What does Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) provide?

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a surveillance technology that plays a critical role in modern aviation safety by providing real-time information about an aircraft's position, velocity, and other relevant data. It uses satellite navigation to determine an aircraft's exact location, which is then broadcasted to air traffic control and surrounding aircraft. This capability significantly enhances situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers, improving safety and efficiency in airspace management.

The primary function of ADS-B is to ensure that all aircraft are effectively tracked and that their information is shared among all parties involved in flight operations. This real-time sharing of positional data allows for better traffic management and collision avoidance, especially in crowded airspace environments. Therefore, the choice that states it provides real-time information about an aircraft's location to air traffic control and nearby aircraft accurately captures the core purpose of ADS-B technology.

The other choices either limit the scope of the information ADS-B provides or misstate its functionality. For instance, while some may mention data like aircraft speed and altitude, that is only part of what ADS-B transmits. It also doesn't relate to weather information or automated communications in the way that some choices suggest.