India's NavIC (IRNSS) vs Google Maps, Which One is Better?

India is the 4th Nation to have its own Regional Navigation Satellite System

After a long, finally India has developed it's own regional navigation system indigenously, which is being called as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) with the operational name of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). Globally, USA's GPS (Global Positioning System) called as Google Maps, Russian GLONAS, China's Beidou, European Galileo are currently operational. GPS enabled smartphones are typically accurate to within a 4.6 m (Almost 16 ft.). Whereas India's NavIC has exceptional qualities, which you'll know further.

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Glimps of GPS (Global Positioning System) or Google Maps

GPS is a navigation system with 30+ operational navigation satellites which is circling the earth. These 30+ satellites have to constantly send out the signals. In our smartphones, there's a receiver which listens for these signals. Later on, the receiver calculates the distance from 3 or more satellites and then it will show your location. 

Currently, GPS has 31 operational satellites with the orbital height of 20,180 KMs. The first launch for it was on February, 1978, with the total launch count of 72. The US Space Force is responsible for the operation of the GPS. 

About (NavIC) Navigation with Indian Constellation (IRNSS - Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System)

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As said, NavIC is an operational name for IRNSS and it is operational within the territory of India. NavIC is able to provide a real time positioning and timing services. Although, it is only for India but it has an ability to cover the 1500 KMs of area around it. ISRO is planning to extend this further. 

Talking about the NavIC, it has total 9 satellites launched. First launch was on 1 July, 2013 and last launch was on 12 April, 2018 with the orbital height of 36,000 KMs. Currently, ISRO itself is responsible for the operations. 

Specifications of the IRNSS (NavIC)

Navigation Constellation consists of 7 satellites. 3 in Geostationary earth orbit (GEO) and 4 in Geosynchronous orbit (GSO) inclined at 29° to the equator.  Each satellites has 3 rubidium clocks, which provides accurate locational data. 

Accuracy of NavIC (IRNSS) in Comparison of GPS

NavIC will provide standard positioning services for all users with the accuracy of 5 Meter (Possible upto 1m or 3 ft. 3 inch). Whereas GPS has the accuracy of 20-25 meters. NavIC has a dual frequency with S and L bands. Whereas GPS has single frequency with only L band.

What Type of Services Will IRNSS Provide?

It has promised to provide two types of services. 

1) Restricted Services

2) Standard Positioning Services

Restricted Services

This type of services are not for public use and the data of this type of service won't be available for the public domain. Also, it is an encrypted services for only authorised users like Military services and security agencies.  

The accuracy for Restricted type of services can be upto minimal range of 1 ft. to 1 m (Possible upto 10 cm to 3.9 inch).

Standard Positioning Services

This type of services are for public use or we can say for all type of users. Just like a GPS, this standard services can be enabled in our smartphones. Currently, Qualcomm Snapdragon™ has developed it's latest processor and in the Xiaomi smartphones and it will be available for users soon.

How Can We Use NavIC

Smartphones with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G has ability to support NavIC (IRNSS). 

Redmi Note 9 pro is a device which is capable to operate the India's NavIC, USA's GPS, China's Beidou, European Galileo and Russian GLONAS.