What does the term GNSS refer to?

The term GNSS stands for "Global Navigation Satellite System," which is a broad term used to refer to any satellite-based navigation system that provides geolocation and time information to a receiver anywhere on or near the Earth's surface. GNSS encompasses various satellite systems, including the Global Positioning System (GPS) used in the United States, the Russian GLONASS, the European Union's Galileo, and China's BeiDou. This comprehensive definition highlights that GNSS is not limited to one specific country or system but rather includes multiple global systems that serve a similar purpose of providing accurate positioning and timing.

The other options do not capture the full scope of what GNSS represents, which is why they are less accurate. For instance, the mention of a navigation technology specific to the USA fails to recognize the international nature of GNSS that includes multiple countries' systems. Describing GNSS as a specific satellite system overlooks the existence of various systems and implies a singular focus. Referring to GNSS as proprietary mapping software misidentifies the term entirely, as GNSS pertains to satellite systems and their operation rather than being software designed for mapping.