Definition
To convert information from a continuous (analog) form into a series of discrete numerical values, typically binary digits, so it can be stored, processed, or transmitted by digital electronic equipment.
Plain English
To turn a smoothly varying signal — like a voltage, sound, or measurement — into numbers that a computer or digital system can work with.
Context Anchor
Seen in avionics, electronic flight instruments, engine monitors, navigation equipment, and flight data recording systems.
Derivation
From the Latin 'digitus' meaning 'finger,' which became the basis for 'digit' (a single number) because people counted on their fingers. To digitize means to express something as digits — numbers a digital system can handle.
Why Pilots Care
Most modern cockpit equipment — GPS, glass panels, transponders, autopilots — works by digitizing sensor inputs. Understanding this helps explain why digital instruments behave differently from older analog gauges.
Grounding Statement
A sensor may detect a smooth change in pressure or temperature, but the electronic display needs that change turned into numbers before it can show it to the pilot.
Intuition Check
Digitize does not simply mean “put on a digital display.” It means converting the underlying information into numerical data first.
Example Sentence 1
The air data computer digitizes pressure and temperature inputs so the flight display can show altitude and airspeed electronically.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots digitize their paper charts so they can view them on a tablet in the cockpit.