What are the two levels of service provided by GPS?

The two levels of service provided by GPS are known as Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Precise Positioning Service (PPS). Standard Positioning Service is available to all users without restrictions and provides a nominal accuracy that is suitable for most civilian navigation needs, such as boating and driving. On the other hand, Precise Positioning Service is designed for authorized users, typically including military and certain government applications, and it offers enhanced accuracy and reliability.

This distinction is crucial because it allows for varying levels of service tailored to different operational needs. The Standard Positioning Service supports the vast majority of users and is sufficient for general navigation purposes, while the Precise Positioning Service is used in situations requiring much higher precision, such as military operations. Understanding these two levels of service is important for users who rely on GPS technology for navigation and operational planning.