What is the primary benefit of DGPS?

The primary benefit of Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) is that it significantly enhances the accuracy of positioning services, typically to within 10 meters. DGPS achieves this by using a network of fixed ground-based reference stations that send correction signals to GPS receivers. This correction process compensates for various errors that can affect satellite signals, such as ionospheric and tropospheric delays, multipath effects, and satellite clock errors.

The result is a position fix that is much more precise compared to standard GPS alone, which can have an accuracy range of 10 to 100 meters or more, depending on the circumstances. DGPS is particularly valuable in maritime navigation and other applications where precise positioning is critical, such as surveying and construction.

In contrast, the other answers address features that do not directly relate to the primary function of DGPS. The provision of real-time weather updates is not a capability of DGPS; those updates are typically available through separate meteorological services. Communication with other vessels, while important for maritime operations, is a function of radio and communication systems rather than positioning systems like DGPS. Lastly, while DGPS has compatibility features, the essence of its primary benefit lies in the precise positioning it offers rather than just compatibility with older