Re: [gpsd-dev] Another query on terminology

[Eric S. Raymond]

Gerry Creager - NOAA Affiliate <address@hidden>:
> As the guy who has little time, hasn't contributed any code to gpsd in
> recent history, but has spent a little time working with GNSS, and
> especially GPS, I'll take the position that #1 is a better choice.
> 
> GPS is a system, although you can say NavStar if you'd like. NavStar GPS
> dates back a few years, and in general, at the USAF level, has been
> dropped. GNSS is a system-wide designator, however. GPS refers to a
> specific constellation of related space vehicles, in a common constellation
> configuration, just as GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo do.
> 
> Since the project is "gpsd" I can understand the thinking that GPS is
> generic... but I believe it's incorrect. GPS is a specific system.

I hear your argument, and concede that it has merit. But I'm going to
side with popular usage this time, because the technically correct language
doesn't add any functional value.
-- 
                <a href="http://www.catb.org/~esr/";>Eric S. Raymond</a>