Table 5.5 — ECs with labels beginning with A
Label Concept definition Figure(s) Code
ABATIS A defence constructed by placing felled <TREE>s lengthwise one over the other with their branches towards the enemy's line; abatis [SOED, "abatis"].   1
ABYSS A <WATERBODY_FLOOR> with <<DEPTH_OF_WATERBODY_FLOOR>> greater than 549 metres (approximately 1 800 feet); abyss.   2
ACCESS_ZONE A <TERRAIN_SURFACE_REGION> between a <CONTACT_ZONE> and the first passable <LAND_TRANSPORTATION_ROUTE>; access zone.   3
ACOUSTIC_DATA_COLLECTION-
_DEVICE
A <DEVICE> used for the collection of acoustic data.   4
ACOUSTIC_EIGENRAY An <ACOUSTIC_RAY_PATH> from a specific source <LOCATION> to a specific observation point <LOCATION>; acoustic eigenray.   1430
ACOUSTIC_RAY_PATH An acoustic energy flux <RAY_PATH>.   1429
ACOUSTIC_SIGNATURE_PROPERTY-
_SET
A <PROPERTY_SET> describing the sound spectrum of an acoustic source and/or emitter; acoustic signature property set.   5
ACOUSTIC_STATION An <ACOUSTIC_DATA_COLLECTION_DEVICE> and support <STRUCTURE>s; acoustic station.   6
ACOUSTIC_TRANSDUCER A <DEVICE> to transform acoustic energy to and/or from electrical energy; acoustic transducer.   7
ADMINISTRATION_BUILDING A <BUILDING> devoted to the act and/or process of administration or management.   8
ADMINISTRATIVE_BOUNDARY A <BOUNDARY> between administratively controlled <REGION>s.   9
ADMINISTRATIVE_REGION A <REGION> controlled by an administrative authority.   10
AERATION_STRUCTURE A <STRUCTURE> for aerating <WATER> by either passing <AIR> through <WATER> or passing <WATER> through <AIR>; aeration structure.   11
AERIAL A <DEVICE> used to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic energy; aerial.   12
AERIAL_CABLE A <LOAD_CABLE> that is strung between <AERIAL_CABLE_PYLON>s as a <COMPONENT> of a <CONVEYOR> on which carrier units (for example: cars and/or buckets) are suspended; aerial cable.   13
AERIAL_CABLE_PYLON A <PYLON> supporting an <AERIAL_CABLE>; aerial cable pylon.   14
AERIAL_CABLE_SET A <SET> of one or more <AERIAL_CABLE>s.   15
AERIAL_SUPPORT_MAST A <MAST> supporting an <AERIAL>.   16
AERODROME A defined <PLANETARY_SURFACE_REGION> (including <BUILDING>s, <FACILITY>s, and/or <EQUIPMENT>) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure, and movement of <AIRCRAFT> on a <PLANETARY_SURFACE>; aerodrome [IAN4, 1.1, "aerodrome"].   17
AERODROME_ELEVATION_POINT The highest <LOCATION> of the landing area [IAN14, "landing area"] of an <AERODROME>; aerodrome elevation point.   18
AERODROME_LIGHTING A <NON_EMPTY_SET> of <LIGHT>s used to: define and outline <COMPONENT>s of <AERODROME>s such as perimeters, <RUNWAY>s, and <TAXIWAY>s; guide <AIRCRAFT> while on a <PLANETARY_SURFACE>; and provide guidance to <AIRCRAFT> on approach for landing.   19
AERODROME_REVETMENT Raised <WALL>s or <STRUCTURE>s, located at an <AERODROME>, designed to provide protection against hazards, including bombs, rockets, grenades, small arms fire, the effects of blast and fragmentation, and/or the effects of natural forces; aerodrome revetment [AFH10222V14, Chapter 5 Revetments, 5.1 Overview]. Figure 5.5.20 20
AERODROME_TERMINAL A <BUILDING> located at an <AERODROME> used for disembarking and/or taking on passengers or <CARGO>; aerodrome terminal.   21
AERONAUTICAL_AID_TO_NAVIGATION An aeronautical <AID_TO_NAVIGATION>.   22
AERONAUTICAL_COMM_FACILITY A <FACILITY> supporting an <AERONAUTICAL_COMM_SERVICE>.   23
AERONAUTICAL_COMM_SERVICE A telecommunication service that supports aviation; aeronautical communication service.   24
AERONAUTICAL_LEAD_RADIAL A <DIRECTION> that provides at least 3 218,7 metres (2 miles) of lead to assist in turning an <AIRCRAFT> onto the intermediate portion of an instrument approach when the angle of intercept is greater than 90 arc degrees; aeronautical lead radial.   25
AEROSOL A colloidal <SYSTEM> in which the dispersed phase is composed of either solid or liquid <PARTICLE>s and the dispersion medium is a gas, usually <AIR>; aerosol.   26
AGRICULTURAL_FACILITY A <FACILITY> involved in crop production, the raising of livestock, and/or the storage or transportation of either <MATERIAL>s important to or the results of agricultural production.   27
AID_TO_NAVIGATION A <DEVICE> designed to assist in the determination of a safe course for, or the <LOCATION> of, a <VEHICLE>, and/or to warn of dangers and obstructions; aid to navigation.
