What is the main advantage of using WAAS over traditional GPS?

Using WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) presents a significant advantage over traditional GPS primarily due to its coverage of a wide area. WAAS enhances the accuracy and reliability of GPS signals by providing correction data from ground-based reference stations. This system is designed to cover large geographical areas, including most of the contiguous United States, making it particularly useful for aviation and other navigation applications where precise positioning is critical.

The integration of WAAS with traditional GPS allows for improved signal correction across vast distances, which enhances the overall accuracy and integrity of the GPS system. This is especially important in applications such as aerial navigation, where accurate positioning is necessary for safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, the wide-area coverage ensures that users outside of localized regions can still benefit from improved GPS performance without requiring additional local augmentation systems.