Comprehensive Evaluation of Remote Tower Controllers’ Situation Awareness Level Based on the Entropy Weight Method (EWM)–TOPSIS–Gray Relational Analysis Model

Abstract

In recent years, the rapid development of remote tower technology has made it crucial to accurately assess the situational awareness (SA) levels of remote tower controllers. Such an assessment is significant for controller training and remote tower system design. This study employed the SART scale to compare controllers’ SA scores in traditional and remote tower environments. Results revealed significant differences, especially in attention demand and situational understanding. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis of controllers’ perception, understanding, and decision-making abilities was conducted, integrating subjective and objective data. Eye-tracking, heart rate, working memory scales, and communication-coordination scales showed significant results. Experienced controllers had better psychological safety skills, while trainees were more likely to increase vigilance. Moreover, a series of sensitive SA indicators were identified. An evaluation index system was established using the entropy weight method. By calculating the Euclidean distance, Gray relational degree, and comprehensive proximity coefficient, the SA levels of controllers were comprehensively evaluated. The top five important indicators were average blink rate, scan length, average fixation duration, fixation duration, and average pupil diameter. These findings support enhancing air traffic control safety and refining SA assessment for remote tower controllers.