A model of the air traffic controller's picture

This paper reviews the development of a model of the air traffic controller 's mental image, 'picture', or situation awareness, used for controlling ai r traffic. The computerised model's development, origins and theoretical ba sis are outlined, and the model is described in some detail in the context of current air traffic operations. The model can be utilised to explore the potential impacts of future automation on the cognitive performance of the air traffic controller. The general potential contributions of the area of cognitive modelling to system design and training in accelerating industri es such as air traffic control, are also discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd, All rights reserved.