EXAMPLES     <LIGHT>, <DISPLAY_SIGN>, electronic <BEACON>.
  28
AIR The gaseous <MATERIAL>s that comprise an <ATMOSPHERE>; air.   29
AIR_DEFENCE_ARTILLERY Ground based surface to air <WEAPON>s for engaging <AIRCRAFT> and <MISSILE> targets; air defence artillery.   30
AIR_MASS A widespread body of <AIR> that was established while situated over a <REGION> of the <PLANETARY_SURFACE> of the <EARTH> and that undergoes specific modifications while in transit away from that <REGION>; air mass. An air mass is often approximately homogeneous in its horizontal extent (for example: <<AIR_TEMPERATURE>> and/or moisture distribution) and the vertical inhomogeneities are approximately the same over its horizontal extent.   31
AIR_TRAFFIC_SERVICE A <NON_EMPTY_SET> of <AERONAUTICAL_COMM_SERVICE>s supporting air traffic management.
EXAMPLES     Flight information services, alerting services, air traffic advisory services, air traffic control services.
  32
AIR_TRANSPORTATION_ROUTE A <TRANSPORTATION_ROUTE> located principally in the <AIR>.   33
AIR_WARNING_LIGHT A <NON_EMPTY_SET> of <LIGHT>s marking an obstacle that constitutes a danger to air navigation; air warning light.   34
AIRBURST_SMOKE <SMOKE> resulting from the explosion of a <MUNITION> in the <AIR>; airburst smoke.   35
AIRCRAFT A <VEHICLE> that is used, or intended to be used, for flight in an <ATMOSPHERE>; aircraft.   36
AIRCRAFT_CARRIER A <WATER_SURFACE_VESSEL> designed to carry <AIRCRAFT> and operate as a naval air base, with a flat deck for take off and landing operations at sea; aircraft carrier.   37
AIRCRAFT_HANGAR A <BUILDING> used for the storage of <AIRCRAFT>; aircraft hangar [SOED, "hangar"].   38
AIRCRAFT_LANDING_ZONE A designated <PLANETARY_SURFACE_REGION> where landing by <AIRCRAFT> is possible; aircraft landing zone.   39
AIRCRAFT_MAINTENANCE_SHOP A <BUILDING>, usually located at an <AERODROME>, used for keeping <AIRCRAFT> in a condition of good repair and/or efficiency; aircraft maintenance shop.   40
AIRCRAFT_PARKING_FACILITY A defined paved or hard-packed <TRACT> at an <AERODROME> intended as a parking <FACILITY> for <AIRCRAFT>.
EXAMPLES     <APRON>, <HARD_STANDING>.
  41
AIRCRAFT_STORAGE_TRACT A defined paved or hard-packed <TRACT> intended for long-term parking and storage of <AIRCRAFT>.   42
AIRCRAFT_WRECKAGE Wreckage of an <AIRCRAFT> that is isolated, conspicuous, and can be used as a landmark.   43
AIRFIELD An <AIRPORT> with limited or absent <BUILDING>s, facilities, and <EQUIPMENT>; airfield.   44
AIRPORT A <AERODROME> on <LAND>; airport.   45
AIRSHIP A powered <BALLOON> with a main chamber filled with a gas that is less dense than the surrounding <AIR>; airship.   46
AIRSPACE An <ATMOSPHERE_REGION> where an <AIRCRAFT> operates; airspace.   47
AIRSPACE_BOUNDARY The <BOUNDARY> of an <AIRSPACE>.   48
AIRSPACE_BOUNDARY_COMPONENT A <COMPONENT> of an <AIRSPACE_BOUNDARY>.   49
AIRSPACE_COMPONENT A <COMPONENT> of an <AIRSPACE>.   50
AIRSTRIP An <AIRFIELD> with very limited facilities; airstrip.   51
ALGA A <PROTIST> capable of photosynthesis; alga [SOED, "alga"].
