Plain English Meaning

The aircraft works out where it is using GPS and continuously transmits that information so controllers and other aircraft know its exact position, altitude, and speed.

Full Definition

A surveillance technology in which an aircraft determines its own position using onboard navigation sources (typically GPS) and automatically broadcasts that position, along with altitude, velocity, identification, and other flight data, at regular intervals to ground stations and to other suitably equipped aircraft. Air traffic control and nearby aircraft receive these broadcasts to track traffic without relying on traditional radar interrogation.

Context Anchor

You will see ADS-B discussed in , , traffic displays, and equipment requirements for certain .