Abstract

PRADO MOLINA, Jorge et al. ICAO Aeronautical chart production: aerodrome obstruction charts from small-format aerial digital imagery. Invest. Geog [online]. 2012, n.79, pp.75-96. ISSN 2448-7279.

Aeronautical charts and aerodrome obstruction charts, provide information about obstacles around the airport, so pilots and air traffic controllers can comply with the procedures and limitations of its utilization. Safety in aviation demands updated and precise aeronautical charts production, adopting the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In this paper the methodology employed to generate obstruction charts for five airports in Mexico, using aerial digital imagery obtained with small-format cameras, is described. Through two aerial surveys on each airport, from 10 000 and 5 000 feet above ground level, two orthomosaics were generated covering the airport influence area, the runway, and the obstacle limitation surfaces: approach/Take-off climb, transitional, inner horizontal, and conical. Using stereopair photointerpretation most of the obstacles were identified, and by means of the orthomosaics; aerodrome charts, and aerodrome obstruction charts types A, B and C, were generated. Using satellite geodetic receivers, 18 points were surveyed on each runway in order to obtain its dimensions, and to establish ground control points for mosaics generation. Throughout detailed field work, height and location of the obstacles were verified, and finally, after several reviewing processes by aeronautical authorities, generation of ICAO charts was concluded when all airport maps were integrated in a Geographical Information System.

Keywords : ICAO Aeronautical charts; aerodrome obstruction charts; small-format cameras; orthorectified mosaics; obstacle limitation surfaces.

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