Garmin m5 Reference Guide

A

PPENDIX

 > 

W

HAT

 

IS

 GPS?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-

based navigation system made up of a network of 24 

satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of 

Defense. GPS was originally intended for military 

applications, but the government made the system 

available for civilian use in the 1980s. GPS works in 

any weather condition, anywhere in the world, 24 hours 

a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges 

.

The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is an 

F.A.A. funded project to improve the overall integrity 

of the GPS signal. It is a space-based system that 

broadcasts integrity information and correction data as 

determined by ground reference stations. 

At this time the system is still in the developmental 

stage with a goal of providing reliable signals with an 

accuracy of 7 meters (21–22 ft.) both horizontally and 

vertically 95% of the time. Current tests have shown 

the actual accuracy to be on the order of 2–3 meters. 

WAAS is only effective in North America. If you 

are located elsewhere, turn off WAAS for the most 

accurate location fix. See