A transporter platform is where cargo or personnel needs to stand before tranport can begin.
- Not entirely true because transport can be initiated from anyware. It might be that standing on the transporter platform adds some safety or is simply more efficient.
Cargo platforms have one transporter pad while personnel platforms consist of six transporter pads, the number of pads may vary according to the type of ship.
Each pad has four redundant Molecular imaging scanners so if one of the scanners fails the other three takes over. When necessary the entire platform can be enclosed within a force field. (TNG: "Realm of Fear")