GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their exact location anywhere on Earth
. The system is composed of three main segments:
- Space segment: A constellation of about 24 satellites orbiting the Earth, transmitting signals with their position and time.
- Control segment: Ground stations that monitor and control the satellites, ensuring their proper orbits and accurate timing.
- User segment: GPS receivers that receive satellite signals and calculate the user's position, velocity, and time
Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for military purposes in the 1970s, GPS is now freely available worldwide for civilian use, providing positioning, navigation, and timing services
. In summary, GPS is a global satellite system that helps pinpoint locations with high accuracy anywhere on the planet
