Spotter
Encyclopedia
A spotter is someone trained to look for something. The term has the following special meanings.
- Weather spotterWeather spotterA weather spotter is any individual who observes weather for the purpose of reporting his or her observations to a larger weather group or organization. Examples include National Weather service co-op observers and Skywarn storm spotters.-Storm spotters:...
, an individual who observes the weather to inform other groups. - Storm spotterStorm spotterA storm spotter is a specific type of weather spotter who actively maintains a visual watch of the development and progression of specific weather events while actively relaying important information to the local weather agency in a timely manner.- History :...
, a weather spotter who observes specific weather events. - In the military, a spotter is a member of a sniper teamSniper teamA sniper team typically consists of a sniper and a spotter as described in military doctrines of the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. Both members can perform either role and often rotate between the two...
. - An abbreviation for a military compact radar system.
- In weight training, a spotter will assist someone lifting a weight for safety; see spotting (weight training)Spotting (weight training)Spotting, in weight or resistance training, is the act of supporting another person during a particular exercise, with an emphasis on allowing the participant to lift or push more than he could normally do safely....
. - In boulderingBoulderingBouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs over a crash pad so that a fall will not result in serious injury. It is typically practiced on large natural boulders or artificial boulders in gyms and outdoor urban areas...
a spotterSpotting (climbing)Spotting is a technique used in climbing, especially in bouldering, where the climbers are close to the ground and ropes are not typically used. The spotter stands below the climber, with arms raised or at the ready. If the climber falls, the spotter does not catch the climber, but redirects the...
is a person who takes care that a falling boulderer lands safely on his/her feet to prevent injuries. - A semi tractor used on the property of a business, to move semi trailers within or around the facility, as opposed to transporting them long distances on road.
- Transportation enthusiasts who enjoy watching various transport-related activities:
- Train spotter, a railfanRailfanA railfan or rail buff , railway enthusiast or railway buff , or trainspotter , is a person interested in a recreational capacity in rail transport...
. - An aircraft spotter, someone who engages in aircraft spottingAircraft spottingAircraft spotting or plane spotting is the observation and logging of the registration numbers of aircraft: gliders, powered aircraft, balloons, airships, helicopters, and microlights....
. - A bus spotter, someone who engages in bus spottingBus spottingBus spotting is a pastime in which one seeks to see all buses in a particular fleet or those produced by a particular manufacturer. A person who engages in these activities is known as a bus spotter, bus fan , bus nut or bus enthusiast...
.
- Train spotter, a railfan
- A British term for a police or military intelligence informantInformantAn informant is a person who provides privileged information about a person or organization to an agency. The term is usually used within the law enforcement world, where they are officially known as confidential or criminal informants , and can often refer pejoratively to the supply of information...
. - Spotter (auto racing)Spotter (auto racing)A spotter in auto racing is a trained team member whose job is to relay information to their driver, keeping him/her alert of what is occurring on the track. They are typically positioned high above the track, atop one of the grandstands, or other support buildings, with a bird's eye view of the...
, a term used in auto racing