What is a significant limitation of GPS in navigation?

The choice highlighting performance being adversely affected by obstructions and atmospheric conditions accurately reflects a significant limitation of GPS technology in navigation. GPS relies on signals transmitted from satellites to receivers on the ground. When these signals encounter obstacles such as tall buildings, dense forests, or even severe weather conditions, their ability to reach the receiver can be compromised, resulting in reduced accuracy or intermittent service. This limitation becomes particularly prominent in urban environments, known as "urban canyons," where buildings block or reflect signals, causing errors in location data. Atmospheric conditions, such as ionospheric disturbances, can also distort satellite signals, further impacting GPS performance.

In contrast to this correct answer, the options focusing on the inability to provide precise location data, the requirement for constant battery power, and the effectiveness only over short distances do not accurately capture the essence of the GPS limitations. GPS is designed to deliver highly accurate location data under optimal conditions, it does not inherently require constant battery power for the system as a whole (though devices do), and it can function effectively over long distances, as it is designed to provide positional information globally.