What is the purpose of GPS differential services?

The purpose of GPS differential services is to provide correction signals that enhance the accuracy of GPS positioning. This is achieved through a system of reference stations that receive GPS signals, calculate the errors in these signals, and transmit correction information to users, thereby improving the precision of their locations.

When GPS is used in its standard form, the accuracy can vary due to factors such as atmospheric conditions, signal multipath, or satellite positioning. Differential GPS (DGPS) addresses these inaccuracies by taking real-time corrections from known locations and broadcasting them to GPS receivers, which adjust their calculated positions accordingly.

This correction service significantly reduces the positioning errors and is particularly important for applications requiring high accuracy, such as surveying, navigation in aviation, marine applications, and more. The effectiveness of this system relies on a network of ground reference stations that can measure and communicate the necessary adjustments, enabling users to achieve a higher level of reliability in their positioning data.