Geographic information systems (GIS) — merging cartography, statistical analysis and database access — have existed for about 50 years, but their role in aviation safety soon will take a few leaps forward, experts told a December 2012 forum hosted by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Concepts involved often are analogous to those in highway safety (such as intelligent routing of trucks carrying hazardous materials and smartphone apps for motor vehicle collision avoidance), infrastructure analysis, pipeline safety and positive train control. Impediments to expanded GIS uses in aviation safety, however, could include misinformed safety conservatism or delays within this transportation mode in recognizing the opportunities at hand, some presenters said.
Enabling Aircraft Containment
Since the aviation industry cannot invent more airspace to satisfy its demands, the alternative is containment — reducing the space from aircraft to aircraft — and this be…
