What does GPS stand for?

• A. Global Positioning System
• B. Global Plane System
• C. Geostationary Positioning System
• D. Ground Positioning System

Answer: (A)

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It’s a satellite-based network that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth. The name reflects its function: global coverage, the ability to determine your position (Positioning), and the fact that it’s a coordinated system rather than a single device. In operation, receivers use signals from multiple satellites to measure distance to each one, solving for latitude, longitude, altitude, and time. The global aspect means you can find your position worldwide; the positioning aspect means you’re determining where you are; and the system aspect emphasizes the network of satellites, ground stations, and receivers working together. The other options don’t fit because they misstate the type of coverage or the nature of the network—global plane and ground ideas don’t capture worldwide positioning, and geostationary would imply satellites fixed relative to the Earth, which GPS satellites are not.