[geodesy]
Acronym for World Geodetic System 1984. The most widely used geocentric datum and geographic coordinate system in use. The WGS84 coordinate system has its origin at the earth's center of mass. The geoid is based on the Earth Gravitational Model 1986 (updated in 2004). Designed by the U.S. Department of Defense to replace WGS72, the elliptical shape of the system mirrors the earth's actual shape. GPS measurements are based on the WGS84.