GPS, Compass, Heading Data?

[GeorgeFlorian (Sloata George)]

I am tasked with learning how to use MarvelMind SuperBeacons as GPS for a flying drone.
I know nothing about these things. And that’s why I need to learn.
I don’t know if this is the right forum for this but it’s worth a shot.

Firstly, what is the difference between GPS and Compass ? Which one do I need in order to make the drone fly automatically ?

Secondly, what is heading data ? Does Arducopter handle this kind of data ?

I will eventually need to use a Marvelmind SuperBeacon as a GPS for a flying drone that has a CubeOrange with ArduCopter V4.0.7 firmware.
I also have DroneBridge on an ESP32 that I have no idea what is for.

What do you guys think ?

[amilcarlucas]

@GeorgeFlorian

Firstly, what is the difference between GPS and Compass ?

gps gives you position in 3D space (latitude, longitude and altitude) if you have a clear sky view and good GPS signal reception.

Compass gives orientation in 3D space (roll, pitch, yaw) if you have a good GPS signal reception, if you don’t it will just give you the north orientation.

@GeorgeFlorian

Which one do I need in order to make the drone fly automatically ?

You need both.

@GeorgeFlorian

Secondly, what is heading data ?

Heading data is the direction relative to north.

@GeorgeFlorian

Does Arducopter handle this kind of data ?

It handles it all.

@GeorgeFlorian

I also have DroneBridge on an ESP32 that I have no idea what is for.

This is for telemetry data communication.