ICT

CHAPTER 6
ICT Applications
Communication

Newsletters and posters

• Paper-based communication is used to inform people about their interests

• Schools use these to inform parents about events/dates

• Advantages

o Released regularly

o The recipients have a permanent copy

• Disadvantages

o Requires distribution

o There are no special effects, sound/video/animation

o There are printing costs, paper/ink

o The targeted audience may or may not receive the information

Websites

• Collection of webpages, text, graphics, video, and sound

• Hosted on a web server on the internet

• Need to write code or use a web authoring application

• Hyperlinks to other pages can be added

• Interactive websites require programming knowledge

• Can use a camera, scanner, and microphone to input data

• Usually, hire space from the web hosting company

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• Advantages

o Ability to add sound/video/animation

o Links to other websites/hyperlinks

o The use of hot spots

o Buttons to navigate/move around the website

o Hit counters to see who has visited the websites

o worldwide advertising capability

• Disadvantages

o Can be hacked and modified, or viruses introduced

o Need for a computer and internet connection

o Lack of portability compared with the paper-based system

o Need to maintain the website once it is set up

Multimedia Presentations

• Uses a mixture of media to present information: animations, video, sound, transitions,

hyperlinks

• Produced using software packages

• Used with a projector so a large audience can view

• Advantages

o Use of sound and animation/video effects

o Interactive/hyperlinks built into presentations

o More likely to hold the audience’s attention

• Disadvantages
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o Need for special equipment – expensive

o It may require internet access

o Distracts the audience from the sole content of the presentation

o It is very easy to make a presentation with too many features

Media streaming

• Real-time transition of audio and video files over the internet

• allows users to access content without downloading it to their devices

• popular services include Spotify, YouTube, and social media websites

• uses buffering, which makes sure the video plays back smoothly without freezing. While

the buffer receives data packets, it sends previously received ones to the playback

device so that there are no gaps in the played data

• Advantages

o Users can access any information at any time and from any location

o Offers an extensive library of content

o Compared to traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions, media streaming can be

more cost-effective

• Disadvantages

o Heavily relies on a stable and high-speed internet connection.

o Not all content is available on every streaming platform due to licensing agreements

and exclusivity deals.

o You don’t own the media when streaming media, so if the streaming service removes a

movie or a TV show from its library, it may no longer be accessible to you.

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ePublications

• digital versions of printed materials, such as eBooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers.

• It can be read on electronic devices.

• Advantages

o aid portability

o they are often more affordable than paperback books.

o Offer interactive elements that enhance the reading experience.

• Disadvantages

o reading from an electronic device for a prolonged time can cause eyestrain

o ePublications lack the tactile experience and physical presence that some readers enjoy

o compatibility issues can arise if the ePublications is in a format that is not supported by

the reader's device or software

Mobile Communication

Mobile devices support many forms of communication, such as:

1. Short message service (SMS) messaging: permits extremely quick communication

with another person via typing on a keyboard (a mobile phone or tablet's keyboard is

frequently virtual). Its benefit is that the recipient can get the text whenever they choose

without being available.

2. Phone calls: Making calls while on the go is among the most

fundamental applications of a mobile phone. Mobile phones are the perfect method to

stay in correspondence anywhere there is a network signal because they are compact

and have an independent battery.

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3. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): a communication technique for Internet users.

VoIP transforms sound captured by the built-in mic of the cell phone into individual data

packets that may be transmitted via the internet to their intended recipient.

4. Video calls: enables real-time video conversing between multiple participants with a

camera-enabled device. Uses an internet connection or cellular data. Software that may

be used for video calling includes FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom.

5. Accessing the Internet: Another helpful feature is accessing the net from a mobile

device. Any mobile device with a wireless broadband connection or a mobile phone

network can link to the internet.

