WaaS

Waas is a term that can refer to several different things depending on context. The most widely recognized usage is WAAS, the Wide Area Augmentation System, a satellite navigation program designed to improve GPS performance for aviation.

WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System. It is a satellite-based augmentation system developed by the United States Federal Aviation Administration to improve the accuracy, integrity, and availability of GPS signals for civilian aviation. The system comprises a network of ground reference stations across North America, master control stations, and geostationary satellites that broadcast corrections and integrity information to approved receivers. By compensating for GPS errors such as satellite orbit and clock errors, WAAS enables precision approaches with vertical guidance known as Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance (LPV), with minima comparable to some ILS categories. WAAS is designed to provide continuous nationwide coverage and to support higher airspace efficiency and safer flight operations.

Waas is also a surname of Dutch origin and a geographic name in parts of Europe, including regions where Dutch and Low German influences have been historically present.