GNSS vs GPS vs APRS: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Two-Way Radios

When choosing a professional two-way radio, you may come across terms like GNSS, GPS, and APRS. They are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing. This article explains what each technology is, how they differ, and how they work together in radios like the Retevis HA2 HAM Radio, helping users understand their real-world value.

What Is GNSS?

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is a general term for all satellite-based positioning systems. 

It refers to a group of satellite constellations, including:

• GPS (United States)
• GLONASS (Russia)
• Galileo (European Union)
• BeiDou (China)

Key Point:

GNSS is the umbrella system. GPS is just one part of it.

Why GNSS Matters for a 2-way Radio

A GNSS-enabled radio can:

• Use multiple satellite systems at the same time
• Achieve faster positioning
• Provide more accurate location, especially in cities, forests, or mountainous areas

📍 In short: GNSS = better accuracy + better reliability.

What Is GPS?

GPS (Global Positioning System) is the most well-known GNSS system, developed by the U.S.

It determines your location using satellites to calculate:

• Latitude
• Longitude
• Altitude
• Time

Common Uses of GPS

• Navigation
• Location tracking
• Emergency positioning
• Outdoor activities (hiking, hunting, rescue)

GPS vs GNSS

📌 GPS is reliable, GNSS is more powerful.

What Is APRS?

APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is not a satellite system. Instead, APRS is a radio-based data communication protocol used mainly by amateur radio users.

What APRS Can Do

APRS allows radios to transmit:

• Real-time location
• Call signs
• Messages
• Status information
• Emergency alerts

All of this data is sent over radio frequencies, not cellular networks.

How APRS Works

1. The radio gets location data from GPS / GNSS
2. That data is packaged into an APRS signal
3. The signal is transmitted to:

• Nearby radios
• APRS repeaters
• Online APRS maps (when gateways are available)

📡 APRS = sharing location and data via radio

How GNSS, GPS, and APRS Work Together

These technologies are often confused because they are used together in modern radios.

Here’s the simple relationship:

GNSS / GPS → determines where you are

APRS → sends that location to others

Example:

A radio with GNSS + APRS can:

• Track team members during outdoor operations
• Share real-time position during emergencies
• Improve coordination for search and rescue
• Enable location-based group management

Why These Features Matter in Two-Way Radios

Location awareness is becoming essential in:

• Emergency response
• Outdoor expeditions
• Security patrols
• Event coordination
• Amateur radio communication

Compared to voice-only radios, radios with GNSS/GPS/APRS offer:

• Better situational awareness
• Faster response times
• Increased safety
• Improved team coordination

Retevis HA2 HAM Radio: Built for Modern Communication

The Retevis HA2 integrates:

• GNSS positioning (multi-satellite support)
• GPS location data
• APRS functionality

This allows users to:

• Obtain fast and accurate positioning
• Share real-time locations via radio
• Communicate both voice and data in one device

Whether for amateur radio enthusiasts, outdoor users, or emergency communication scenarios, Retevis HA2 turns a traditional radio into a location-aware communication tool.

Quick Summary

GNSS: The overall satellite positioning system (most accurate)

GPS: A single GNSS system (widely used)

APRS: A radio protocol for sharing location and data

💡 GNSS/GPS tell you where you are. APRS tells others where you are.

You can click here to know more Retevis HAM Radios with GPS and APRS function.