Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To analyze spatial and geographic data, we must distinguish between the functions of a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a Geographic Information System (GIS).
GPS is a satellite-based navigation system used to determine precise coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude) on the Earth's surface, while GIS is a database system used to store and manage spatial data.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the two statements:
- Assertion (A): The system designed to store, manage, manipulate, analyze, and display geographically referenced spatial data and link it with descriptive attribute tables is a Geographic Information System (GIS), not a GPS.
GPS only provides coordinate data for points, lines, or polygons; it does not store, link, or manage database attributes for map features.
Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect because it attributes the core functions of GIS to GPS.
- Reason (R): In geographic data management, information is structured into two main components: spatial data (geographic coordinates defining shape and location) and attribute data (descriptive properties stored in tables linked to those spatial features).
For example, a parcel of land represented as a polygon (spatial data) is linked to a database table storing the owner's name, soil type, and land use (attribute data).
Therefore, Reason (R) is correct.
Since Assertion (A) is false and Reason (R) is true, option (D) is the correct choice.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.