Starlink Navigation vs Google Maps – A Comprehensive Comparision

Noah Clark

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Starlink Navigation vs. Google Maps may not be a discussion we should have since Google has been there for years. 

While most people know about Google Maps regarding navigation, the Starlink navigation system is also worth considering. 

After all, it uses numerous low-earth orbit satellites and continues to launch more to provide world-class navigation along with its internet.

 In this discussion, we compare Starlink Navigation and Google Maps to help you decide the most suitable for your needs.

Table of Contents

As you may already know, Starlink is mainly a satellite internet company that provides service to remote areas. 

After launching several low-earth orbit satellites, independent research began to see if this system could offer navigation systems. 

While not approved by SpaceX, the research showed that the company can provide an excellent navigation system.

 These results made the military approach Stalink in its quest to get a jamming-proof and spoofing-proof navigation system. 

Although the company did not buy the idea, it later transformed it into a navigation system used in services like Starlink Subaru. 

In its full capacity, Starlink plans to launch 43000 satellites. It would mean low latencies leading to more accuracy and speed in pin-pointing locations, thus rivaling Google.

Starlink satellite

Starlink satellite

Conversely, Google Maps is a global mapping system that utilizes the internet to offer maps, routes, and satellite images. 

You can use the service on your preinstalled smartphone app or browser to get location details, including landmarks and businesses. 

Since its inception, the service has improved to offer a 360-degree view of the location, which can help you see small details even if not at the scene. 

It can also offer real-time and detailed voice navigation to help you maneuver new areas with ease.

 Additionally, with its traffic updates and public routing in major cities, you are sure not to be caught in traffic. 

Moreover, it provides a review and more information on local businesses and amenities, including hotels, hospitals, and schools. 

The app can even calculate the distance and time, helping cab drivers know what to charge from one point to another.

While both services offer effective location guidance, they differ in their details and mode of operation, as detailed below:

Convenient Detailing

If you have used Google Maps, you will know how detailed its location map is. 

The system navigation system includes point-of-interest features showing amenities such as schools, hospitals, and government offices.

 You can also get historical sites, yards, stores, and other features that make navigation easier. 

These capabilities make the app convenient and more user-friendly, especially for visitors navigating a new location. 

Additionally, the system includes color codes that help you identify precise points of interest, including wheelchair-accessible paths.

Unfortunately, Starlink Navigation has not evolved to include these detailed features.

 Being solely an internet company, it uses its system to identify areas where its internet cover mostly. 

However, you cannot rule out the possibility of including these details once it achieves its intended satellite fleet.

Realtime Traffic Information

Real-time traffic information is important when you are in a hurry to save time and fuel. 

With Google Maps, you get real-time traffic updates on major roads in cities and towns. 

The system leverages the fact that most individuals have enabled the location settings on their devices. 

It then gathers this location information combining it with machine learning to update road users on traffic details.

On the contrary, Starlink Navigation itself does not offer any real-time traffic updates. 

However, Starlink can use its wide constellation of satellites and high-speed internet to offer connections in remote areas. 

This feature has enabled its use in autonomous vehicles, where it helps them get real-time traffic updates and updated navigation data. 

With this information, these vehicles can navigate safely and accurately while avoiding traffic jams or obstacles.

Road map representation 

Road map representation 

Street View

With the Google Maps street view feature, you can get colored images of an area you intend to navigate. 

You can also tilt the image how you want, allowing you a detailed 360-degree view of the place. 

This information can help you get more insights and details of the surroundings of your location. 

The good thing is that you do not have to be there, as you can view these details even when far. However, Starlink Navigation does not offer this feature at the moment. We can only hope it will rival Google Maps shortly.

Transport Routing

Google transport routing is a system that allows you to get schedules and routes of various public transport means.

 These public transport means include trains and buses, where users get their schedules in several cities. 

This feature, also known as Google Transit, combines online data with local transport operation information. 

While Starlink Navigation has enormous potential to provide transport routing, it has yet to start.

Indoor Use

One stand-out feature of Google Maps is that you can use it to get finer indoor directions. 

While this is not in all places, you can use the feature to identify specific sores in a large mall. 

You can also use it to find amenities like hotels and supermarkets in these large malls. 

Additionally, you get fine details such as accessible areas, VIP sections, and restricted areas in airports and train stations. 

On the contrary, you cannot get these features on the Starlink Navigation. 

Voice Control

Another differentiating factor is the voice control commands. Suppose you are driving and do not have time to look at your map.

 In this case, Google Maps allows you to set voice commands. Here, the app will tell you when and where to turn.

 While this feature may not be available in all countries, Starlink Navigation is yet to adopt it.

Cross Compatibility With Other Apps and Services

You can use Google Maps with other apps to enhance your experience. Yes, Google allows you to embed other apps if they adhere to Google service specifications.

 For example, Uber and other cab apps link Google Maps to their apps to calculate client transport costs. 

However, this feature is not available in the Starlink navigation.

Offline Mode

So far, you have heard of the best features of Google Maps. Now it’s turn for Starlink Navigation which does not need a cellular network to show directions.

 Its functionality in offline mode is its best characteristic, allowing it to operate even in the remotest areas. 

On the contrary, you cannot use Google Maps without an internet unless you have saved the location.

Customization Options

While Google Maps allows for several customization options, Starlink Navigation does not.

 For example, you can alter your location and input a new location and destination using Google Maps. 

However, Starlink Navigation uses satellite data to identify your new location automatically.

3D GPS navigation system

3D GPS navigation system

Similarities

Now here are the similarities between both services:

  • Both services have a global presence where they provide their services.
  • While Google Maps relies on users who update constantly, Starlink Navigation uses satellites to provide accurate locations. However, they all give precise positioning in real-time.
  • So long as there is a cellular network, Google provides a high-speed response. Starlink uses low latency to provide the same high-speed response.

With the research data available, Google Maps is superior in GPS services.

 It is established with detailed features and continues to add more functionalities. 

However, Starlink is also growing, and soon it may rival Google Maps, especially in remote areas.

Conclusion

Now you have a comprehensive comparison of Starlink navigation vs Google Maps. While the latter is established, the former is still developed. 

Therefore, we have to wait for a fair comparison, but the potential is there.