Modelling Applications
Advantages of using models:

• using models is less expensive than having to build the real thing

• safer to use a computer model

• allows you to try out various different scenarios in advance

• nearly impossible to try out some tasks in advance in real life due to high risk

• faster to use a computer model than to do the real thing

Disadvantages of using models:

• a model can’t be completely reliant as the output is entirely based on the input

• frequently, computer modelling can be a very costly option

• human reluctance is a common problem in this technology

Some of the applications of computer modelling include:

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1. Personal finance: Computer modelling involves using mathematical algorithms and

data analysis to simulate various financial scenarios, such as investment strategies,

retirement planning, and risk assessment, aiding individuals in making informed

decisions and optimizing their financial goals.

2. Bridge and building design: Computer modelling is crucial in bridge and building

design. It allows engineers to simulate and analyze structural behaviour, assess load

capacities, and predict the response to external forces. It aids in optimizing designs,

ensuring structural integrity, and minimizing potential risks before construction begins.

3. Flood water management: Computer modelling plays a vital role in flood water

management by simulating water flow behaviour, predicting flood extents, and

assessing potential flood risks. It helps design and optimise flood mitigation measures,

such as levees and floodplain zoning, allowing authorities to make informed decisions,

develop effective emergency response plans, and minimize the impact of flooding on

communities.

4. Traffic management: Computer modelling simulates and analyses traffic flow,

predicts congestion patterns, and optimises traffic control strategies. It aids in designing

efficient road networks, optimizing signal timings, and evaluating the impact of

transportation infrastructure projects. This enables authorities to make informed

decisions, alleviate congestion, and improve overall traffic efficiency for better urban

mobility.
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5. Weather forecasting: Computer modelling plays a pivotal role in weather forecasting

by simulating the Earth's atmosphere, oceanic conditions, and other environmental

factors. These models use complex algorithms to predict weather patterns, including

temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and storm systems. By assimilating real-time

data, computer models provide forecasts that aid meteorologists in predicting weather

conditions, issuing warnings, and helping society prepare for potential hazards.

• Advantages of using computer modelling rather than humans:

o It can provide more precise and accurate results than human-based methods,

minimizing errors and increasing reliability.

o Can analyze large amounts of data and perform complex calculations faster than

humans

o It can be reused and updated easily, reducing the need for repetitive manual analysis

and potentially lowering costs in the long run.

• Disadvantages of using computer modelling rather than humans:

o It may overlook nuanced factors or intangible elements that humans can consider,

leading to potential gaps or inaccuracies in the analysis.

o Based on assumptions and simplifications, introducing a level of uncertainty.

o Their programmed algorithms and data inputs bind models. They may struggle to adapt

to unforeseen circumstances or rapidly changing conditions that humans can more

readily navigate and respond to.

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Computer-controlled Systems
• Robotics in manufacturing: involves using automated machines to perform tasks such

as assembly, welding, and packaging. These robots are designed to mimic human

actions with precision and speed, increasing productivity and quality control. They offer

benefits like enhanced worker safety, improved efficiency, and the ability to handle

repetitive tasks, revolutionizing the manufacturing industry.

• Advantages:

o can work in environments that may be harmful to humans

o can work non-stop

o low running costs, majorly due to reduced employees; thus less wages need to be given

o have higher productivity

o provide greater consistency

o can do long, boring, tedious tasks

o can carry out different tasks by fitting them with different-end effectors

• Disadvantages:

o robots find it difficult to do unusual tasks

o can cause higher unemployment

o robots do many of the tasks once done by humans, leading to deskilling

o robots are independent of the skills base; factory headquarters can be moved

internationally

o initial set-up and maintenance of robots can be expensive

• Production line control: Computer-controlled systems in production line control

involve using computers and software to monitor, coordinate, and optimize

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manufacturing processes. These systems ensure efficient coordination of machinery,

manage inventory, track production metrics, and automate tasks. They enable real-time

data analysis, error detection, and adjustment, improving productivity, reducing

downtime, and enhancing overall operational efficiency in the production line.

