Automatic Aerodrome Surface Network Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating terminal area networks for aerodrome surface movement are inefficient due to manual processing, leading to errors and a reliance on manual steps that prevent automatic data generation according to the Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC) cycle.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically generates terminal area networks by obtaining travel path data from an aerodrome mapping database, representing taxiways and runways as polygons, and creating centerlines using directionality, eliminating the need for further manual processing and aligning with the AIRAC cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual processing is used to generate terminal area networks, then accuracy can be maintained through human review, but productivity is reduced and errors are hard to detect and fix
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-validation through topological consistency checks, where the generated terminal area network data is automatically verified for errors such as disconnected nodes, overlapping paths, and inconsistent geometries. This eliminates the need for manual review while maintaining high reliability through algorithmic validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where validation results from topological consistency checks are automatically fed back into the generation process. Errors detected during validation trigger automatic corrections or alerts, enabling continuous improvement and error detection without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual steps are used in terminal area network generation, then complex processing can be performed, but the process cannot adhere to the automatic AIRAC cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical processing with automated computational algorithms. Complex geometric operations, topological validations, and data transformations are performed automatically using computer-based algorithms, enabling full adherence to the automatic AIRAC cycle while maintaining sophisticated processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts processing parameters such as polygon resolution, centerline sampling density, and validation thresholds to balance processing complexity with automation requirements. This enables the system to handle complex aerodrome geometries while maintaining automated operation for the AIRAC cycle.
3Loss of information
If detailed aerodrome surface maps are used, then complete information is available, but the data is too cumbersome for quick modeling and data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential elements needed for terminal area network generation from detailed aerodrome surface maps. It identifies and extracts key features such as taxiway centers, runway thresholds, and intersection points, while discarding redundant geometric details. This extraction process maintains complete navigational information while significantly reducing data complexity for efficient modeling and transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided to generate aerodrome surface area node-link graphs. The terminal area network generator provided constructs terminal area networks from reliable terminal area node-links that do not require further manual processing. The exemplary embodiment is compatible with the AIRAC cycle.