Definition
A computer-based air traffic control system used in terminal radar facilities (such as TRACONs) that processes radar and beacon data digitally to display aircraft position, altitude, identification, and other flight information on controllers' screens. It replaced earlier analog radar presentations and provides automated tracking, conflict alerts, and data handoffs between controllers.
Plain English
A computer system used by air traffic controllers near airports that takes radar information and turns it into a clear digital display showing each aircraft, its altitude, and its flight ID.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see this term in air traffic control equipment descriptions or in discussions of how controllers track and sequence aircraft around airports.
Derivation
Digital refers to computer-processed data rather than raw analog radar signals. Terminal refers to the airspace around an airport (as opposed to en route airspace between airports). Together the name describes a computerised system for handling traffic in the terminal area.
Why Pilots Care
The system reduces controller workload and improves traffic sequencing accuracy, which directly affects safety and delays in the terminal environment.
Grounding Statement
This is behind-the-scenes air traffic control equipment that helps controllers turn aircraft position and flight information into a usable traffic picture.
Intuition Check
Terminal does not mean the passenger building here. It means the airspace and control environment near an airport. Automation does not mean the system flies or controls aircraft by itself. Human controllers still make the control decisions.
Example Sentence 1
The approach controller's workstation is part of a Digital Terminal Automation System that tracks every aircraft within the TRACON's airspace.
Example Sentence 2
During the software upgrade, the Digital Terminal Automation System continued to provide basic radar tracking while advanced features were temporarily offline.