Global positioning system

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Global Positioning System (GPS) /ˈdʒiːpiːɛs/ is a satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. It is one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites.

Etymology

The term "Global Positioning System" is derived from the system's purpose of providing precise geographic positioning information globally. The term was first used in the 1970s when the system was being developed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Related Terms

Satellite navigation: The use of satellites to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning.
United States Space Force: The branch of the U.S. military responsible for space operations, including the operation of GPS.
Geolocation: The identification or estimation of the real-world geographic location of an object or person.
Radionavigation: Navigation by use of radio waves.

References

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Global positioning system

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