Definition
An air traffic control radar display overlay used by controllers to assist an aircraft experiencing an emergency that requires vectoring below the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) or minimum IFR altitude (MIA). The map depicts the location and elevation of significant obstructions in the controller's airspace, allowing the controller to provide vectors and altitude information that keep the aircraft clear of terrain and obstacles when normal minimum altitudes cannot be maintained.
Plain English
A special map controllers can pull up on their radar screen showing where the tall obstacles and high terrain are. They use it only in emergencies, when an aircraft has to fly lower than the normal safe altitudes ATC would otherwise assign.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure and air traffic control discussions involving emergency radar assistance.
Derivation
The name describes its purpose directly: it is for emergencies, it shows obstructions, and it appears as a video overlay on the controller's radar display. Knowing this helps remember that it is not a routine tool — it is reserved for situations where standard minimum altitudes cannot be used.
Why Pilots Care
It enables controllers to issue headings that keep the aircraft clear of obstacles when the pilot lacks full awareness of surrounding terrain or structures.
Grounding Statement
Picture a controller looking at a radar screen with an added layer that highlights major hazards near the aircraft.
Intuition Check
Do not read “video” as a recorded or live camera image. Here it means an electronic display layer on a radar screen.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine failure, the controller used the emergency obstruction video map to vector the aircraft toward the nearest airport while keeping it clear of terrain.
Example Sentence 2
During the lost pilot situation the emergency obstruction video map allowed the controller to provide a safe route around rising terrain.