Difference Between GPS and GIS
In today’s world of technology, these two concepts play a vital role- GPS and GIS. as, we know what a GPS is, right?, from traveling to finding an exact location, we opt for GPS. However, GIS looks into tracking, mapping, storing, and analyzing to display geographical data in a computerized form.
GPS vs GIS
The main difference between GPS and GIS is that GPS, Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based system of radio navigation that’s used to pinpoint a precise location on Earth. While, on the other hand, GIS, Geographical Information System, is a scientific system that provides and reports analytical information of geographical data.
GPS is a very common technology used for navigation. Moreover, it is basically used to track down one’s location on the surface of the earth through satellite-based radio navigation. Locating positions, getting access to emergency roadside support, preventing automobile theft, and mapping & surveying are a few services pitched in by using GPS.
Meanwhile, GIS is a system that provides analysis and information of geographical data. Geographic information systems are used for mapping, transportation and urban surveying, natural resources management, agricultural value chains, and health analysis. The term GIS (Geographic Information Science) also refers to the study of geographical concepts, applications, and systems.
Comparison Table Between GPS and GIS
| Parameters of Comparison | GPS | GIS |
| Meaning | GPS is a satellite-based radio-navigation system that tracks down an exact location on the earth’s surface. | GIS is a system that provides analysis and information of geographical data. |
| Etymology | U.S Department of Defense in 1978, launched its prototype spacecraft known as the GPS project. | In 1963, Roger’s Tomlinson along with the Canadian Government invented GIS to maintain a manageable inventory of natural resources. |
| Application | Application to Locating positions, Getting access to emergency roadside support, preventing automobile theft, and mapping & surveying. | GIS applications are Mapping, Transportation & Urban surveying natural resources, Risk & Disaster Management, Agricultural Value Chain, and public health analysis. |
| How does it work | Atomic clock is installed in GPS satellites; where broadcasting can be determined by the receiver, the satellite embeds time information. | GIS is a computer-based system that stores, analyzes, displays geographical data of the Earth’s surface in shared drive files. |
| Acronym | Global Positioning System | Geographical Information System |
What is GPS?
GPS is used to track down one’s location on the surface of the earth through satellite-based radio navigation. Moreover, GPS is a very common technology used by people, alias drivers for navigation purposes. The first-ever GPS was initiated by the U.S Department of Defense in 1978, as the prototype spacecraft project for navigation purposes.
Bradford Parkinson, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University, later became the patent of a satellite-based system and developed it with the help of the U.S. Air Force, which is now renowned as GPS. The word GPS is a short form/ acronym of Global Positioning System. Speaking of GPS applications other than navigation, it is used for locating positions, getting access to emergency roadside support, preventing automobile theft, and mapping & surveying.
An atomic clock is installed in GPS satellites, which thereby enables broadcasting. Eventually, the satellite embeds time information in its codes, and a receiver is placed on the other end, to decode the information promptly. GPS features real-time navigation, alongside, enables notification reports on history, fuel savings, Geofencing, Point of Interest tools, mobile-friendly. However, GPS, occasionally, is put at a disadvantage, such as for its inaccuracy, lack of local knowledge, driving distraction, signal or battery failure, privacy issues, and commercial exploitation.
What is GIS?
On one hand, GIS is a system that provides analysis and information of geographical data. While, on the other hand, the term GIS (Geographic Information Science) refers to the study of geographical concepts, applications, and systems. Sometime around the year 1963, Roger’s Tomlinson along with the Canadian Government invented a system to maintain a manageable inventory of natural resources.
The acronym GIS stands for Geographical Information System. GIS is mostly used for functions like Mapping, Transportation & Urban surveying natural resources, Risk & Disaster Management, Agricultural Value Chain, and public health analysis. Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) is a computer-based system, which functions for storing, analyzing, verifying, and managing information on geographical data.
GIS features location, temporality, field-based approach, complex spatial, thematic value, fuzzy objects, in a way to report geographical information. There are a few benefits of GIS, such as managing assets, parcels, better-informed decisions, central location, and delivering a clean and clear display of information.
Speaking of disadvantages of GIS, it can be expensive in some cases, cryptic code doesn’t provide absolute solutions, integration with the traditional map is difficult, requires an efficient processor, and higher storage space. Five components are essential to a GIS’ functionality, including hardware, software, data, people, and methods.
Main Differences Between GPS and GIS
Conclusion
Both these systems are playing a vital role in today’s technology world- Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System(GIS). Whereby, GPS is well-known for providing location information for every point on the planet, making it particularly handy for traveling and mapping. Besides, With the help of its atomic clock installation, GPS allows for precise time measurements and the use of correct data.
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer program that captures, stores, checks, and displays data about locations on the Earth’s surface. GIS can help individuals and organizations better understand geographical patterns and relationships by connecting seemingly unconnected data.
References
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