Satellite technology is used for navigation and... | Information and Communication Technology 0417 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Theory

Question 1 Report

Satellite technology is used for navigation and communication. The diagram shows how GPS works.

(a) Using the diagram, explain how GPS determines the location of the receiver. [3]

(b) Identify three uses of GPS technology. [3]

Answer

Answer Details

(a) How GPS determines the location of the receiver:

A constellation of GPS satellites orbiting the Earth continuously transmits radio signals that contain each satellite's precise position and the exact time the signal was sent. [1]
The GPS receiver picks up signals from at least three (ideally four or more) satellites simultaneously. [1]
The receiver calculates its distance from each satellite by measuring how long each signal took to arrive (using the speed of light). Using these distances and the known satellite positions, it applies a mathematical process called trilateration to pinpoint its exact location on Earth (latitude, longitude and altitude). [1]

(b) Three uses of GPS technology:

Vehicle satellite navigation, providing turn-by-turn driving directions to a destination. [1]
Tracking and managing the location of commercial vehicle fleets (delivery vans, taxis, freight trucks) in real time. [1]
Surveying and mapping land for construction projects, geographic research or agricultural planning. [1]

Satellite technology is used for navigation and communication. The diagram shows how GPS works. (a) Using the diagram, explain how GPS determines the locati...