Ground Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), and Terrain Comparison (TERCOM) are examples of what type of guidance method?

The Ground Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), and Terrain Comparison (TERCOM) are all techniques used to determine the position and movement of an object in relation to its surroundings. These methods fall under the category of navigation guidance systems.

Navigation guidance is focused on accurately determining the location of an object and guiding it along a desired path. For instance, GPS uses satellites to provide precise location data anywhere on Earth, while INS utilizes a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes to calculate position based on movement from a known starting point. TERCOM compares the terrain being traversed with preloaded maps to adjust the trajectory and enhance accuracy.

These systems work independently or in conjunction to achieve a robust navigation capability, enabling vehicles such as missiles or aircraft to accurately reach their targets. This distinct function of establishing and maintaining a course based on various external and internal data sources solidifies their classification as navigation guidance methods.