The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is a satellite-based radio navigation system owned and operated by the China National Space Administration. It serves as a global infrastructure for providing geolocation and time information to users on or near the Earth.
To function, the system requires an unobstructed line of sight to four or more BDS satellites. A notable characteristic of the BeiDou system is that it does not require the user to transmit any data. Additionally, the system operates independently of telephonic or Internet reception, although these technologies can be used to enhance the utility of the positioning information provided.