WGS84, or World Geodetic System 1984, is a global reference system used for mapping and navigation. It provides a standard framework for determining locations on the Earth's surface using latitude and longitude coordinates. This system is widely used in GPS technology, allowing devices to pinpoint exact locations anywhere on the planet. Developed by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), WGS84 incorporates a mathematical model of the Earth, known as a geoid, which accounts for variations in the Earth's shape and gravitational field. This ensures accurate positioning and is essential for various applications, including cartography and geospatial analysis.