Dictionary term
GPS Time
Direct answer
GPS Time is a continuous atomic time scale used by the Global Positioning System, beginning at 1980 January 6 and omitting leap seconds.
GPS Time is the continuous atomic system time used by GPS satellites.
A cycle or timeline schematic for comparing the named timekeeping concept.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use GPS Time for satellite navigation, receiver logs, and conversions involving GPS week and seconds-of-week.
- Do not use it for
- Do not convert GPS week values without handling week-number rollover and the applicable leap-second table.
- Reference category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Related terms
- Geocentric Coordinate Time, Unix Time, Calendar, Julian Date
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The story behind GPS Time
The GPS epoch was set when the system began, with GPS Time initially aligned to UTC but thereafter left continuous.
GPS Time in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, GPS Time is an example of invisible shared timing supporting practical orientation on Earth.
GPS Time: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual calendar, astronomy, Earth-science, cultural-history, or observational reference. It can support wonder and practical planning without becoming a claim of fate, spiritual causation, or private revelation.
GPS Time in numerology
GPS Time is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why GPS Time matters
Navigation receivers must know its offsets from UTC and TAI to turn satellite signals into accurate positions and civil timestamps.
GPS Time at work: an example
GPS Time remains 19 seconds behind TAI, while its offset from UTC changes when UTC receives leap seconds.
Where interpretation stops
GPS Time is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NIST: UTC(NIST) Time Scale - Official description of UTC realization, atomic time, and leap-second coordination.
- BIPM SI Brochure Annex: Time - International metrology reference for the SI second, TAI, UTC, and Terrestrial Time.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Also appears in
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Convert the navigation timestamp
GPS Time in a book is one thing; GPS Time in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
Speak with the OracleRelated terms
More in Calendars & Timekeeping
- ISO Week Date
- Local Sidereal Time
- Proleptic Gregorian Calendar
- Solar Calendar
- UTC Offset
- Barycentric Coordinate Time
- Civil Day
- DUT1
Common questions
What is GPS Time?
GPS Time is a continuous atomic time scale used by the Global Positioning System, beginning at 1980 January 6 and omitting leap seconds.
How is GPS Time used in an almanac?
Use GPS Time for satellite navigation, receiver logs, and conversions involving GPS week and seconds-of-week.
What should I avoid when interpreting GPS Time?
Do not convert GPS week values without handling week-number rollover and the applicable leap-second table.
