Geographic Positioning System (GPS)
A handheld or vehicle mounted system that uses satellite communications to determine the geographical position and other navigational information.
"Glossary", FOREST RESTORATION RESEARCH UNIT, 2008. "Research for Restoring Tropical Forest Ecosystems: A Practical Guide". Biology Department, Science Faculty, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. http://www.forru.org/PDF_Files/rfrtfpdf/rfrtfappendix.pdf
A satellite based navigational system allowing the determination of any point on the earth's surface with a high degree of accuracy given a suitable GPS receiver. The network of satellites is owned by the US Department of Defence, and as such, the accuracy of the signal is intentionally degraded for non-US military users. The error introduced into the signal is known as selective availability. Error in the accuracy of GPS derived positions can also be introduced through the nature of local conditions, for example multipath. These errors can be greatly reduced using a technique known as differential GPS.
Choudury, K. & Jansen, L.J.M. (UNESCO/WMO) (1999) Terminology for integrated resources planning and management. Rome, FAO. 69p.; ESRI (2003) Environmental Systems Research Institute, The GIS glossary A-D. Online at (http://www.esri.com/library/glossary/a_d.html) (version in June 2003);
