Which system uses satellites to determine the exact geographic coordinates of a location?

• A. Topographic map
• B. Reference Map
• C. Global Positioning System (GPS)
• D. Thematic Map

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is using a satellite-based system to pinpoint a location on Earth. The Global Positioning System does exactly that: a receiver picks up signals from a network of satellites and uses the time information in those signals to calculate its distance from multiple satellites. With those distances from at least four satellites, the receiver can solve for latitude, longitude, and altitude, giving the exact geographic coordinates of where you are.

Other options are types of maps, not positioning systems. A topographic map shows terrain and elevation features, a reference map provides general locational information, and a thematic map highlights specific data about a theme. They may display coordinates, but they don’t determine your location using satellites.