What is the purpose of taxiway location signs?

Taxiway location signs serve a crucial role in airport operations by displaying the names of taxiways. This is vital for pilots and ground personnel to navigate the airport environment safely and efficiently. By clearly identifying the taxiway in use, these signs help prevent confusion and reduce the risk of collisions on the airside. The correct understanding of taxiway names helps pilots to communicate their intentions accurately to air traffic control and ensures adherence to the proper routes within the airport's layout.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of taxiway location signs. Direction of landing, runway distance, and loading zones pertain to different aspects of airport operations, such as approach control, airport infrastructure, and ground handling operations, rather than the specific identification of taxiway locations.