Definition
An airport ground system that uses lighting, signage, markings, and procedures to guide aircraft and vehicles safely along taxiways, runways, and aprons during all visibility conditions. It is designed to prevent runway incursions and ground collisions, particularly during low-visibility operations at busy airports.
Plain English
It is the set of lights, signs, paint, and rules at an airport that helps pilots and ground vehicles move around safely without hitting each other or wandering onto the wrong surface, even when visibility is poor.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see this term in airport operating procedures, low-visibility taxi information, airport diagrams, or ground-control instructions at larger airports.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents runway incursions and keeps ground movement orderly and safe when visibility is reduced.
Analogy
It is like a carefully controlled road system on the airport: signs, lane markings, lights, and traffic control all work together so everyone moves safely.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just general advice for taxiing. In aviation, it means a specific airport system of physical guidance, procedures, and control used to manage movement on the ground.
Example Sentence 1
During low-visibility taxi operations, the crew relied on the airport's surface movement guidance and control system to find their way to the gate.
Example Sentence 2
Controllers activated the Surface Movement Guidance And Control System to manage aircraft and vehicles during the low-visibility taxi period.