• Autonomous vehicles: Self-driving cars and drones guided by computer algorithms.

o enhance safety

o reduce traffic congestion

o increase fuel efficiency

• Advantages of using computer-controlled systems rather than humans:

o increased efficiency and productivity

o greater consistency

o ability to work in any environment

o reduced human error

o can work with large or delicate items

• Disadvantages of using computer-controlled systems rather than humans:

o very high instalment costs

o very high maintenance costs

o dependency on reliable

o lack of flexibility

o requires costly backup systems

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School Management Systems

Computer-controlled School Management Systems: Comprehensive software

applications that automate administrative tasks, such as attendance tracking, grading,

scheduling, and student information management, improving educational institutions'

efficiency, accuracy, and organization.

• Advantages:

o Absenteeism can be addressed more quickly.

o Parents are kept updated.

o Reduced workload for teachers.

• Disadvantages:

o Operating the software will require training.

o The initial cost of the software is very high.

o Unauthorized access will have to be prevented as there is lot of personal information

• Learner registration and attendance

o ID cards with magnetic tapes: The students will have to swipe their ID cards, which

contain the student’s name, school’s name, date of birth and the registration ID when

they enter and leave the school; this way, time is saved, and the attendance is more

accurate.

o Biometrics: Every student’s fingerprint is stored on a database along with their

personal information, the students must put their finger on a fingerprint scanner to enter

or leave the school premises.

• Advantages of biometrics over magnetic ID cards

o Unique fingerprints disable attendance forgery

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o Portability makes them easy to lose

o Easy to be stolen due to small size

o ID cards can be easily cloned

• Disadvantages of biometrics over magnetic ID cards

o It is time-consuming for all fingerprints to be individually collected

o Expensive equipment is required to read fingerprints

o If the finger is cut/damaged, the fingerprint won’t be readable, and access will be

denied.

o There is an invasion of privacy in storing fingerprints on a school database.

• Learner’s performance

o Spreadsheets can be used to record students’ performances. It is easier to compare

each other’s performances and an individual student’s performance over the academic

year.

• Computer-aided learning

o The use of computer-based technologies to help students acquire academic material is

known as computer-aided learning (CAL). They are meant to supplement classroom

instruction, not serve its purpose. Students will take online assessments to track their

progress while learning on computers. Although CAL cannot consistently assist a

student with an issue, in certain circumstances, students would need to get other aid.
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Booking Systems
These web-based platforms and applications allow users to reserve and purchase

tickets or services for various events and industries. Some of the applications for online

bookings include:

1. Travel industry: Booking flights, hotels, and holiday packages provides a convenient

platform for travellers to plan and book their trips.

2. Concerts: Reserving tickets for live music events allows music fans to secure their

spot at popular concerts.

3. Cinemas: Booking movie tickets in advance enables cinema-goers to reserve seats

and avoid queues.

4. Sporting events: Purchasing tickets for sports matches and competitions offers

sports enthusiasts an easy way to attend their favourite events.

• Advantages:

o convenience and accessibility

o instant confirmation and ticketing

o ability to compare prices and options

o promotions and personalized offers

o faster to change/update

o automated reminders via email/text

o repeated bookings can be easily made

o cost-saving as there are fewer wages due to reduced staff requirements

• Disadvantages:

o potential for technical issues

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o possible security and privacy concerns

o transaction and booking fees

o impersonal customer service

o dependent on a stable internet connection

o can lead to unemployment

Banking Applications
• Online banking systems depend on the ability to update files instantly to avoid double

scheduling, which might occur if the system reaction time is slow.

• The use of computer technology has revolutionized how we do our banking

transactions, for example:

o Internet banking

o The use of automated teller machines (ATMs)

o Chip and PIN technology

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are places where customers can get cash (or carry

out certain other banking activities, such as ordering a statement) using their credit or

debit card.
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Sequence at ATM What goes on behind the scenes

Customer puts card into ATM Contact is made with bank’s computer

PIN is checked to see if it is correct

Card is checked to see if it is valid
PIN is entered using the keypad The transaction is closed if the card is stolen or
the number of PIN attempts allowed is
exceeded.

