Separation must be applied between which portions of digitized radar targets?

Separation must be applied between the center of a radar beacon and the center of a primary target to ensure that aircraft are adequately spaced apart in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This separation is crucial for maintaining safe distances between aircraft, particularly in air traffic control scenarios where precision is vital for avoiding collisions.

The method of using the center points eliminates ambiguity regarding the position of aircraft on radar, leading to a clearer understanding of their locations and movements. This is essential when managing multiple aircraft in close proximity to each other, as it allows controllers to provide timely and accurate instructions to pilots.

Other options, while referring to aspects of aircraft or altitude management, do not address the fundamental need for separation based on clear and defined points of reference, which is the essence of effective radar separation standards.