What is WAAS and how is it related to the GPSMAP 295?
Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is essentially a system of satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections providing better position accuracy. GPS receivers must be WAAS capable to provide better position accuracy which can result in accuracy of better than three meters 95% of the time. WAAS consists of 25 ground reference station positioned across the USA that monitor GPS satelitte data. Two master stations collect data from the ref stations and create a GPS correction message. This corrected message is broadcasted one of two geostationary satellites, or satellites with a fixed position over the equator. The information is compatible with the basic GPS signal structure which means any WAAS-enabled GPS receiver can read the signal. For some users in the U.S., the position of the satellites over the equator makes it difficult to receive the signals when trees or mountains obstruct the view of the horizon. WAAS signal reception is ideal for open land and marine ap
