Which segment of GPS is related to the receivers on the ground?

The user segment of GPS pertains specifically to the receivers on the ground. This segment encompasses all the devices that utilize GPS signals to ascertain their geographical location, including handheld GPS units, automotive navigation systems, and smartphones. These receivers capture signals transmitted by satellites from the space segment and process this data to determine position, velocity, and time.

In addition to its focus on ground-based receivers, the user segment includes the algorithms and hardware necessary for users to effectively interpret the satellite signals. This functionality is crucial for applications involving navigation, mapping, and timing.

While the space segment is composed of the satellites themselves, and the control segment involves ground-based facilities that manage and maintain the satellites, neither of these is directly related to the GPS receivers utilized by end users. The distribution segment is not a standard term used to describe any part of the GPS system.