Definition
A digital dataset stored in an avionics system that contains the elevation of terrain features and the location and height of man-made obstacles such as towers, buildings, and power lines. Synthetic Vision Systems and terrain awareness systems use this database, combined with the aircraft's GPS position, to draw a three-dimensional picture of the ground and obstacles ahead of the aircraft.
Plain English
A built-in digital map of the ground and tall objects. The avionics use it, along with where the aircraft currently is, to show the pilot what the terrain and obstacles look like ahead.
Context Anchor
Seen in Synthetic Vision System discussions, display limitations, and database currency checks before or during instrument flight.
Derivation
Terrain comes from Latin terra, meaning “earth” or “land.” Obstacle comes from Latin words meaning “something standing in the way.” Database means an organized store of information. Together, the term points to stored information about the land and the things that could be in the aircraft’s path.
Why Pilots Care
Provides pilots with immediate visual awareness of terrain and obstacles, reducing the risk of controlled flight into terrain in low visibility or at night.
Grounding Statement
The system is not seeing the terrain with eyes or a camera; it is drawing the scene from stored information matched to the aircraft’s position.
Intuition Check
Do not assume this database contains every object on the ground. It contains terrain and known obstacles included in the approved data set, so pilots still need normal planning, clearance, and outside awareness when available.
Example Sentence 1
Before the flight, the pilot confirmed the terrain and obstacle database in the avionics was current.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure the pilot confirmed that the terrain and obstacle database was current to ensure accurate hazard depiction.