What does the term "ADS-B" stand for?

The term "ADS-B" stands for "Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast." This system is a critical element of air traffic surveillance and management, particularly in the context of modern aviation. ADS-B allows aircraft to determine their position using satellite navigation and periodically broadcast it along with other information, such as altitude and velocity, to ground stations and other nearby aircraft.

The "Automatic" aspect signifies that the system operates without pilot intervention, meaning it continuously gathers and transmits data automatically. "Dependent" refers to the fact that the system relies on onboard GPS for position data. The "Surveillance" part highlights its purpose, which is to monitor aircraft’s movements, and "Broadcast" indicates that this information is transmitted over a radio frequency to enhance situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers.

This technology improves safety and efficiency in the airspace system, making it an essential tool for modern air traffic management. Other provided options do not accurately represent this established aviation term nor convey what the ADS-B system fundamentally does.