Preview of new product development: Update of Airport Data

[fsaerodata]

Hello all,
Just to let you know we are working on a new product, complementary to current aeronautical database, that aims to update some of the airport data that is currently obsolete on FSX/Prepar3D platforms. It would include following items:
- Runway changes adding new ones, updates of lighting, markings, objects;
- Taxiways and apron areas;
- Adjustment of airport position, coordinates to reflect real world conditions.

I'll continue to provide further news on our progress; important is that the first prototype is in the works and moving forward.

Please stay in touch,

[fsaerodata]

Hi all,
The development continues with the project to update Airport data worldwide, behind what expected due to my main job and the support to current fsAerodata Navigation Database.
The status is as follows:
The functionality to generate the runway data (dimensions, markings, PAPI, approach lighting,...) is almost finished. It is automated so they could be updated on each AIRAC cycle, and results should match current real world airports.
The project will start updating US airports, with a total of aprox. 20,000 landing facilities, acc last airport dataset. Actually the first testbeds are carried out with Alaska airports.
Additionally, their coordinates match 100% when using Navigraph/Jeppesen terminal charts as moving map.
The next step in following weeks is the revision of the taxiways and apron algorithm that generates the footprint acc current airports data. Unfortunately, the first prototype was not reliable enough.
One feature that is almost confirmed it can be implemented, is the placmeent of parking positions acc current data, including the correcct classification of aircraft type and airline. Let's wait for the results on upcoming prototipes.
I expect a seamless integration of current fsAerodata navigation data, as ILS, terminal navaids and waypoints, airport comms, approaches,...
In fact, the current limitations when updating ILS navaids will be over, since the runway characteristics will match ILS coords and its features.

Overall is a big project, with many issues to come, so plesae don't expect a quick release, Important is the fact, that once released, it will definetly satisfy a much needed feature missing on Prepar3D/FSX platforms.

As soon as I have some other relevant info, I'll let you all know,

[fsaerodata]

Hello,
I would like to share with you the current status and progress with the development of fsAerodata Airport Database; as you may remember, the aim of this development is to be able to update the obsolete airport database on FSX/Prepar3D, bring it to latest real-world status and keep it updated in sync with AIRAC cycles.

The previous months, the project has focussed on developing the tools and algorithms that generate the taxiways, aprons, runways and rest of airport data. These are the first results using a prototype and testing with PABR Wiley Post at AK, a good example of an airport that has received several modifications since 2005.

The first results show how the updated airport includes the latest taxiway and apron modifications, the runway moved south and added threshold surfaces among other changes. The airport is georeferenced and the accuracy obtained vs Google Earth is quite impressive. Nevertheless, there are still errors on the taxiways shapes, but they should be improved over the next iterations.

Moreover, there are still missing the parking locations and default buildings that will be included in the next prototypes.
The time taken to generate the airport was aprox. 4sec, which might help to generate and update thousands of airports in a reasonable time.







I'll keep you updated as soon as there is more news,

[somiller]

As a user of fsAerodata, I am following this project with great interest, and I have to say it's very, very impressive. This has the potential to be a revolutionary change to fSX/P3D, and I would think, a very powerful incentive for prospective customers of fsAerodata.

Great work - I can't wait to try the resulting product!

Kind Regards,
Steven Miller

[Phrosperatus]

Hi there!

This is awesome!
I'm looking forward using these new features of fsAerodata.
You have done an amazing job.

Have a nice day!

[HJMX]

Most important imo: Will it interfere with add-on airports (both scenery.cfg or add-on.xml methods)?

[fsaerodata]

Most important imo: Will it interfere with add-on airports (both scenery.cfg or add-on.xml methods)?

It's still early on the development, but the idea is to make it transparent to other add-ons, either using the rule of priority on sceneries or alternatively, by disabling the stock scenery areas completely. There are some factors to take into account when dealing with either of the methods (elevation,...)

[pracines]

Looking great Jose!

This will likely be the most significant add-on for flight simulation ever!

[Rob12345]

Hello sir,

I was wondering if there was any news on the Airport Data.

Just became a customer today and I am really impressed with the software!

Gr.

Robert

[pracines]

Hi Jose,

I had a quick question about the Airport Data Updater.

I was wondering if you have thought about (or if there is even a need to think about) the coordination with GSX V2, and the compatibility of the newer GSX SODE gates and other any other GSX features that could be affected by the updated airports.

Thanks,

Paul