About Starlink Navigation vs Google Maps: While most of you are familiar with Google Maps, are you aware that Starlink also features an option for navigation?
For now, Google Maps is one of the most accurate navigation systems, but Starlink is not far behind.
After all, it uses a constellation of small satellites and has global coverage, positioning it as a future navigation system.
In today’s article, we compare Starlink Navigation vs Google Maps to determine what each provides.
What Is Starlink Navigation
Before we go further into the details of Starlink Navigation, you should know that it is a hypothetical discussion for now.
It is the only research conducted by Ohio State researchers in 2021 that shows Starlink navigation system potential.
However, SpaceX hasn’t given much thought or action to this research. According to the Ohio study, this system can pinpoint the exact location with 30-meter accuracy.
Such a system can benefit companies such as those with autonomous vehicles, hence being the main rival for Google.
It’s good to mention that the US military was interested in Starlink Navigation in 2020, but SpaceX refused.
A constellation of satellites in space
What Is Googe Maps
Google Maps is a navigation and mapping service provided by Google. It utilizes the internet to provide precise satellite images, maps, and routes worldwide.
You can access the service through an app installed on your smartphone or the website.
From its inception in 2005, it has enhanced precision, imagery, details, and data, making it vital for about 1 billion users.
Some of the main provisions that make Google Maps the go navigation system include:
- Voiced and real-time detailed navigation instructions to help motorists focus on the road instead of the map.
- A 360-degree view of the place you want and its surroundings to help you identify it easily
- It also offers business and their location to find what you seek. E.g., churches, restaurants, schools, and more.
- Another offering is traffic updates and public transport routing. This feature helps avoid traffic jams when it is combined with traffic updates.
- It provides correct and detailed maps of landmarks and businesses that help ride app users.
- It offers photos and reviews of local businesses to help them build their brand and create awareness.
An example of Google map in a smartphone
Differences Between Starlink Navigation and Google Maps
Point of Interest Details
It’s no secret that most people love Google Maps due to their convenient map detailing. You can also see stores, yards, and other points of interest for easy navigation.
In addition, you also get color codes for identifying areas like wheelchair-accessible walks and other points of interest.
In comparison, the Starlink navigation does not include such details. As we said, it is primarily an internet app that only identifies Starlink network availability.
The good news is that, with time, the service can have such features given its potential.
Real-time Traffic Information
If you have used the Google app, you are familiar with the real-time traffic information on major highways and towns.
Such updates help you avoid roads with traffic jams, hence saving time and fuel.
It uses data from users who have enabled their location, coupling it with machine learning to give accurate traffic updates.
On the other hand, Starlink navigation does not have the capability for traffic updates in real-time.
However, its internet is superfast which can facilitate the use of the Google map on your phone.
Autonomous vehicles use this fast internet to use their navigation system, getting real-time traffic and obstacle updates.
Traffic jam photo
Street View
As we said earlier, Google Maps offers colored imagery of the street and how it looks.
With this information, you can access more details about your surroundings for convenient navigation.
Moreover, you can even tilt the image at 360 degrees and in any direction to get a clearer picture.
Unfortunately, Starlink navigation lacks such a feature as of now. However, given its potential, we hope it gives Google Maps a run for its money soon.
Indoor Usage
One of the most amazing capabilities of the Google map is the indoor usage. This feature helps you identify specific amenities, such as supermarkets and hotels in large malls.
It also lets you check details like restricted areas and VIP sections in train stations and airports. While this feature is not in all buildings, Starlink navigation does not have it.
Transport Routing
Did you know you can use Google Transport routing, also called Google Transit, to get schedules on public transportation?
Yes, it allows you to check routes and schedules for buses, trains, and other public transport means.
The app leverages local public transport data, combining it with online information to get routes and schedules in various cities.
Although we expect Starlink navigation to offer such a feature in the future, it’s yet to start.
Voice Controls
Now, assume you are new in a certain city with a lot of traffic. In such a scenario, looking at your map now and then can cause accidents or make you lose your way.
In such a scenario, voice navigation comes in handy to direct you in real-time.
Note that this feature is yet to start in some countries, but the Starlink navigation system doesn’t have it yet.
Starlink Navigation vs Google Maps: Compatibility with Other Apps and Services.
If you have used cab services like Uber and Bolt, you may have noted that they have a navigation system.
However, they do not have it but combine their app with Google Maps. This capability helps in easy navigation and calculation of the journey price.
In Starlink navigation, you can’t get such features as of now.
Wrap Up
According to this research, Google Maps is better than Starlink navigation in all aspects. For starters, it is well-established and has amazing features for convenient navigation.
However, remember that Starlink is still developing and may rival Google Maps one day. In addition, it comes with the ability to use offline, a feature absent in Google Maps.