What datum is primarily used by the Global Positioning System (GPS)?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) primarily utilizes the WGS84 datum, which stands for World Geodetic System 1984. WGS84 serves as a global standard for spatial reference, making it exceptionally suited for GPS applications that require worldwide accuracy. The development of WGS84 was specifically aimed at providing a unified frame of reference for global positioning and navigation.

WGS84 includes a geodetic coordinate system that incorporates latitude, longitude, and altitude, enabling it to accurately represent positions anywhere on Earth's surface. This system also accounts for variations in Earth’s shape and gravitational field, leading to improved precision in GPS measurements. Moreover, since GPS is designed to operate globally, using a universal datum like WGS84 facilitates seamless data integration and communication across different geographic regions and systems.

Other datums, such as NAD83 (North American Datum 1983), ED50 (European Datum 1950), and OSGB36 (Ordnance Survey Great Britain 1936) are more region-specific and do not provide the same global reference framework as WGS84. While these datums can be used for specific applications or certain regions, WGS84's global reach and compatibility make it the primary choice for GPS technology.