Airport Surface Detection Equipment

Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE) is radar used by air traffic control to monitor the position of aircraft and ground vehicles on the movement area of an airport in real time, particularly during low visibility operations such as fog, night, and precipitation.

Purpose

ASDE gives controllers a radar picture of the airport surface, significantly reducing the risk of runway incursions when visual observation is limited. It is installed at major Canadian airports with high traffic density or frequent low-visibility conditions.

Related Terms

See also: Airport Surveillance Radar, Runway, Maneuvering Area.