Official U.S. government information about the
Global Positioning System (GPS) and related topics
GPS Educational Resources
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.
More Questions
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."
Classroom Poster
Teachers, download and print a copy of the "How GPS Works" poster for your classroom today.
Learn moreGPS-Based STEM Curriculum
In 2018, the U.S. government released a free curriculum that uses GPS concepts and activities to stimulate student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
We are currently in the process of updating and editing the original materials to improve their educational value. We apologize for this gap in the availability of the curriculum.
Materials 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
Materials from GPS Adventures
The creators of the GPS Adventures exhibit prepared "A Guide for Teachers and Students" featuring activities suitable for grades K-8.
Materials 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 the National Air and Space Museum!
Web Tutorials
These links lead to GPS education pages at other government websites.
Multimedia
GPS is operated and maintained by the U.S. Space Force. GPS.gov is maintained by the National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing. Contact us / Tell us what you think of this website. Website host: NOAA. Privacy policy. This page was last modified on June 16, 2021. For the desktop version of this page, rotate your device to landscape.