What is the primary purpose of the goto button in a navigation system?

The primary purpose of the goto button in a navigation system is to navigate to a specific waypoint. This function allows a mariner to select a predefined point of interest, such as a destination or a waypoint marked on the chart, and initiate navigation directly towards it. When the goto button is activated, the system typically provides real-time guidance, including bearing, course, and estimated time of arrival, making it an essential feature for efficient navigation.

In the context of planning a route or traveling towards a target, the goto button streamlines the process by eliminating the need for manual input of navigational data. It enhances situational awareness by visually representing the course on the chart display, enabling the navigator to stay on target efficiently.

Other choices, while relevant to navigation systems, do not directly relate to the primary function of the goto button. Adjusting the scale of charts, accessing settings, or calculating distances are important features within a navigation system, but they serve different purposes and do not facilitate direct waypoint navigation in the same manner as the goto function.