WAAS – Wide Area Augmentation System
WAAS or Wide Area Augmentation System is a satellite navigation system that offers enhanced GPS (Global Positioning System) accuracy for aircraft, ships, and other vehicles traveling within the continental United States. WAAS is made up of a network of ground-based stations that monitor GPS satellite signals and then transmit corrected data to a network of geostationary satellites. These satellites broadcast the corrected data back to the GPS receivers on the ground, ensuring accurate positioning and navigation.
The system provides more precise positioning information by correcting errors in the GPS system caused by atmospheric interference and other factors. WAAS also provides integrity information on the GPS signal. That means the system can alert users if the GPS signal is unreliable or degraded. WAAS improves accuracy to 3 meters or better. It is a critical technology that improves navigational safety, reduces fuel consumption and provides greater operational efficiency for the aviation industry.
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