Editing Waypoint (section)

==In aviation==
In [[aviation]], [[area navigation]] (RNAV)—a method of navigation that permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of station-referenced navigation aids or within the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these—relies heavily upon waypoints. RNAV is increasingly used as the primary method of navigation for aircraft.

In the RNAV context, a waypoint is a predetermined geographical position that is defined in terms of latitude/longitude coordinates (altitude is ignored). Waypoints may be a simple named point in space or may be associated with existing navigational aids, intersections, or fixes. A waypoint is most often used to indicate a change in direction, speed, or altitude along the desired path.

Aviation RNAV procedures make use of both ''fly-over'' and ''fly-by'' waypoints. A fly-over waypoint is a waypoint that must be crossed vertically by an aircraft. A fly-by waypoint is a waypoint that marks the [[intersection (aviation)|intersection]] of two straight paths, with the transition from one path to another being made by the aircraft using a precisely calculated turn that "flies by" but does not vertically cross the waypoint.

Waypoints used in aviation are given five-letter names.<ref name="5ANNC">{{Cite conference |last=Hofstetter |first=Isabelle |date=2022-04-28 |title=Reconnecting the World: 5ANNC Workshop |url=https://www.icao.int/EURNAT/Other%20Meetings%20Seminars%20and%20Workshops/ICAO%205ANNC%20-%205LNC%20Workshop/ICAO%205ANNC%20Wshop%20PR01.pdf |format=PDF |location=Brussels |publisher=ICAO |access-date=2024-03-22}}</ref> These names are meant to be pronounceable or have a [[mnemonic]] value, so that they may easily be conveyed by voice. In some cases the names correspond to a notable feature or landmark in the area (for example, a waypoint near [[Newton, Iowa]], has the name "MATAG"; Newton was where appliance manufacturer [[Maytag]] was founded).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/tech_ops/read.main/58064/|title=Instrument Approach Waypoints - Airliners.net|work=airliners.net|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110153/http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/tech_ops/read.main/58064/|url-status=live}}</ref> The waypoint names might not be unique globally.<ref name="5ANNC" />