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The international GPS Service is a global system of satellite
tracking stations, Data Centers, and Analysis Centers puts
high-quality GPS data and data products on line in near real
time to meet the objectives of a wide range of scientific and
engineering applications and studies.
The IGS collects, archives, and distributes GPS observation data
sets of sufficient accuracy to satisfy the objectives of a wide
range of applications and experimentation. These data sets are
used by the IGS to generate the data products mentioned above
which are made available to interested users through the
Internet. In particular, the accuracies of IGS products are
sufficient for the improvement and extension of the
International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), the monitoring
of solid Earth deformations, the monitoring of Earth rotation
and variations in the liquid Earth (sea level, ice-sheets,
etc.), for scientific satellite orbit determinations, ionosphere
monitoring, and recovery of precipitable water vapor
measurements.
The primary mission of the International GPS Service, as stated
in the organization's Terms of Reference, is
"to provide a service to support, through GPS data products,
geodetic and geophysical research activities. Cognizant of the
immense growth in GPS applications the secondary objective of
the IGS is to support a broad spectrum of operational activities
performed by governmental or selected commercial
organizations. The service also develops the necessary
standards/specifications and encourages international adherence
to its conventions."
Website: "http://igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/"
[Summary provided by IGS.]
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