Plain English Meaning

It is the worldwide map reference that GPS uses. Every GPS position you see is measured against this single shared model of the Earth, so a latitude and longitude in one country lines up correctly with the same point anywhere else.

Full Definition

WGS-84 is the global reference system that defines a standard model of the Earth's shape, size, and gravitational field, and provides a uniform coordinate framework (latitude, longitude, and altitude) used for precise navigation. GPS satellites broadcast their positions, and receivers compute aircraft positions, in WGS-84 coordinates.

Context Anchor

Seen in GPS, , , and discussions when position coordinates must line up with the correct Earth reference.