Differential GPS (DGPS)

Differential GPS (DGPS) is an enhancement to the standard GPS system that improves location accuracy. While traditional GPS can be off by several meters due to atmospheric conditions or satellite positioning errors, DGPS uses a network of ground-based reference stations with known locations. These stations receive GPS signals, calculate their own position, and then transmit correction signals to nearby GPS receivers. As a result, DGPS can reduce positioning errors to about one meter or less, making it particularly useful in applications like marine navigation, surveying, and precision agricultural practices.