What is the main purpose of WAAS?

The main purpose of WAAS, which stands for Wide Area Augmentation System, is to improve GPS signal accuracy and integrity. WAAS achieves this by providing correction signals from ground stations that monitor GPS satellite signals and identify any errors in their positioning information. By broadcasting these corrections to users in real-time, WAAS enhances the precision of GPS readings, allowing for a more reliable navigation experience, particularly beneficial for aviation and other precision-critical applications.

This enhanced accuracy is crucial, especially in aviation, where even slight deviations in positioning can lead to significant safety concerns. The system significantly reduces vertical and horizontal navigation errors, making it possible to rely on GPS for approaches that require higher precision. While the other answer choices mention potential functionalities, they do not specifically relate to WAAS’s primary operational intent of ensuring the precision and reliability of GPS data.