Aerodrome Mapping Database

INTRODUCTION

An AMDB is a representation of an airport's topography created using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Aerodrome features' geometry is modeled using points, lines, and polygons. As characteristics, additional details describing the features and their roles are kept. Name or identification, quality parameters, and surface type are a few examples of attributes. Some features also hold vertical data in the form of characteristics, such as height and elevation. For the following feature classes, aerodrome mapping data is available: Runways, helipads, taxiways, aprons, vertical structures, water, hotspots, and surface lighting for aerodromes are examples of these types of infrastructure.
The current Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) system, which is taking the place of the outdated Aeronautical Information System, includes AMDB (AIS). The ICAO's Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS) operational concept, which is being operationally implemented in the EU as Single European Sky (SESAR) and in the US as Next Generation Air Transportation System, is driving this transition (NEXTGEN).
Images from aircraft or high-resolution satellites that have a spatial resolution of 1 m or less are suitable for AMDB creation. Two-dimensional aerodrome mapping data can be digitally preserved using imagery that has been geometrically rectified and georeferenced. To determine three-dimensional coordinates for AMDBs with elevation and height values, specialized photogrammetry software is needed.

Aim

The aim of the AMDB is to show an airport in digital miniature form to pilots, and others for navigating on the airport site, and the traffic controllers .Visual interpretation through Maps, charts, and elevation models provides a strong visual tool for the users. Multiple user classes can benefit from using these databases, including pilots, controllers, aerodrome managers, and aerodrome security personnel. AMDB is used in the following:

• Runway operations
• Emergency and security service management
• Early warning and runway barriers detection and alerting.
• Aerodrome surface guidance and navigation.
• Aerodrome facility and asset management.
• Display and deviation detection and alerting management
• Chart information.
• Display and digital ATIS information.
• Aerodrome and airline resource management.
• Training (flight simulation).
• Provides Notice to Airman (NOTAM) and aeronautical data overlays.
• Synthetic vision.
• Low visibility operation.

 

A wide range of applications, primarily onboard ones like Electronic Flight Bags, utilize AMDBs (EFBs). These programs are designed to increase safety and smooth operation largely by enhancing the user's awareness and/or by helping with surface navigation.

Conclusion

To ensure safety and effectiveness on the ground, airports all around the world face a difficult and ongoing task. A collection of aerodrome data that has been collected and set up for simple electronic storage and retrieval in systems that support aerodrome surface motions, training, charting, and planning is known as an aerodrome mapping database. In order to improve surface movements for normal or low-visibility operations, authorities deploy AMDBs. Taxiing paths can be improved to increase flow effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of runway intrusions. The usage of AMDBs can be advantageous to a variety of user groups, including pilots, controllers, airport managers, emergency/security personnel at aerodromes, etc.