Definition
An electronically generated overlay displayed on an air traffic controller's radar screen that shows fixed reference information such as airport boundaries, runways, navigation aids, airways, obstructions, restricted airspace, and minimum vectoring altitude sectors. The map is superimposed on the live radar returns so the controller can see aircraft positions in relation to these fixed features.
Plain English
A digital background image of airports, airspace, and landmarks drawn on the controller's radar screen, so they can see where aircraft are in relation to important fixed places on the ground and in the air.
Context Anchor
Seen in air traffic control and radar service discussions, especially when describing what information a controller has available on the radar display.
Derivation
"Video" comes from the Latin videre, meaning "to see," and refers here to anything displayed on a radar or electronic screen. "MAP" carries its everyday meaning. Together: the visual reference layer the controller sees on their scope.
Why Pilots Care
When a controller issues vectors, altitude restrictions, or warnings about terrain or airspace, those instructions are often based on what the Video MAP is showing them. Knowing this helps pilots understand why ATC instructions sometimes seem to anticipate features the pilot can't yet see.
Intuition Check
Do not read Video MAP as a cockpit moving map or a pilot navigation chart. In this context, it means a controller’s screen-based reference map used with radar information.
Example Sentence 1
The controller used the Video MAP to keep the inbound traffic clear of the restricted area east of the field.
Example Sentence 2
Video maps are revised when new airways or obstructions are added to the airspace.