Definition
The display unit at an air traffic control position that presents the radar picture of airport surface movement to the controller. In Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE), the radar indicator console shows the locations of aircraft and vehicles on runways, taxiways, and ramps, allowing controllers to monitor ground traffic, especially in low visibility.
Plain English
The screen and surrounding equipment a controller uses to see where aircraft and vehicles are moving on the airport surface.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of Airport Surface Detection Equipment, where ground-based radar helps controllers monitor airport surface movement.
Derivation
Indicator comes from the Latin indicare, meaning 'to point out' or 'show.' Console refers to the cabinet or workstation housing the display and controls. Together: the workstation that shows the controller what the radar is detecting.
Why Pilots Care
Controllers use it to monitor surface traffic and prevent runway incursions when visibility is low.
Grounding Statement
Picture a foggy airport where the tower cannot clearly see every taxiway, but a display in the tower still shows where aircraft and vehicles are moving.
Intuition Check
Do not picture a radar screen in the airplane. In this context, the radar indicator console is ground-based equipment used by air traffic controllers.
Example Sentence 1
During heavy fog, the ground controller monitored taxiing aircraft on the radar indicator console to keep traffic moving safely.
Example Sentence 2
During low-visibility operations the radar indicator console helped the tower team track every vehicle on the taxiways.