What geographical factor may block GPS signal reception?

What geographical factor may block GPS signal reception?

• A. Terrain masking
• B. Altitude
• C. Precipitation
• D. Latitude

Answer: (A)

GPS needs an unobstructed line-of-sight to multiple satellites to determine position. Terrain masking happens when mountains, hills, or other high ground come between you and the satellites, blocking some or all of their signals. When the receiver can’t see enough satellites due to this blockage, it can’t form a reliable position fix, or can lose lock entirely. That’s why terrain masking is the best explanation for what blocks GPS reception. Altitude changes the vantage point but doesn’t inherently block signals; precipitation can cause only minor signal effects and isn’t a primary blocking factor for GPS signals; latitude is just a geographic coordinate and does not by itself block reception.

GPS needs an unobstructed line-of-sight to multiple satellites to determine position. Terrain masking happens when mountains, hills, or other high ground come between you and the satellites, blocking some or all of their signals. When the receiver can’t see enough satellites due to this blockage, it can’t form a reliable position fix, or can lose lock entirely. That’s why terrain masking is the best explanation for what blocks GPS reception.

Altitude changes the vantage point but doesn’t inherently block signals; precipitation can cause only minor signal effects and isn’t a primary blocking factor for GPS signals; latitude is just a geographic coordinate and does not by itself block reception.