Which component is crucial for determining the location of enemy artillery?

The direction-finding antenna is essential for locating enemy artillery because it is designed to capture and process signals emitted by enemy artillery systems. By analyzing these signals, the direction-finding antenna can ascertain the bearing from which the artillery fire originated. This information is vital for accurately determining the position of the enemy's artillery, enabling effective counter-battery fire and tactical responses.

The other components listed, while useful in various contexts, do not directly contribute to identifying the location of hostile artillery. Mapping software typically aids in visualizing data, GPS satellite links provide location tracking, and fire control computers manage artillery fire coordination, but none of these components perform the initial critical function of detecting and pinpointing enemy artillery sources like the direction-finding antenna does.