Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Practice Test

What equipment is essential for a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) system to function?

1. A mobile receiver and a stationary receiver

2. A single stationary receiver only

3. A mobile receiver only

4. A mobile receiver and a satellite connection

The correct answer is: A mobile receiver and a stationary receiver

The functionality of a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) relies on the combination of both a stationary receiver and a mobile receiver. The stationary receiver is typically positioned at a known location and calculates the difference between its precise location and the location provided by the GPS satellites. It then sends this correction information to the mobile receiver, which is in motion and uses this data to adjust its GPS readings. This system enhances the accuracy of the positioning data by compensating for various errors that can occur with standard GPS systems, such as atmospheric interference or multipath effects. Without the stationary receiver providing correction data, the mobile receiver would not be able to achieve the enhanced accuracy that DGPS is designed to provide. Therefore, both components are essential for the proper functioning of a DGPS system.