Several options are given:

change PIN, pay in cheques,
pay a bill, see balance, get
money
The customer selects the cash
option & several cash options
are shown
The customer’s account is accessed to see if
they have sufficient funds, it is checked to see if
The customer accepts one of they are withdrawing more than their daily limit.
the options or types in a different If the limit is not exceeded and all other checks
amount are OK, then the transaction is authorized, and
the machine then counts out the cash

The customer is asked if they

want a receipt
The card is returned
Money is dispensed Customer’s account is updated

• Advantages:

o possible to withdraw at any time of the day

o offer many banking services without having to go to the bank

o possible to access an account from anywhere in the world

o usually provides quicker service than waiting in a queue at a bank

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• Disadvantages:

o often in places where theft can take place at night

o potential for shoulder surfing

o some banks charge customers for using ATMs

o cash withdrawal limits are often imposed on people

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT):

It is possible to send money transfer instructions directly to a bank's computer system

via electronic funds transfer (EFT) technology. The system depends on electronic

money transfers between accounts; no cash is moved. The computer system

automatically moves the requested amount from one account to another when it

receives an EFT command.

• Advantages:

o very secure payment method

o very quick payment method

o less expensive than cheques

o the customer has the right to dispute an EFT payment for up to 60 days

• Disadvantages:

o the bank transaction can’t be reversed without full dispute investigations

o customer needs to have funds available immediately

o cannot guarantee the recipient’s identity

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Credit/debit card transactions

Several credit/debit cards come with a magnetic stripe and a chip; the chip houses

essential data like the PIN. This technique is intended to increase security because it is

superior to a signature. A chip and PIN card to make purchases is an example of an

electronic funds transfer (EFT).

• Advantages of credit cards:

o customer protection if ordered goods don’t arrive

o internationally accepted payment method

o interest-free loan if money is paid back within the agreed time period

o can make purchases online

• Disadvantages of credit cards:

o can be charged high interest rates

o annual fees often apply

o easy to end up with credit damage

o security risks in online transactions

• Advantages of debit cards:

o money comes from the user’s current account, there is no interest

o safer than carrying cash

o can make online purchases

• Disadvantages of debit cards:

o less customer protection if goods don’t arrive

o no credit allowed; funds are needed at the time of purchase

o security risks in online transactions

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Cheques

Individuals and organizations use cheques as a form of payment. When issuing a

cheque, the payer writes the recipient's name, the payment amount, and the date on the

cheque. The recipient then deposits or presents the cheque to their bank for processing.

The payer's bank verifies the fund’s availability, and upon clearance, the specified

amount is transferred from the payer's account to the recipient's account, completing

the transaction.

• Advantages:

o more convenient and safer than cash

o can be post-dated

o can be traced if they are lost

• Disadvantages:

o aren’t legal tender and can be refused

o slow method of payment

o easier for fraudsters than other methods

o relatively expensive payment method

Internet Banking

Enable online access to banking services via a secure website or app, allowing for

transfers, bill payments, account management, and more.

• Advantages:

o convenience and availability

o easy account management

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o branch visiting won’t be a requirement

o interest rates may be better

o more accessible to shop around for the best account

• Disadvantages:

o security of transactions

o requires a reliable internet connection

o More risk of fraud

o Easier to make errors

o Physical cash can't be deposited/withdrawn

Computers in Medicine

Information Systems in Medicine

• Patient records: Healthcare professionals maintain databases to communicate

information between them and pharmacists (for instance, to guarantee no medications

are administered that interact dangerously with one another).

• Pharmacy records: Pharmacy records maintain a comprehensive record of patient

prescriptions. This includes details like the prescribed medication, dosage, quantity

dispensed, prescribing physician's information, and the date of dispensing. These

records help track medication usage and can be used to verify prescription accuracy

and detect potential drug interactions or allergies.

