate real-time data, but it requires integration with GPS devices to do so effectively.
