Definition
A radar processing feature that filters out returns from stationary objects (such as terrain, buildings, and parked vehicles) so that only moving targets — primarily aircraft — appear on the controller's display.
Plain English
A radar setting that hides everything sitting still on the ground, so the controller mainly sees things that are actually moving — like aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in radar and air traffic control discussions, especially when describing how a radar system separates moving aircraft from fixed objects on or near the ground.
Derivation
The name describes the function literally: it indicates (shows) targets that are moving. The word 'target' in radar usage simply means any object that reflects the radar signal back — not something being aimed at.
Why Pilots Care
Allows controllers and pilots to see aircraft clearly against ground clutter, improving detection and reducing the chance of missed traffic.
Intuition Check
A “target” here does not mean something being aimed at; it means an object shown by radar, such as an aircraft or vehicle. An “indicator” here is a radar display function, not a cockpit warning light.
Example Sentence 1
The approach controller's radar uses MTI to suppress ground clutter so that aircraft returns stand out clearly on the scope.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot noticed the moving storm cell on the radar because the MTI filter removed the stationary terrain echoes.