This study assesses the effectiveness of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in Ecuador, a country situated on the equator, where unique challenges include elevated ionospheric activity and increased solar radiation. It focuses on the accuracy of major satellite navigation systems such as GPS, Glonass, and Galileo in various environments, from open fields to urban areas with dense building coverage. Using a satellite communication module and a data logger capturing information every second, the study provides a detailed comparison of these systems. The findings indicate that a combination of GPS and Glonass significantly enhances accuracy, reducing errors to less than 20 cm, which is crucial for high-precision applications in the equatorial region. This outcome is consistent with and expands the understanding of satellite navigation performance across different Andean landscapes, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in both urban and rural settings within the equatorial context. In summary, the research reaffirms the transformative role of geopositioning and GNSS in global navigation and emphasizes the potential for improving GNSS accuracy in the equatorial region. It contributes significantly to ongoing efforts to optimize geopositioning systems, ensuring their effectiveness in diverse geographical and environmental conditions, as exemplified in the Andean regions of Ecuador.
