Author
Home > Technology > What is the Difference Between GPS and AGPS?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between GPS and AGPS?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between GPS and AGPS lies in the method they use to determine your location.

GPS (Global Positioning System) relies solely on a network of satellites to determine your location. It communicates with at least 4 or more satellites to establish your position coordinates. GPS is mainly employed in vehicles such as cars, planes, and ships. It requires a clear line of sight to the satellites and can be slower in responding to location requests, especially in challenging conditions.

AGPS (Assisted GPS), on the other hand, uses a combination of satellite information and data from cell towers to determine your location. AGPS devices communicate with network stations (e.g., GSM, Base station systems) instead of directly communicating with satellites. AGPS is mainly used in mobile phones. It offers several advantages over GPS, including:

  • Faster location determination: AGPS devices can receive information from network stations even in cloudy conditions, making them faster in determining your location.
  • Improved accuracy: AGPS devices can use the additional information from cell towers to provide more accurate location data.

Due to these benefits, AGPS is generally considered faster and more accurate than standard GPS.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between GPS and AGPS?
  • Comparative Table: GPS vs AGPS

    • Comparative Table: GPS vs AGPS

    The main differences between GPS (Global Positioning System) and A-GPS (Assisted GPS) are as follows:

    Feature GPS A-GPS
    Definition A satellite-based radio navigation system that provides geolocation and time information A combination of GPS and cellular tower information to improve location accuracy and reduce the time to first fix (TTFF)
    Functionality Standalone GPS devices rely solely on satellite signals for positioning A-GPS devices use both satellite signals and cellular tower information to enhance positioning accuracy and speed
    Time to First Fix (TTFF) Slower TTFF due to the need to acquire satellite signals Faster TTFF because A-GPS devices can obtain almanac and ephemeris data from cellular towers, reducing the time needed to acquire satellite signals
    Accuracy Less accurate than A-GPS due to slower TTFF and only relying on satellite signals More accurate than GPS because A-GPS devices can use cellular tower information in addition to satellite signals
    Usage GPS is used in devices that only rely on satellite signals for location information A-GPS is used in devices that combine GPS and cellular tower information to improve location accuracy and speed, such as smartphones and tablets

    In summary, A-GPS enhances the GPS functionality by incorporating cellular tower information to provide faster and more accurate positioning.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.