Official U.S. Government information about the
Global Positioning System (GPS) and related topics
For General Public
For News Media
For Congress
For Internationals
For Professionals
For Students
What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System is a U.S.-owned utility that provides users with positioning, navigation, and timing services.
Who Uses GPS?
GPS is an essential element of the global information infrastructure. The technology is in everything from cell phones and wristwatches to bulldozers, shipping containers, and ATM's.
Teaching Resources
From NOAA Education
The following links lead to GPS-related lesson plans prepared for high school teachers by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- Trilateration Exercise from NSTA
- I Know Where You Are!
- Meet Geodesy — The Science Behind GPS
- Marine Navigation
From GPS Adventures
The creators of the GPS Adventures exhibit prepared "A Guide for Teachers and Students" featuring activities suitable for grades K-8.
From the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution's Time and Navigation exhibit includes online teaching resources and rich multimedia related to GPS.
If you're planning a class trip to Washington, D.C., be sure to visit the exhibit at National Air & Space Museum!
GPS Tutorials
These links lead to GPS education pages at other government websites.
Career Corner
"This constellation is flown by young professionals — some straight out of high school with some pretty intensive training... some out of college... some of them have engineering degrees and orbital science degrees."
