GPS vs GNSS: we compare satellite mapping technologies and explain the science behind them

What is GPS? And how’s it different to GNSS? We give you the lowdown on the tech that powers your bike computer and smartwatch

This image shows what a Global navigation satellite system, GNSS, would look like in space with the satellites and their movement trajectory shown around the Earth
(Image credit: Getty Images)

GPS vs GNSS: you probably use the initials of at least one of them on a daily basis, but do you know what they mean? Is there a difference? And does it matter when you're using your bike computer or smartwatch?

While most of us now take using technology to record a bike ride for granted, there's some extremely clever science helping our devices know where we are, where we want to get to and how long it will take us to get there – and that science is changing and improving every day.

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