A GPS, short for Global Positioning System, consists of a group of satellites orbiting above the Earth, the navigation payloads that make the signals, ground stations, data links, and the command and control facilities. GPS allows any user, whether they are in an airplane, on a boat, or traveling on land, to determine their exact location at any time, any place, and during all weather. It can be used for many different tasks, such as mapping, global change research, surveying, and international air traffic management.
Created By: Laura Sale, March 2006
Last Updated: March 1, 2006