GLONASS, an acronym for Global Navigation Satellite System (ГЛОБАЛЬНАЯ НАВИГАЦИОННАЯ СПУТНИКОВАЯ СИСТЕМА in Russian), refers to a satellite-based navigation system operated by the Russian Federation. With its global coverage, GLONASS provides users with precise positioning, velocity, and timing information. Similar to other global navigation systems like GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONASS consists of a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth.
The GLONASS system functions by employing a network of 24 operational satellites divided into three orbital planes inclined at an angle of 64.8 degrees to the Equator. These satellites transmit navigation signals that enable users to determine their own geographical position with a high degree of accuracy, typically within a few meters. GLONASS receivers receive signals from multiple satellites, using trilateration techniques to calculate accurate position fixings.
Having been developed by the Russian government primarily for military purposes, GLONASS became fully operational in 1995 for the Russian Armed Forces. However, since 2007, GLONASS has also been available for civilian use, supported by manufacturers integrating GLONASS receivers into various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and navigation systems.
The interoperability of GLONASS with other global navigation systems such as GPS allows users to enjoy improved positioning accuracy and availability, especially in regions where visibility of satellites from a particular system may be temporarily obstructed. This compatibility offers higher accuracy and reliability to users across the globe, enhancing applications like navigation, mapping, surveying, and timing synchronization in various sectors.
