Final answer:
A reporting structure is used by the Situation Unit to synthesize information and produce reports.
Step-by-step explanation:
The automated system used by the Situation Unit within the Planning Section to synthesize information and produce reports is called a reporting structure.
A reporting structure is a system that captures and organizes factual information in a concise and structured format, answering key questions such as who, what, when, where, why, and how.
By using a reporting structure, the Situation Unit can gather and analyze relevant information from various sources, synthesize the data, and create reports that provide a comprehensive overview of the situation.