WGS 84 (World Geodetic System 1984)

WGS 84, or World Geodetic System 1984, is a global reference system used for mapping and navigation. It defines the shape of the Earth and provides a framework for positioning anywhere on the planet using latitude and longitude coordinates. This system is essential for GPS technology, allowing devices to accurately pinpoint locations, calculate distances, and navigate. WGS 84 reflects the Earth's ellipsoidal shape, accounting for its irregularities, and serves as a standard used by geographers, cartographers, and mobile technology to communicate geographic information effectively.