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3D Printers

• Using 3D printers in medicine:

o Prosthetics: 3D printers print out artificial body parts such as false teeth, artificial limbs,

hearing aids, etc. This is a less expensive method of replacing body parts.

o Tissue engineering: it is the field of combining cells, biomaterials, and engineering

principles to create functional tissues or organs, aiming to repair or replace damaged or

diseased tissue in the human body.

o Artificial blood vessels are synthetic structures designed to mimic the function of

natural blood vessels, facilitating the flow of blood and nutrients throughout the body to

support tissue repair and regeneration.

o Customized medicines are personalized drug formulations tailored to individual

patients' specific needs. They utilize advanced technology and precise measurements

to create medications with accurate dosages and unique compositions, optimizing

treatment outcomes.

Expert Systems
It is an AI-based computer program that emulates the decision-making capabilities of

human experts. It uses knowledge and rules to provide accurate advice or solutions in a

specific domain.

Examples include:

• Diagnostics

• Mineral prospecting

• Tax and financial calculations

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• Strategy games

• Identification of plants, animals and chemical compounds

• Route scheduling for delivery vehicles

Components of an Expert System

1. User Interface

• This is the only thing that the end user sees

• Allows the user to interact with the system

• Often requires training to operate effectively

2. Explanation system

• Informs the user of the reasoning behind the expert system’s conclusions

• It will supply a conclusion and any suggested actions to take

• It will also give the percentage probability of the accuracy of its conclusions

3. Inference engine

• The main processing element of the system

• It acts like a search engine examining the knowledge base

• Responsible for gathering information

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• This is the problem-solving part of the system

• Attempts to use information gathered from the user to find a matching object

4. Knowledge base

• It is a repository of facts

• stores all the knowledge about an area of expertise

• a collection of objects and their attributes

5. Rules base

• The rules base is a set of inference rules.

• Used by the inference engine to draw conclusions

• They follow logical thinking

How an expert system is used to produce possible solutions

Below is an example of how an expert system works to diagnose a medical issue:

• The interactive screen asks questions for the doctor to answer using a keyboard or a

touch screen.

• The inference engine compares the symptoms with the knowledge base, using the rule

base to find matches.

• The system suggests the possible illness with a probability of each, cures, and

recommendations on the next step.

• The explanation system will explain how that particular diagnosis was suggested.
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Computers in the Retail Industry

Point of sale (POS) terminals: Computerized systems used at checkout counters to

handle purchases and oversee stock. It is extensively used in retail stores to process

sales transactions. They enable quick and secure payment processing through various

methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and digital wallets. POS

terminals calculate totals, generate itemized receipts, update inventory, and provide

real-time sales data for effective business management.

• Some features include:

o update stock files immediately

o track inventory levels in real-time

o prevent stock discrepancies and ensure accurate records

o monitor inventory levels and reorder when stock is lower than a predefined value

o streamline supply chain management and minimize stockouts

Electronic funds transfer at Point of sale (EFTPOS) terminals: Devices for

processing electronic payments; they allow customers to make payments using debit or

credit cards by securely transferring funds from their bank accounts. EFTPOS terminals

authenticate and authorize transactions in real-time, providing convenience and security

for customers and businesses during retail purchases.

The process of checking credit and debit cards at a supermarket EFTPOS is much the

same as was described for paying a restaurant bill in Section 6.6.

