What does the term "waypoint" mean in navigation?

The term "waypoint" in navigation refers to a specific reference point used to mark a location along a route. Waypoints serve as pivotal markers that help navigators track their progress and make decisions regarding course adjustments. They can be utilized in various forms of navigation, whether it be GPS systems, traditional chart navigation, or other electronic navigation aids.

Waypoints are particularly vital for setting a course and ensuring that vessels are on the right path, as they can help navigate around obstacles, determine distances, and facilitate the planning of a journey. This helps in connecting multiple points in a route or guiding a navigator through unfamiliar waters, making them essential for both safety and efficiency.

The other options indicate different concepts that do not accurately define what a waypoint is; they pertain to other navigational aspects, such as timing, hazards, or specific tools, which are important in their own right but do not encompass the meaning of a waypoint in navigation.