Previous Year Question
In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used?
Mobile phone operations
Banking operations
Controlling the power grids
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Only 1
2 and 3
1 and 3
1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is not merely a system for determining the geographical location of an object or person; its satellites also provide highly precise positioning, navigation and timing signals. Therefore, GPS can be used in all three of the given areas.
Statement 1 is correct. A GPS receiver in a smartphone uses satellite signals to determine the location, speed and direction of the device. It is used for navigation, map services, ride-hailing, emergency-location services, location-based advertising and locating a lost device.
A mobile phone generally uses cellular towers, Wi-Fi positioning and Assisted GPS along with GPS. In Assisted GPS, the mobile network can reduce the time required to obtain a location by quickly providing necessary satellite-related information.
Statement 2 is correct. Banking and financial networks require extremely accurate and synchronised time to determine the correct sequence of transactions, create audit trails and time-stamp electronic fund transfers and securities trading. Timing signals obtained from atomic clocks aboard GPS satellites can be used for this synchronisation.
Location information can also be used as an additional security input in ATMs, banking applications and fraud-detection systems. However, GPS alone does not authorise a banking transaction; separate security mechanisms are required for authentication.
Statement 3 is correct. In a modern power grid, Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) installed at different locations measure voltage and current waveforms. GPS timing signals provide these measurements with synchronised time stamps accurate to the microsecond level.
These synchronised measurements enable grid operators to observe the real-time state of frequency, phase angle, power flow and disturbances. This assists in detecting instability, isolating faults, balancing loads and making control decisions to prevent blackouts. Thus, GPS does not directly control the grid; its precise timing signal enables grid monitoring and control.