GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite navigation system developed and maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense. Initially designed for military applications, oceanographers apply GPS for their research designs. GPS units accurately identify a point on the earth's surface by latitude and longitude within 20-50 feet. Radio signals are sent from orbiting satellites to earth. GPS receivers on the ground collect and convert the radio signals into position, velocity, and time information.

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