EXAMPLES     <SEAWEED>, many unicellular and filamentous <LIVING_ORGANISM>s.
  52
ALKALI_FLAT A sterile <TERRAIN_PLAIN> containing an excess of alkali, usually occurring in the bottom of an under-drained <GEOGRAPHIC_BASIN> in an arid or semi-arid <TERRAIN_SURFACE_REGION>; alkali flat. The <LAND> may be soft, have low shearing and bearing strength, and a high organic content.   53
ALLUVIAL_FAN A gently sloping, fan-shaped configuration of the <TERRAIN>, usually found near the lower termination of a <CANYON>; alluvial fan.   54
AMBASSADORIAL_RESIDENCE A <BUILDING> serving as the <DWELLING> of a diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative in residence by one government or sovereign to another; ambassadorial residence.   55
AMPHIBIAN A <VERTEBRATE> of the class Amphibia; amphibian.   56
AMPHIBIOUS_AIR_CUSHION_VEHICLE An <AMPHIBIOUS_VEHICLE> designed to generate and move over a cushion of trapped <AIR> that supports the <VEHICLE> above the <PLANETARY_SURFACE>.   57
AMPHIBIOUS_ARMOURED_VEHICLE An <AMPHIBIOUS_VEHICLE> that is <<ARMOURED>>.   58
AMPHIBIOUS_UTILITY_VEHICLE An <AMPHIBIOUS_VEHICLE> designed or designated for utility operations.   59
AMPHIBIOUS_VEHICLE A <VEHICLE> capable of operation either on a <WATERBODY_SURFACE> or on <LAND>; amphibious vehicle.   60
AMPHITHEATRE An oval or circular <BUILDING> with seats rising in tiers around the central open space, used for entertainment and/or public events; amphitheatre [SOED, "amphitheatre", 1].   61
AMUSEMENT_PARK A predominantly man-made <RECREATIONAL_FACILITY> equipped with recreational <DEVICE>s; amusement park.   62
AMUSEMENT_PARK_ATTRACTION A large <STRUCTURE> located in an <AMUSEMENT_PARK>; amusement park attraction.   63
ANCHOR A <DEVICE> normally placed on a <WATERBODY_FLOOR>, attached to a <LOAD_CABLE>, and used to position a floating <OBJECT> (for example: a <VESSEL>); anchor.   64
ANCHOR_BERTH A designated <WATERBODY_SURFACE_REGION> where a single <VEHICLE> (for example: a <VESSEL>, a <SEAPLANE>, and/or other watercraft) is anchored or may anchor; anchor berth.   65
ANCHORAGE A <WATERBODY_SURFACE_REGION> where <VESSEL>s may anchor; anchorage.   66
ANCHORAGE_COMPLEX An <ANCHORAGE> plus related <NAVIGATION_MARK_FIXED>s and/or <NAVIGATION_MARK_AFLOAT>s; anchorage complex.   67
ANEMOMETER A <WIND_INDICATOR> designed to measure total <<WIND_SPEED>> or the <<SPEED>> of one or more linear (vector) components of the <WIND>; anemometer.   68
ANIMAL A <LIVING_ORGANISM> of the kingdom Animalia, having sensation and voluntary motion, without rigid cell walls, and dependent on organic substances for food; animal [SOED, "animal", 1.a].   69
ANIMAL_PARK A <REGION> with a collection of live <NON_HUMAN_ANIMAL>s, usually for public display; animal park.   70
ANIMAL_SANCTUARY A <REGION> that has been set aside for the preservation and protection of wild <NON_HUMAN_ANIMAL>s; animal sanctuary.   71
ANTE_ROOM A <ROOM> before or forming an entrance to another; ante-room.   72
APARTMENT_HOUSE A multi-residence <BUILDING> containing rental accommodations for hire on a long-term basis; apartment house.   73
APERTURE A vacant space between portions of solid <MATERIAL>; aperture [SOED, "aperture", 2 and "opening", n.2.a]. An aperture may be created by design, e.g., as part of a <STRUCTURE>, or may be caused by violence or decay.
