In the context of GPS, what does the 'D' in DGPS stand for?

The 'D' in DGPS stands for Differential. Differential GPS is an enhancement to standard GPS that provides improved location accuracy. While standard GPS signals can be affected by various factors like atmospheric conditions and satellite positioning, DGPS uses a network of fixed ground reference stations to correct the GPS signals. These stations calculate the differential corrections based on their known positions and send these corrections to DGPS receivers, allowing for much higher precision in determining the user's location.

The use of the term 'Differential' is crucial because it highlights the method by which DGPS achieves enhanced accuracy—not by changing how GPS operates fundamentally, but by correcting its output with referenced data. This approach is essential in scenarios where precise location data is critical, such as navigation for marine operators, surveying professionals, and in certain automated systems.