What is the U.S. Global Positioning System commonly known as?

The U.S. Global Positioning System is commonly referred to as NAVSTAR GPS, which stands for NAVigation System using Timing and Ranging Global Positioning System. This term reflects the system's purpose and technology, indicating that it is a satellite-based navigation system used for determining precise geographic locations. NAVSTAR GPS consists of a constellation of satellites that transmit signals allowing GPS receivers on the ground to calculate their location in terms of latitude, longitude, and elevation.

This terminology is specifically tied to the U.S.-developed system, distinguishing it from other global navigation systems that might be referred to generically as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). GNSS can include other systems such as the Russian GLONASS, European Galileo, and Chinese BeiDou. By understanding that NAVSTAR GPS is the formal name of the U.S. system, one can appreciate its unique characteristics and operational structure in the context of global navigation technologies.