EXAMPLES     <WINDOW>, <BREACH>, <BREACH_HOLE>.
  74
APRON A defined <TRACT> located at an <AIRPORT>, intended to accommodate <AIRCRAFT> for purposes of loading, unloading, fuelling, parking and/or maintenance; apron [IAN4, 1.1, "apron"].   75
AQUEDUCT A <PIPE> or artificial channel designed to transport <WATER> from a remote source, usually by gravity; aqueduct.   76
AQUEDUCT_NEXUS A representation of one or more <AQUEDUCT>s, especially in a <BUILT_UP_REGION>; aqueduct nexus.   77
ARACHNID An <ARTHROPOD> of the class Arachnida; arachnid [SOED, "arachnid"].
EXAMPLES     Spider, scorpion, mite, tick.
  78
ARBORETUM A <BOTANICAL_GARDEN> where rare <TREE>s are cultivated and displayed; arboretum [SOED, "arboretum"].   79
ARCADE A covered pedestrian <ROUTE> composed of arches and pillars, usually open along one or both sides; arcade.   80
ARCHAEOLOGICAL_SITE A <SITE> where remains of ancient civilizations and/or the activities of <HUMAN>s have been discovered; archaeological site.   81
ARMISTICE_LINE A <BOUNDARY> established by opposing political groups as a result of cessation of hostilities; armistice line.   82
ARMOURED_BRIDGE_LAUNCHER A <COMBAT_SUPPORT_VEHICLE> that is <<ARMOURED>> and is capable of launching an AVLB; armoured bridge launcher.   83
ARMOURED_FIGHTING_VEHICLE A <COMBATANT_VEHICLE> that is <<ARMOURED>> and mounted with guns or other armaments, often used to move groups of soldiers; armoured fighting vehicle.
EXAMPLES     Infantry fighting <GROUND_VEHICLE>, armoured personnel carrier, self-propelled <MORTAR>, armoured car, chemical reconnaissance <VEHICLE>, anti-tank guided missile launcher.
  84
ARMOURED_TRACKED_FIGHTING-
_VEHICLE
A <ARMOURED_TRACKED_VEHICLE> that is heavily <<ARMOURED>>, mounted with cannon and guns; armoured tracked fighting vehicle.   85
ARMOURED_TRACKED_VEHICLE A closed <COMBATANT_VEHICLE> that is <<ARMOURED>> and moves on caterpillar treads; armoured tracked vehicle.   86
ARMOURED_UTILITY_VEHICLE A <COMBAT_SUPPORT_VEHICLE> that is <<ARMOURED>>; armoured utility vehicle.
EXAMPLES     Engineering <GROUND_VEHICLE>, tracked load carrier, towing <VEHICLE>, recovery <VEHICLE>.
  87
ARMOURY A <BUILDING> for storing arms and military <EQUIPMENT>, especially one serving as headquarters for reserve <MILITARY_PERSONNEL>; armoury [AHD, "armory", 1.b].   88
ARRESTING_GEAR <EQUIPMENT> (for example: a <LOAD_CABLE> and/or a <BARRIER>) that can be used to stop an <AIRCRAFT> immediately upon landing; arresting gear.   89
ARTHROPOD An <INVERTEBRATE> of the phylum Arthropoda that is characterized by having a segmented body and jointed limbs; arthropod [SOED, "arthropod"].
EXAMPLES     <INSECT>, <ARACHNID>, <CRUSTACEAN>.
