What type of navigation system is GPS based on?

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is based on a space-based navigation system. It utilizes a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth to provide location, velocity, and time information to users anywhere on the planet. This system is designed to work in all weather conditions and does not rely on any ground infrastructure, making it highly versatile and globally accessible.

The satellites transmit signals that are received by GPS receivers, which calculate the user's position by determining the distance to at least four satellites. This is essential for accurate positioning, especially in applications such as aviation, where precision is critical for navigation and safety.

While ground-based systems use terrestrial beacons or aids to assist navigation, and airborne systems may utilize onboard sensors and equipment, neither of these provides the comprehensive global coverage that a space-based system like GPS offers. Satellite-assisted systems typically indicate communication or augmentation capabilities rather than a standalone navigation capability, which further differentiates GPS as a purely space-based system.