The technology behind GPS systems can be complicated. However, a little research into what the various systems are and how they work can make choosing the right GPS system an easier decision. If you have looked into purchasing a GPS or owned a GPS system before then you probably have seen the term WAAS either on packaging or in ads for GPS systems.
WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System. WAAS is an intricate GPS technology, which was developed to provide locations that are more accurate. This is done through GPS signal corrections attained through a network of ground stations and satellites. The stations and the satellites work together to create plots on maps so GPS systems can easily make this information available to the consumers that use these products.
WAAS is still being developed through the joint efforts of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the DOT (Department of Transportation). The reason the DOT and the FAA are developing WAAS is actually to make flight locations more accurate. WAAS works together with GPS because GPS does not currently meet navigational requirements of the FAA on its own.
At this time, WAAS is five times more...