Seeability

The maximum line-of-sight distance through the atmosphere at which a target-sensing device using passive or active sources of electromagnetic radiation can acquire (detect, orient, recognize, identify, lock-on) or designate (illuminate, irradiate) a target, considering the intervening existing or predicted environmental and background conditions. Seeability is a function of sensor wavelength, atmospheric parameters, target-to-background contrasts, target/sensor aspect angle, direction and type of illumination, sensor characteristics, and operational tactics.

Term edited 3 October 2025.