Outer marker
From Battlestar Wiki, the free, open content Battlestar Galactica encyclopedia and episode guide
The outer marker is a location off a battlestar where pilots are to await docking instructions, which prevents congestion and any docking conflicts with other inbound craft (Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I).
Presumably, the outer marker is located outside of the approach path for other ships as well as a direct path to the landing bay. Fighter craft and shuttles typically land one at a time (Saga of a Star World, et al).