Definition
A computer-generated indication shown on an air traffic controller's radar display that represents the position of an aircraft or other object being tracked by the surveillance system.
Plain English
The mark on a controller's radar screen that shows where an aircraft is.
Context Anchor
Seen in air traffic control and radar discussions, especially when describing what a controller sees on the radar display.
Derivation
From 'target' (the object being tracked or aimed at) and 'symbol' (a visual representation). In radar use, any tracked return is called a target, and the symbol is what the controller actually sees on the screen representing that target.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots an immediate visual picture of nearby traffic so they can judge separation and react to potential conflicts.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the target symbol is the aircraft itself. It is a screen mark that represents the aircraft or object being detected.
Example Sentence 1
The controller observed the target symbol drifting south of the assigned course and issued a heading correction.
Example Sentence 2
I watched the target symbol move steadily across the screen while maintaining five miles of separation.