World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84)

A set of parameters, established by the U.S. Defense Mapping Agency, for determining geometric and physical geodetic relationships on a global scale. The system includes a geocentric reference ellipsoid; a coordinate system; and a gravity field model. The ellipsoid is essentially that of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics Geodetic Reference System 1980. The coordinate system is a realization of the conventional terrestrial system, as established by the International Earth Rotation Service. The descriptions of the GPS satellite orbits in the navigation message are referenced to WGS 84.