GIS vs GPS: Understanding the Key Differences
There are two technologies that are used for the collection, management, analysis, and understanding of geographical data: Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). Even though GIS and GPS are employed in conjunction, their functions are not similar. While GPS works primarily to determine the location of a receiver, GIS is used for the purposes of storing, analyzing, visualizing, and managing spatial data.
It is important for specialists in surveying, mapping, remote sensing, urban planning, agriculture, transportation, environmental monitoring, and other geospatial applications to be mindful of the differences between GIS and GPS.
What Is GIS?
A Geographic Information System is a computerized system that captures, stores, manipulates, evaluates, and visualizes geographic and spatial information. GIS combines information with places, facilitating recognition of trends and correlations.
GIS may utilize various types of spatial data:
Vector data: Points, lines, and polygons representing such objects as highways, buildings, and boundaries
Raster data: Grid-based information such as satellite imagery, aerial photographs, digital elevation models (DEMs), and land cover maps
Attribute data: Information referring to geographic features
GIS software is capable of performing certain functions, such as spatial querying, proximity analysis, overlay analysis, geocoding, site analysis, and network analysis. The software is useful in the creation of interactive maps and analytical deliverables needed for decision-making.
GIS is often applied in urban planning, environmental resource management, disaster response, utility management, environmental analysis, and construction planning.
What Is GPS?
The phrase Global Positioning System refers to a satellite-based positioning system created and operated by the USA. GPS operates with the help of signals emitted from satellites and uses them to calculate the position of the receiver located on or close to the Earth's surface.
In order to define its location, the GPS receiver measures the time taken by the signals to travel from a number of satellites. Under certain conditions, GPS can provide information such as latitude, longitude, altitude, and time.
GPS is mainly used for:
land surveying
navigation
vehicle tracking
drone works
collecting field data
agriculture
construction
asset management
geospatial mapping
GPS is also included in the grouping called the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Other parts of the GNSS are Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou.
GIS vs GPS: Key Differences
The main difference between GIS and GPS is their purpose. GPS determines where something is, while GIS helps users understand, manage, analyze, and visualize information about that location.
Feature | GIS | GPS |
Full form | Geographic Information System | Global Positioning System |
Primary purpose | Manage and analyze spatial data | Determine geographic position |
Main function | Mapping and spatial analysis | Positioning and navigation |
Data handled | Vector, raster, and attribute data | Position, time, and navigation data |
Hardware requirement | Computer, server, or mobile device | GPS/GNSS receiver |
Typical output | Maps, analysis, spatial databases | Coordinates, tracks, and navigation information |
Common applications | Planning, analysis, mapping | Navigation, surveying, tracking |
How GIS and GPS Work Together
For example, a field survey team utilizes a GPS or GNSS receiver to gather accurate positions of electricity poles. Once the data is collected, it gets transferred to GIS.
The GIS then uses these coordinates along with aerial photographs, roads, property borders, elevation, and other information.
The GIS usage allows for further exploration of the collected information, mapping, and managing the surrounding infrastructure.
This process can be summarized as follows:
GPS/GNSS receiver → Coordinate collection → GIS database → Analysis → Mapping and managing.
Accuracy Differences Between GIS and GPS
GIS does not directly measure positional accuracy. The accuracy in GIS data is determined by various factors such as the data source, coordinate reference system, processing methods, and positional quality.
Conversely, GPS accuracy heavily relies upon the GPS receiver, satellite configuration, atmospheric conditions, correction services, and positioning method.
While basic GPS positioning can only achieve meter-level positioning accuracy, advanced GNSS methods such as RTK and PPK offer centimeter-level positioning accuracy.
As a result, it is critical to differentiate between the accuracy of GIS data and GPS/GNSS accuracy.
GIS and GPS in Surveying and Mapping
One of the key applications of GIS and GPS/GNSS technology is in surveying.
Surveyors use GNSS receivers to get precise coordinates for ground control points, property boundaries, roads, among others, which can then be incorporated into GIS software.
GIS further enhances the analytical capabilities of survey data by overlaying it with other geospatial datasets, which helps organizations develop geo-databases and apply survey data for planning, analysis, and visualization.
GIS vs GPS in Remote Sensing
GIS and GPS are vitally important in remote sensing.
Images from satellites and air-captured images can be processed in GIS for classification, detection of changes, terrain analysis, and monitoring of vegetation, among others. Both GPS and GNSS are also often used to determine the ground location of ground observations and control points.
For example, researchers can use GNSS-enabled devices to gather their field observations about vegetation and use GIS to compare those observations with NDVI data obtained from satellites.
GIS, GPS, and Drones
Modern mapping with drones involves the use of GIS, GPS/GNSS, along with remote sensing.
A drone can record its flight details using GNSS and tag pictures taken along the way. In addition, it can use RTK or PPK technology to accurately track and capture images.
In further processing, GIS can be used to analyze images obtained through photogrammetry, such as orthomosaics, DSMs, etc.
Hence, the use of the technology of GNSS combined with drone technology and GIS can be very useful in surveying, building construction, agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection.
GIS vs GPS: Which One Do You Need?
The answer is dependent upon your needs.
You would use GPS/GNSS technology to determine the position of an object or person.
If you aim to save, visualize, analyze, and manipulate geographic data, then you need GIS technology.
In many situations, it is most effective to use both GPS/GNSS and GIS. The geographic coordinates received from GPS/GNSS can then be used in GIS to create maps and analytical information.
GPS and GIS as technologies refer to different functionalities in geospatial technology. GPS is primarily a positioning technology, whereas GIS is a spatial information management system for analysis.
While GPS/GNSS provides geographic coordinates through satellite signals, GIS integrates these coordinates with raster and vector data through effective visualization. The integration of GPS and GIS allows effective field data collection, mapping, surveying, remote sensing, property management, and geographic decision-making.
Understanding the difference between GIS and GPS is essential for choosing the right technology in geospatial operations.
For more information or any questions regarding GIS and GPS, please don't hesitate to contact us at
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