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Reading the scope / 1 MIN READ

What is the difference between a plot and a track?

A plot is a detection. A track brings successive detections together so the system can follow movement and display information.

Game reference · v0.8.16.0Instructions use this version’s reference and controls. Your bindings or a later version may differ.
On this page

Unfamiliar word? Select a dotted-underlined term for its meaning.

What is the difference between a plot and a track?
Air Defender · in-game footage

Read the picture

Think of a plot as a report of where something was detected. A track joins reports that the system believes belong to the same contact over time. That gives you a developing picture of position and movement, with data alongside it.

What the player sees

The trail behind a contact records earlier positions: history dots, or plots. The current symbol, identity letter, leader and trackblock have different jobs. A new detection does not instantly carry all the information of an established track.

Think of two successive reports

One detection tells the system where something was detected at one time. Associating later reports with it lets the system follow the contact. The displayed track is the developing picture built from those reports.

Words used on this page

Choose an underlined term for a quick explanation, or browse the meanings here.

Plot

One report of a detected position. The history dots behind a contact are plots showing earlier reported positions.

Related guide: plot or track
Track

The system’s record of a contact over time, built from related reports. On the scope it is shown using a symbol and available information.

Related guide: plot or track
Contact

Something detected or being followed on the display. You may still need to establish what it is.

Related guide: plot or track
Leader

The line from a contact that shows its direction of movement. Read the speed value for an exact number rather than measuring the line.

Related guide: leaders plots
Trackblock

The group of information beside a contact, such as its height, speed and code. Also called a datablock.

Related guide: trackblock
IN PLAIN ENGLISH

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