  90
ARTIFICIAL_SATELLITE A <SPACECRAFT> designed to be placed in orbit around a <PLANET> or, occasionally, another <CELESTIAL_BODY>; artificial satellite [SOED, "satellite", A.2.c].   91
ARTILLERY_BATTERY An emplacement for one or more pieces of <FIELD_ARTILLERY>; artillery battery.   92
ASPHALT_POOL A naturally-occurring pool of liquid asphalt.   93
ASSEMBLY_PLANT A <FACILITY>, consisting of a <TRACT> and associated <BUILDING>s, used for the purpose of combining manufactured <COMPONENT>s to make a completed product; assembly plant.   94
ASTRONOMIC_PROPERTY_SET A <PROPERTY_SET> containing information about <CELESTIAL_BODY>s and other astronomical matters.   96
ASTRONOMICAL_STATION A <STRUCTURE> used for the scientific study of matter in <SPACE>, especially the <LOCATION>s, dimensions, distribution, motion, composition, energy, and evolution of <CELESTIAL_BODY>s or celestial phenomena; astronomical station.   97
ASW_HELICOPTER A <HELICOPTER> designed or designated for ASW operations.   98
ASW_WINGED_AIRCRAFT A winged <AIRCRAFT> designed or designated for ASW operations.   99
ATHLETIC_COMPLEX A <FACILITY>, consisting of a <TRACT> and associated <STRUCTURE>s, used for recreational exercise and major sports competitions, which typically serves a large metropolitan <BUILT_UP_REGION>; athletic complex.   100
ATHLETIC_FIELD An open <TRACT> where sporting events, exercises, and/or games occur; athletic field.   101
ATMOSPHERE A gaseous envelope gravitationally bound to a <CELESTIAL_BODY>; atmosphere.   102
ATMOSPHERE_PROPERTY_SET A <PROPERTY_SET> describing a <LOCATION> in an <ATMOSPHERE> or an <ATMOSPHERE_REGION>.   103
ATMOSPHERE_REGION A <REGION> of an <ATMOSPHERE>.   104
ATMOSPHERIC_FRONT The <BOUNDARY> or transition zone between <AIR_MASS>s of different <<AIR_DENSITY>>s; atmospheric front.   105
ATRIUM A central court that is located in a <BUILDING>, rises through one or more <FLOOR_LEVEL>s, is surrounded by galleries at each <FLOOR_LEVEL> with <ROOM>s opening off, and is often skylighted; atrium.   106
ATS_ROUTE A specified <AIR_TRANSPORTATION_ROUTE> designed for channelling the flow of <AIRCRAFT> as necessary for the provision of <AIR_TRAFFIC_SERVICE>s; ATS route [IAN4, 1.1, "ATS route"].   107
ATS_ROUTE_COMPONENT A <COMPONENT> of an <ATS_ROUTE> that is defined by two <LOCATION>s specified in a flight plan. These <LOCATION>s are either continental geographical <LOCATION>s, insular geographical <LOCATION>s, or <LOCATION>s at which a definite radio fix can be established.   108
ATTACK_HELICOPTER A <HELICOPTER> designed for military attack operations.   109
ATTACK_WINGED_AIRCRAFT A winged <AIRCRAFT> designed for military attack operations.   110
ATTIC The highest <FLOOR_LEVEL> of a <BUILDING>, usually immediately under the <STRUCTURAL_BEAM>s of the <ROOF>, or a <ROOM> in this location; attic [SOED, "attic", B.2].   111
AUDITORIUM A large <BUILDING> for public meetings and/or performances; auditorium.   112
AURORA Luminous phenomena, in the form of arcs, bands, draperies, and/or curtains in a high <ATMOSPHERE_REGION> caused by charged <PARTICLE>s from <SPACE>, mainly at high latitudes; aurora.   113
AURORA_OVAL The locus of structured <AURORA> around each <PLANETARY_MAGNETIC_POLE> of the <EARTH>, roughly forming an oval band between 60 and 70 degrees latitude in both northern and southern hemispheres; aurora oval.   114
AUTOMATED_TELLER_MACHINE A <DEVICE> that provides money and/or performs banking services when a special card is inserted and a password is typed in; automated teller machine [SOED, "teller", II.2.a; "automated teller machine"].   115
AUTOMOTIVE_PLANT A <HEAVY_INDUSTRIAL_FACILITY> used for the purpose of manufacturing <MOTOR_VEHICLE>s; automotive plant.   116
AVIATION_NAVIGATION_MARKER An <AERONAUTICAL_AID_TO_NAVIGATION> used as a guide to a pilot of an <AIRCRAFT> seeking a particular <REGION> and/or avoiding a <MAN_MADE_AIR_OBSTRUCTION>; aviation navigation marker.
EXAMPLES     Flare, distinctive <DISPLAY_SIGN>.
  117
AVIATION_WAYPOINT A specified geographical <LOCATION> used to define an area navigation <ROUTE> or the flight path of an <AIRCRAFT> employing area navigation; aviation waypoint [IAN4, "waypoint"].   118