北斗卫星导航系统简称北斗系统，英文名称为BeiDou Navigation Satellite System，缩写为BDS。北斗系统是中国自主建设、独立运行，与世界其他卫星导航系统兼容共用的全球卫星导航系统，可在全球范围内全天候、全天时，为各类用户提供高精度、高可靠的定位、导航、授时服务。

The China Beidou Navigation System, also known as Compass, has started offering free civilian positioning and navigation services over the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement was made during a press conference on Thursday morning.

The Beidou satellite network will provide positioning services with an accuracy of 10 meters, or 33 feet. Speed estimates are within less than one foot per second, and time measurements within 10 nanoseconds. The system has been used in transportation, weather forecasting, hydrological monitoring, and mapping for tests.

The Beidou navigation system is developed based on a "three-step" strategy. Currently in its second phase, the system now offers regional service with 16 satellites. It is planned to offer services to global customers with 35 satellites, upon its completion in 2020.

Ran Chengqi, Director of China Satellite Navigation Office, said, "The Beidou navigation system is fully capable of providing navigation, positioning, and timing services covering China and its neighbouring region. The Beidou system is compatible with the GPS program of the US, and the GLONASS system of Russia. This system can improve the accuracy and user experience for users who already get services from GPS and GLONASS. The Beidou navigation system is special since it allows short messaging communication. Users not only can know their location, but that of their friends and they can communicate with friends using short messages."

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