How do Inertial Survey Systems determine a position on Earth?

Inertial Survey Systems determine a position on Earth primarily by analyzing the movement of a transport vehicle. These systems utilize a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes to track changes in velocity and orientation over time. By measuring how a vehicle accelerates and rotates, they can compute the vehicle's path and positioning relative to a starting point. This method allows for continuous tracking without needing external references, such as GPS signals, making inertial systems particularly useful in environments where satellite signals may be weak or unavailable.

The context of the other options highlights why they are not correct. Satellite signals are used in GPS systems rather than inertial systems. Manual calculations by surveyors would not fit the automated, real-time processing characteristic of inertial systems. Similarly, visual observations of landmarks are more traditional surveying techniques and do not apply to the high-tech methods employed by inertial navigation technology. Thus, the method of analyzing vehicle movement is the defining characteristic of inertial survey systems.