Which of the following is a key use of radar in air traffic control?

Monitoring and tracking aircraft positions is a fundamental use of radar in air traffic control. Radar systems provide continuous information about the location, speed, and direction of aircraft in the vicinity of air traffic. This capability allows air traffic controllers to maintain situational awareness and ensure safe separation between aircraft, especially in busy airspace.

The technology works by emitting radio waves that bounce off aircraft and return to the radar system, allowing controllers to visualize aircraft on a display, which shows their relative positions in real time. This is essential for guiding planes during takeoff, landing, and throughout their flight, enabling efficient routing and collision avoidance.

Other uses of radar, such as weather prediction, identifying geographical features, and detecting ground obstacles, are important in their own right but do not directly pertain to the primary mission of air traffic control, which centers on ensuring the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations through accurate tracking and monitoring of aircraft.