Some functions of EFTPOS include:

• Use of chip and PIN cards:

o Enhance security with two-factor authentication

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o Require customers to enter a personal identification number (PIN)

• Use of contactless cards:

o Allow for faster transactions

o Enable customers to tap their card on the terminal

• Use of Near Field Communication (NFC):

o Facilitate payments through smartphones and other devices

o Increase convenience for customers

• Communication between supermarket computers and bank computers:

o Share transaction details securely

o Enable instant payment processing and verification

Internet Shopping

Characteristics of Internet Shopping:

• Online stores accessible through web browsers

• A wide variety of products and services are available

• Convenient and often open 24/7

Advantages (To customer):

• access to the global market

• comparison between different products effortlessly

• can shop from anywhere in the world

• able to avoid queues and busy stores

Advantages (To business):

• can target prices and services based on buying data

• can update stock availability and prices more quickly than a physical store
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• cheaper to publicize special offers

• international customer base

• increased profits due to lower staff

Disadvantages (To customer):

• security concerns

• can’t correctly examine products before purchase

• occasionally, products may take weeks before being delivered

• additional shipping and handling costs

• lack of face-to-face interaction with staff

Disadvantages (To business):

• increased competition

• digital fraud and security concerns

• technical issues and downtime

• costs of delivery and return

• fake negative reviews can lead to a lousy company reputation

Recognition Systems
1. Optical Mark recognition (OMR) media in schools:

• School registers: Paper-based registers are fed into OMR to be scanned and stored in

a database.

• Multiple-choice examination papers: The position of a mark is stored in a computer’s

memory after being read by the OMR, a device using a template that maps out the X-Y

coordinates of each tablet (pen/pencil mark).

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• Used at POS terminals for scanning and reading the information stored in barcodes.

• Many digital devices have OMR scanners, which may be used to scan QR codes.

• Advantages:

o very fast way of inputting the results of a survey

o more accurate than keying in data

o more accurate than OCR methods

• Disadvantages:

o designing the forms is a very complex job

o there can be problems if they haven’t been filled correctly

o often only work with black pens or pencils

2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems:

o The sensor sends a signal to instruct a camera to capture an image of the front of the

vehicle

o An algorithm is used to locate and isolate the number plate from the image taken by the

camera.

o The brightness and contrast of the number plate are first adjusted. Each character on

the number plate is then segmented.

o Each character is then recognized using OCR software. The characters are converted

into a string of editable text by the software.

o This text string is then stored in a database.

o A barrier is raised, and the motorist is issued with a ticket. The ticket shows the date

and time of entering the car park.

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o When the car returns to the car park, they insert their ticket into a machine that

calculates their charges and registers the payment into the database.

• Advantages:

o Used to automatically monitor the average speed of vehicles over a stretch of road.

o There is no need to employ a car park or security guards.

o It's a much faster system than checking a ticket at the exit.

o It can automatically control the entry and exit to a car park or private roads.

o It can be used as a security system to prevent illegal parking.

o It can be used to analyze driver behaviour.

o It can be used in inner-city congestion charging systems.

• Disadvantages:

o A lack of manned security car park surveillance could lead to vandalism.

o There could be an invasion of privacy due to recording drivers’ number plates.

o Damaged or very dirty number plates will not be recognized.

o The ANPR system only recognizes the number plate and not the car so that a car can

be fitted with a cloned number plate, thus bypassing car park security, for example.

3. RFID in tracking stock:

• Tracking of stock using RFID involves either tracking livestock (on a farm) or goods in a

shop, supermarket, or distribution centre.

• RFID in passports:

o The data on the RFID chip is read when the passport is scanned.

o Your photo is clicked and compared to the RFID chip image.

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o If face recognition passes, some checks are made to ensure you are eligible to enter

the country, and if you are, the gate opens automatically.

• RFID in automobiles:

o Tags allow or deny access to parking in a secure, private car park.

o RFID tags in lorries and delivery vans can be used at weigh stations to ensure the

vehicle is not carrying too much weight.

o RFID tags can be used on a car production line to track its progress through assembly.

• RFID in contactless payments:

o The embedded chip on credit/debit cards and the antenna enable customers to wave

their card over a reader at the point of sale terminals to make payments

o Smartphone apps can also be used to make contactless payments.

• Advantages:

o No line-of-sight contact is necessary.

o It is a very robust and reliable technology.

o Tags are much more difficult to forge than barcodes.

o RFID tags can reduce the number of staff needed in, for example, a warehouse

because tracking items is automatic (thus reducing costs).

o It provides a very fast read rate.

o It allows bi-directional data transfer.

o Bulk detection is possible.

