GPS (Global Positioning System) - definition

GPS (Global Positioning System), originally known as NAVSTAR GPS, is a positioning system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Air Force. The system includes a constellation of 77 satellites in total. GPS is widely used for its accuracy and precision. Nearly all smartphone devices have an in-built GPS receiver to utilize map services. Users can access GPS services even without an internet connection in many places, allowing them to find locations or create routes using only two points: latitude and longitude on a 2D plane.

The applications of GPS can be highly versatile. By employing different algorithms, GPS can be used for a variety of navigation and positioning tasks, extending its usefulness beyond simple location tracking.