What is the observer's determination of the location of the burst called?

The observer's determination of the location of the burst is referred to as "spotting." This term specifically describes the process by which an observer assesses where the artillery round has landed in relation to the intended target. Spotting is crucial for subsequent adjustments in fire, as it informs the artillery crew of the round's impact location, allowing them to make necessary corrections to ensure that future rounds are more accurately aimed at the target. This assessment can include identifying if the impact was short, over, left, right, or on target.

The other terms might involve aspects of the fire adjustment process but do not accurately capture the observer's role in determining the burst location. Understanding spotting is essential for effective artillery operations and coordination in achieving accurate fire support.