• Disadvantages:

o Tag collision is when the signals from two or more tags overlap, interfering with each

other.
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o Because RFID uses radio waves, they are relatively easy to jam or interrupt.

o It is relatively easy to hack into the data/signal transmitted by the tag.

o The initial cost of an RFID system is more expensive than a comparable barcode

system.

4. Near Field Communication (NFC):

• Enables short-range wireless communication between devices.

• Allows payment using a smartphone.

• Advantages:

o Convenient and secure method of payment

o allows for contactless transactions

• Disadvantages:

o Limited range

o compatibility issues with some devices

5. Biometric recognition:

• Usually refers to automated technologies for authenticating and verifying human body

characteristics such as face, iris, retina, finger, thumb, hand and voice.

• Advantages:

o very high accuracy

o very easy to use

o very fast verification time

o non-intrusive method

o relatively inexpensive technology

• Disadvantages:
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o it can make mistakes if the skin is dirty or damaged

o very expensive to install and set up

o uses a lot of memory for the data to be stored

o a person’s voice can be quickly recorded and used for unauthorized access

o an illness, such as a cold, can change a person’s voice, making absolute identification

difficult or impossible

Satellite Systems

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

• Used to determine the exact location of several modes of transport

• Cars usually refer to GPS as satellite navigation systems

• Satellites surrounding the Earth transmit signals to the surface

• Computers installed in the mode of transport receive and interpret these signals

• Knowing their position on the Earth depends on very accurate timing – atomic clocks

are used in the satellites, which are accurate to within a fraction of a second per day

• Each satellite transmits data indicating its position & time

• The computer on board the mode of transport calculates its exact position based on the

information from at least three satellites

Satellite Navigation (satnav):

• Used to determine the exact location of a car.

• The computers onboard can be used to show directions to a destination.

Advantages:

• Better focus as there isn’t a need to constantly check paper maps.

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• Reduces fines by warning drivers about upcoming speed changes.

• The system shows an Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).

• It is possible to program in the fastest route to avoid towns.

• The system can also give helpful information such as the location of petrol stations.

Disadvantages:

• If the maps are not updated, they can give incorrect instructions.

• Road closures due to accidents or roadworks can cause problems.

• The loss of satellite signals can cause problems.

• The system will give incorrect information if an incorrect start-point or end-point is keyed

in.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Used to capture, manage, analyze, and display geographically referenced information.

• Use to determine the distance between two places.

• Used to find the nearest petrol station or restaurant, etc.

• To protect animal and plant life in certain vulnerable places.

• It can be used in geography, science, or engineering lessons.

Advantages:

• Allows geographical and thematic data of any kind to be combined to show how they

are connected to each other.

• It allows the handling and exploration of vast amounts of data.

• It allows data to be integrated from a wide range of very different sources.

Disadvantages:

• The learning curve on GIS software can be very long.

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• GIS software is very expensive.

• GIS requires enormous amounts of data to be input.

• It isn't easy to make GIS programs that are both fast and user-friendly.

Media Communication Systems

• Using satellite signals for communication.

• Used by media companies when sending stories/videos/pictures from remote locations.

Advantages:

• They have good global coverage.

• They are cheaper, faster, and safer than laying cables in difficult or treacherous terrain.

• They have very high bandwidth.

• It is relatively easy to expand the network.

• Security in satellite transmission is very good because data is coded, and the receiver

requires decoding equipment.

• During emergency situations, it is relatively easy to move stations on the ground from

one place to another.

• They are well-suited for broadcasting.

• Enable mobile communication in very remote locations.

Disadvantages:

• There is a time delay in receipt of the signals.

• The signals received can be affected by bad weather.

• Sunspot activity can affect the performance of a satellite.

• They must be monitored and controlled regularly to remain in the correct orbit.