CBAT Spatial Integration Test Guide | 2D Displays to 3D Air/Ground Picture

Spatial Integration Test

CBAT Spatial Integration Test (SIT): What to Expect & How to Prepare

The CBAT Spatial Integration Test (SIT) assesses your ability to combine information from multiple 2D displays and mentally convert it into an accurate 3D air/ground picture. It’s less about raw “spatial skill” in isolation and more about how quickly you can integrate separate viewpoints into one consistent scene.

This page explains the test format and conditions in more detail — typically you’ll work through a series of rounds where you’re shown information in different 2D forms (such as a map-style view of objects/terrain and separate aircraft movement details like route and height-related information). After a short viewing period, you’ll be presented with a 3D scene and must judge whether it correctly matches the earlier information. It also covers common mistakes (like locking onto one display and missing how the others constrain the 3D picture) and includes a walkthrough so you can recognise the layout and decision style before test day.

Spatial Integration Test Format & Conditions

The Spatial Integration Test (SIT) runs for around 26 minutes including instructions and is structured as a series of rounds rather than long, complex scenarios.

In each round, you’re first shown the same location through separate 2D displays. These typically include:

a map-style view showing the layout of the area and fixed objects/features
additional 2D viewpoints that add context (for example, aircraft-related information shown from different angles)
information that helps you judge where moving aircraft are, and how their movement relates to the ground picture

Your job during this phase is to integrate what each display is telling you into one coherent 3D mental model of the scene (air and ground together).

Once the 2D information is removed, you’ll be shown a 3D representation of the landscape and must decide whether it matches the picture you built from the earlier displays. The test is essentially asking: does this 3D view accurately reflect the same terrain, objects, and aircraft positions/movement you were just shown?

(Image taken from RAF "Flying Aptitude Test - Notes for Guidance")

What Candidates Highlight After Taking CBAT

Based on feedback from candidates who passed CBAT, the most common challenge in SIT came from:

Being provided information that was meant to confuse you. Specifically, don't be thrown off if you're asked to confirm where a truck is and there's a group of soldiers directly nearby. You are only being asked about a truck therefore disregard the other objects at play.

Situational Awareness Test FAQ

How do I prepare for SIT? The spatial integration test is yet another one of the tests that are difficult to prepare for due to how specialised the test itself is. It particularly tests your ability to transfer 2D information to a 3D plane, therefore specific resources to hone this are not easy to come by. It does however practice your visual memory, therefore any form of visual memory test such as https://humanbenchmark.com/tests/memory would help somewhat.