What is GPS?

GPS (Global Positioning System) is the United States’ satellite navigation system, operated by the US Space Force. It was the first operational GNSS and remains the most widely used worldwide. The GPS constellation consists of at least 24 satellites in medium Earth orbit, broadcasting signals on multiple frequencies.

GPS enables users to determine their absolute position (latitude, longitude, altitude) anywhere on Earth with meter-level accuracy using standalone receivers. When combined with correction techniques like RTK or PPP, GPS can deliver centimeter-level precision suitable for high-accuracy applications such as autonomous driving, surveying, and robotics. Although GPS is often used interchangeably with GNSS in casual conversation, technically it refers only to the US system; while GNSS encompasses all global satellite navigation systems.