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A Platform to address a Complexity of Issues
On April 3 and 4 the 2nd International Aviation GIS Summit took place at Brussels Airport, Belgium. It provided an excellent forum for exchange of knowledge on the use of GIS technology for a wide range of aviation organizations. More than sixty participants shared experience and ideas on the use of GIS and related technologies, and discussed current challenges.
The world of aviation
The management of aviation information systems is diverse and complex. Airport facilities are huge with thousands of square meters of buildings, pavement area and the surrounding environment to be managed and maintained. Day and night there are numerous activities and movements on the ground, in terminals and in the air. All this constantly needs proper handling of logistics, good maintenance and adequate actions in case of unexpected situations. Since the airspace is getting more crowded and there is no room to expand, the pressure on airports is mounting.
Combining air, ground and terminal data
So what does this imply for airports? According to Transportation Industry Manager USA Terry Bills airport data are commonly divided into air, ground and terminal and these need to be combined in order to become more effective and efficient. Bills: "There is a need for common data to be used and shared by a large number of systems. Think of all kinds of management: facility, maintenance, utility and security, to mention just a few. All these different types of information and systems need to be linked. For example: floor plans or surrounding areas can be linked to a maintenance management system in order to constantly be informed about the conditions, to make work orders and to understand current conditions. Floor plans and maintenance management systems can also be linked for utility and asset management means. There are huge efficiencies to be gained when different groups don't have to gather the same information."
Current situation
What is the current situation of GIS in aviation? Bills: "GIS is used by a great number of major airports whereas most regional airports are getting familiar with it or are just starting to recognize and understanding the power of GIS within their organization. Avinor of Norway, Brussels Airport, Aena of Spain and Schiphol, Amsterdam,...