Knowra World Geodetic System 1984 World Geodetic System 1984 World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) is a global reference system that defines Earth’s size, shape, orientation, and gravity field for positioning and mapping.
Geodesy : The science of measuring Earth’s shape, orientation, gravity field, and changing positions. WGS 84 is a global realization of geodetic measurement principles.
World Geodetic System 1984 ellipsoid : The reference ellipsoid specified by WGS 84, with semimajor axis 6,378,137 meters and inverse flattening about 298.257223563. Its dimensions convert between ellipsoidal coordinates and Earth-centered positions.
Global Positioning System : A satellite navigation system that provides positioning, navigation, and timing worldwide. GPS broadcasts positions referenced to WGS 84.
North American Datum of 1983 : A geodetic datum used chiefly for mapping and positioning in North America. NAD 83 is regionally focused and has realizations distinct from WGS 84.
United States Department of Defense : The federal executive department responsible for coordinating and supervising United States national security and military affairs. The department developed and maintains WGS 84 for defense and navigation needs.
Geodetic datum : A reference framework that specifies how coordinates relate to Earth. WGS 84 supplies the reference needed to interpret geographic coordinates consistently.
Earth-centered, Earth-fixed coordinate system : A rotating Cartesian coordinate system with origin at Earth’s center and axes fixed to its surface. WGS 84 uses this frame to represent three-dimensional positions.
Geographic information system : A system for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data. GIS datasets commonly identify WGS 84 as their coordinate reference system.
European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 : A fixed Eurasia plate-centered terrestrial reference system established at epoch 1989.0. Its coordinates remain tied to the Eurasian plate, unlike globally maintained WGS 84.
NAVSTAR GPS : The United States satellite navigation program that developed into the Global Positioning System. WGS 84 was adopted as the reference system for GPS positioning.
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