Plain English Meaning
A navigation system that uses signals from satellites in space to tell a receiver exactly where it is on Earth, how fast it's moving, and what time it is.
Full Definition
A satellite-based radio navigation system operated by the U.S. Department of Defense that provides users with continuous position, velocity, and time information anywhere on or near the Earth. A GPS receiver determines its location by measuring the precise time delay of signals received from multiple satellites in known orbits, then calculating its position in three dimensions.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter GPS on cockpit navigation displays, moving maps, flight plans, and some instrument approach procedures.
Derivation
From Latin globus (round , ) and positio (placement). ' Positioning' literally means 'finding your place anywhere on the globe' — which is exactly what the system does.