Aviation Glossary

Gps

Global Positioning System: A satellite- based navigation system in which two or more signals, received from satellites, are used to determine the receiver's position on the globe.

source: Electrical Engineering Glossary

A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) navigation system that can determine position and track the movement of an aircraft. A global positioning system (GPS) receiver must be installed on board the aircraft to receive and interpret signals from the satellite-based system.

source: FAA Advanced Avionics Handbook (FAA-H-8083-6)

A satellite-based radio positioning, navigation, and time-transfer system.

source: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)

The Global Positioning System is a series (or “constellation”) of satellites circling the Earth, each broadcasting a unique signal. These signals, usually three or more, are detected by electronic units, and, thru triangulation and time delay sensings, provide an extremely accurate location readout of the GPS receiver. Many balloon pilots carry a small GPS unit on board the balloon to determine location, ground track and ground speed.

source: FAA Balloon Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-11)

A space-base radio positioning, navigation, and time-transfer system. The system provides highly accurate position and velocity information, and precise time, on a continuous global basis, to an unlimited number of properly equipped users. The system is unaffected by weather, and provides a worldwide common grid reference system. The GPS concept is predicated upon accurate and continuous knowledge of the spatial position of each satellite in the system with respect to time and distance from a transmitting satellite to the user. The GPS receiver automatically selects appropriate signals from the satellites in view and translates these into three-dimensional position, velocity, and time. System accuracy for civil users is normally 100 meters horizontally.

source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary

Global Positioning System (GPS): A navigation system that uses satellite rather than ground-based transmitters for location information.

source: FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A)

Global positioning system (GPS): Navigation system that uses satellite rather than ground-based transmitters for location information.

source: FAA Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2)

Global positioning system (GPS): A satellite based radio positioning, navigation, and time transfer system used for as a reference for navigation and measures ground speed.

source: FAA Weight Shift Control Handbook (FAA-H-8083-5)

A space-based radio positioning, navigation, and time-transfer system. The system provides highly accurate position and velocity information, and precise time, on a continuous global basis, to an unlimited number of properly equipped users. The system is unaffected by weather, and provides a worldwide common grid reference system. The GPS concept is predicated upon accurate and continuous knowledge of the spatial position of each satellite in the system with respect to time and distance from a transmitting satellite to the user. The GPS receiver automatically selects appropriate signals from the satellites in view and translates these into a three-dimensional position, velocity, and time. System accuracy for civil users is normally 100 meters horizontally.

source: ICAO Aviation Chart Glossary

An acronym for Global Positioning System. A network of satellites which provide extremely accurate position and time information. Useful in remote locations or for moving platforms.

source: NOAA National Weather Service Glossary