Difference Between GPS and GIS (With Table)

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

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

1. GPS is a satellite-based system of radio navigation that’s used to pinpoint a precise location on Earth. On the other hand, GIS is a system that analyses and reports on geographical data. 
2. GPS was launched by the U.S Department of Defence in 1978, whereas GIS was introduced by the Canadian Government in 1963.
3. GPS is mainly used for tracking any location, getting access to any exigent roadside, supervising the prevention of theft, mapping & surveying roads/locations. On the contrary, GIS is applied for producing maps, managing transportation & urban planning, risk & disaster management, and examining agricultural value chains.
4. A receiver can determine transmission using an atomic clock installed in GPS satellites, and the satellite embeds time information in its codes. Meanwhile, GIS demanded information regarding geographical data to be stored, analyzed, checked, and displayed in a shared drive file. 
5. Global Positioning System is the acronym of GPS, Notwithstanding that, GIS expansion is Geographical Information System. 

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

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/j.2161-4296.1978.tb01326.x
2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=VN1v7rzhSQEC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=gis+meaning+&ots=jy4OhPvBjq&sig=kE6wZDYeMkpBKH_ZmCSh6Ah0vdY