Which of the following systems relies on satellite signals for navigation?

Prepare for the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Civil Exam with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Maximize your study efficiency and ace your exam!

The correct answer, which is NAVSTAR GPS, relies on satellite signals for navigation by using a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth. The Global Positioning System (GPS) implements time-stamped radio signals from these satellites that a GPS receiver uses to determine its precise location in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude. This system is widely used for various applications, including vehicle navigation, mapping, and surveying due to its high accuracy and reliability.

In contrast, inertial survey systems operate by measuring changes in motion and orientation using accelerometers and gyroscopes, rather than relying on external satellite signals. Airborne LIDAR uses laser scanning technology from aircraft to produce detailed topographic maps, which does not involve satellite signal navigation. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used for storing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data but do not inherently rely on satellite signals for their operation; although, they can utilize GPS data for geo-referencing spatial information. Thus, NAVSTAR GPS is the only option that directly relies on satellite technology for navigation.

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