PLTS Aeronautical Solution Key Features

Aeronautical Solution includes tools and features to enable aeronautical information management and database-driven cartographic production of aeronautical charts. Some of these key features include:

• Database-driven—The entire information and product lifecycle is database-driven, providing a centralized location for all data updates that are automatically represented on multiple products.
• Data Models—Aeronautical Solution provides three data models (for use as is or for extension by users): US Defense, EUROCONTROL, and AICM/AIXM (based on AICM 4.5 & draft 5.0 standard).

Data Management Tools

• Import and export of AIXM—configured to use the Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) to connect to the Aeronautical Solution AICM model.
• Geodesic feature creation via a parameter-based editing wizard (Feature Builder) for construction of complex aeronautical features, which includes lifecycle metadata management of legal parameters used in creation of aeronautical information.
• Relationship-based editing—The AICM-based model provides database relationships between feature types, which guide the user through related features during feature editing via a tree view. For example, an airport may have multiple runways, and the application provides a one-click cascade into related features.
• Rule-based validation on-the-fly during editing, with user configurable, table-based rules engine.
• Quality control and data review via the GIS Data ReViewer, which provides logical and spatial checks, statistical sampling, and batch rule-based checks.
• Ability to work with distributed teams via Database Replication/Synchronization, which allows databases to automatically synchronize changes between offices, teams, or CAA contractors.
• Tracking, visualization, and reporting of historical database states.
• Temporal Support for cyclical production (28-day product cycles) via long transaction (database versions).
• Robust visualization and publishing tools to share central database content as Web services.

Product Management Tools

• Cartographic Display—The Aeronautical Solution can use standard ArcGIS symbology or representations framework for cartographic display.
• Symbology and text are managed through a comprehensive specification manager (PLTS Visual Specifications) which allows users to define a specification for symbology and labeling that can be shared with the enterprise production team.
• Custom Renderers—Custom renderers display complex aeronautical features (route bypass symbols, special use airspace hatching, etc).
• Automated Text Generation and Management Utilities—Automated annotation generation utilities exist within Aeronautical Solution including batch annotation generation and multi-scale management.
• Feature Inclusion/Exclusion—Users can include or exclude features on a particular product either by rule base (used on most chart types) or by user selection (used on Terminal Charts to select only relevant approach/departure legs or override rule based selection of included features).
• Masking Management—Masking rules are database stored and shared between all production staff, proving uniform application of masks. Masks are updated in batch based on the rule based defined by the user.
• Sample Charts—Aeronautical Solution includes sample charts meeting ICAO Annex 4 standards to provide users with pre-configured chart templates using provided sample data. These examples can tailored by the user to meet individual specifications/styles.

Workflow Management Tools

• Workflow Management & Tracking—The Job Tracking for ArcGIS (JTX) component of PLTS is used in Aeronautical Solution for workflow management, process control, job status, and metadata tracking of edits.
• Process Commander—A process commander is used to build cartographic workflow tasks into batch processing routines.