spotter
n.a person who watches an area or a group of people to find something specific, like a lost child or a criminal. They often use binoculars or a telescope to see far away.
n.a person who observes a specific area or group of people to locate a particular target or identify a specific occurrence. Often used in contexts such as law enforcement, aviation, or public safety.
“The spotter found the lost child in the crowd.”
“During the parade, a trained spotter stood on the rooftop to ensure the float stayed on the correct route.”
“The rescue team deployed a spotter to the highest point of the cliff, where the vantage allowed for a clear view of the entire coastline and any potential hazards.”
From spot + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.