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Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

What is GPS?

Originally designated the NAVSTAR (Navigation System with Timing And Ranging) Global Positioning System, GPS was developed by the US Department of Defense to provide all-weather round-the-clock navigation capabilities for military ground, sea, and air forces. Since its implementation, GPS has also become an integral asset in numerous civilian applications and industries around the globe, including recreational uses (e.g. boating, aircraft, hiking), corporate vehicle fleet tracking, and surveying.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a "constellation" of 24 spacecraft in 20,200 km circular orbits inclined at 55 degrees. These spacecraft are placed in 6 orbit planes with four operational satellites in each plane. This makes it possible for people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. The location accuracy is anywhere from 1 to 100 meters depending on the type of equipment used.
The GPS is owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, and as such, the accuracy of the signal is intentionally degraded for non-US military users. The error introduced into the signal is known as Selective Availability (SA). GPS is available for general use around the world.