Which sensor type is pivotal for determining current position on ECDIS?

Which sensor type is pivotal for determining current position on ECDIS?

• A. Radar sensors
• B. Gyrocompass
• C. GNSS receivers
• D. Sonar systems

Answer: (C)

The pivotal sensor type for determining current position on ECDIS is the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. GNSS receivers are designed to utilize signals from satellites to provide accurate geographical positioning information. This data is essential for navigation, as it allows mariners to pinpoint their vessel's exact location on electronic charts displayed by the ECDIS. The accuracy and reliability of GNSS are critical for safe navigation, especially in congested or hazardous waters where knowing the precise location is paramount. GNSS technology offers continuous real-time positioning and can integrate with other navigation systems within the ECDIS framework, providing a comprehensive picture of the vessel's journey. Other sensor types, such as radar sensors and gyrocompasses, serve important navigational functions but do not primarily provide precise location data. Radar sensors help detect other vessels and navigational hazards but rely on relative positioning. Gyrocompasses, while crucial for determining directional heading and orientation, do not provide position coordinates themselves. Sonar systems are primarily used for underwater navigation and depth measurement rather than surface positioning. Hence, GNSS receivers are uniquely suited for the key role of identifying the vessel's current position on ECDIS.

The pivotal sensor type for determining current position on ECDIS is the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. GNSS receivers are designed to utilize signals from satellites to provide accurate geographical positioning information. This data is essential for navigation, as it allows mariners to pinpoint their vessel's exact location on electronic charts displayed by the ECDIS.

The accuracy and reliability of GNSS are critical for safe navigation, especially in congested or hazardous waters where knowing the precise location is paramount. GNSS technology offers continuous real-time positioning and can integrate with other navigation systems within the ECDIS framework, providing a comprehensive picture of the vessel's journey.

Other sensor types, such as radar sensors and gyrocompasses, serve important navigational functions but do not primarily provide precise location data. Radar sensors help detect other vessels and navigational hazards but rely on relative positioning. Gyrocompasses, while crucial for determining directional heading and orientation, do not provide position coordinates themselves. Sonar systems are primarily used for underwater navigation and depth measurement rather than surface positioning. Hence, GNSS receivers are uniquely suited for the key role of identifying the vessel's current position on ECDIS.