Should you use GPS or GLONASS satellite systems for your smartwatch? Which of the two systems is better actually for reliable and accurate GPS data and GPS coordinates?
There is no easy answer for this. Most smartwatches offer the ability to use GPS or GLONASS. And, some also offer the ability to use GPS + GLONASS satellite systems together for better efficiency and performance.
Let us understand both satellite systems first.
GPS satellite system is a US-based satellite system that is owned and managed by the US Government. It comprises of 31 active satellites that provides civilian users with positioning accuracy of about 3 meters under optimal conditions.
The GPS satellite systems work at orbital heights of 12550 miles.
The GLONASS satellite system is owned and managed by the Russian Government. It comprises of 24 active satellite that offer positioning accuracy comparable to GPS, typically within 4.5–7 meters.
The GLONASS satellites work at orbital heights of 11800 miles.
Some GPS experts believe that the orbital height of GLONASS satellites help in improving GPS accuracy and efficiency in difficult terrains, mountains and urban canyons.
It may be pertinent to mention that the GPS satellites suffer from degraded performance in urban canyons or the areas with skyscrapers.
The GLONASS satellite systems are orbiting closer to the earth’s periphery than the GPS satellite systems.
As a thumb rule, if you are in Europe, you would experience improved GPS performance with a GLONASS satellite system. And, if you are in the United States, you would experience much better performance with a GPS satellite system.
However, in our opinion, the best option for improved GPS accuracy is to use a combination of GPS and GLONASS satellite systems.
Most smartwatches allow you to use the GPS and GLONASS satellite sites in tandem. A combined GPS usage lends better accuracy, without compromising the battery usage.
As far as our experience with Garmin smartwatches is concerned, we are reasonably comfortable in advising for using GPS + GLONASS satellite systems for GPS accuracy and reliability. Or, you could use the GPS for mainland United States and GLONASS within Europe if you are too concerned about the battery.
In general parlance and usage, GPS + GLONASS would offer accurate signals if normal conditions, dense forest, mountains, during hiking tours and while traversing through urban canyons.