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SCOI:Task Status
SCOI:Task Status
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This page holds the discussion on the information aspects of the service. It focuses on:

  • understanding the information offered by the service (information definition)
  • the filtering offered by the service.


Table of Contents
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Explanation


The information definition is extracted from the ATM Information Reference Model (https://airm.aero/). The AIRM is the ICAO endorsed reference vocabulary for defining air traffic management information. This means that the information definition is not just a copy of the IWXXM. However, service implementers who chose IWXXM can be assured that the semantic correspondences have been established (https://airm.aero/developers/semantic-correspondences).

The image below presents a simplified overview of the content of the information definition. It include:

  • metadata e.g. location, validity and traceability information
  • information concerning weather phenomena
  • information concerning weather conditions

Image Added

Sources

other inspiration

  • Instance of the phenomenon as a polygon (see latest IWXXM)
  • see cross-border convection forecast service (email sent with link): https://production.eufocs.dwd-cloud.de/view/ and  eGAFOR: https://viewer.egafor.eu/egafor-viewer/
  • LLSWCs (Low Level Significant Weather Charts) which are available for several areas in the EU.




Information Definition


identification

titleAviation Meteorological Information Definition
edition000.001.000
date2023-0710-2403

responsible party

organisation name

EUROCONTROL
contact informationswim@eurocontrol.int
roleauthor

scope

abstractThe information definition covers the elements used by the various Meteorological SWIM services.

namespace

namespacetbd


licence

Info
titleBSD Licence
Copyright (c) 2023, EUROCONTROL
=====================================
All rights reserved.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
    * Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
    * Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
    * Neither the names of EUROCONTROL nor the names of their contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived from this specification without specific prior written permission.

THIS SPECIFICATION IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR
CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
==========================================
Editorial note: this license is an instance of the BSD license template as
provided by the Open Source Initiative:
http://www.opensource.org/licenses/bsd-license.php

data catalogue

Location

feature
Info

This section of the information definition deals with the metadata.

Location

featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
Location

Location

Geographical location used to express the geographical scope of a data.

Note: Location is the root for Aerodrome, Airspace and State

urn:aero:airm:1.1.0:LogicalModel:Abstract:GeoEnabledEntity@relativeLocation

Aerodrome

Inherits from Location.




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence

Aerodrome



AerodromeA defined area on land or water (including any buildings, installations and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and surface movement of aircraft.
Aerodrome

designator

string [0..1]

Aerodrome.designator

Designator for an aerodrome.


AerodromelocationIndicatorICAO
Aerodrome.locationIndicatorICAOA four-letter code group formulated in accordance with rules prescribed by ICAO and assigned to the aerodrome.
Aerodrome

designatorIATA

string [0..1]

Aerodrome.designatorIATA

Identifier that is assigned to a location in accordance with rules (resolution 767) governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).


Aerodrome

name

string

Aerodrome.name

Primary official name of an aerodrome as designated by an appropriate authority.



Airspace

Inherits from Location.




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence

Airspace



AirspaceA defined three dimensional region of space relevant to air traffic.
Airspace

designator

string

Airspace.designator

Published sequence of characters allowing the identification of the airspace.


Airspace

name

string [0..1]

Airspace.name

Name given to an airspace by a responsible authority.


Airspace

type

CodeAirspaceType [0..1]

Airspace.type

Indicator of the general structure or characteristics of a particular airspace.



State

Inherits from Location.




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence

State



StateAn internationally recognized geographic entity that provides air traffic service.
StateicaoNationalityLettersstring [0..1]

State.icaoNationalityLetters

Nationality letters as defined by ICAO.
State

isoCountryCode

string [0..1]

State.isoCountryCode

Country codes as defined by ISO.


State

name

string

State.name

Full official name of the state.


State

territory

string [0..1]

State.territory

Name of the territory within the state.



Organisation Responsible




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
Identifier of MET provider...





source


Name of entity or organisation that supplied data.urn:aero:airm:1.1.0:LogicalModel:Abstract:TemporalEnabledEntity@source


Position of Observation, Forecast




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence







position


The geometry of the entity expressed as the position of a point on the surface of the Earth.urn:aero:airm:1.1.0:LogicalModel:Abstract:GeoEnabledEntity@position


Temporal




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
This is part of the message metadata - observation time, validity of forecast





endValidity


Date and time at which the data contained in the entity state ceases to be effective.urn:aero:airm:1.1.0:LogicalModel:Abstract:TemporalEnabledEntity@endValidity

startValidity

Date and time at which the data contained in the entity state starts to be effective.urn:aero:airm:1.1.0:LogicalModel:Abstract:TemporalEnabledEntity@startValidity

lastRevision

Date and time when the data was last revised.urn:aero:airm:1.1.0:LogicalModel:Abstract:TemporalEnabledEntity@lastRevision

WeatherInformationSource




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
WeatherInformationSource

WeatherInformationSourceAn automated or non-automated weather information source.

isAltimeterInformationProvided

WeatherInformationSource.isAltimeterInformationProvided

Indicates whether the weather source provides altimeter information.

isWeatherStation


WeatherInformationSource.isWeatherStation

Indicator that the source is a weather station.

WeatherPhenomenon















Info

This section of the information definition concerns the weather conditions.

WeatherCondition


featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
WeatherPhenomenonWeatherPhenomenonA meteorological event
WeatherCondition


Weather observations or forecast for an area of interest.

Note: This is the root for the various

weather phenomena

aviation conditions: AerodromeCondition.

base


analysisTime
ValDistanceTypeAltitude of the lowest level of the description of a weather phenomenon.intensityCodeWeatherIntensityTypeSeverity of a weather phenomenon.phenomenonTypeCodeWeatherPhenomenonTypeDescription of the type of a weather phenomenon.significantWeatherQualifierCodeSignificantWeatherQualifierTypeA qualifier used in association with a reported significant weather phenomenon.topValDistanceTypeAltitude of the highest level of the description of a weather phenomenon.movementMovementDescriptionThe movement of the weather phenomenon.

MovementDescription

applicability:
DateTime


The time at which the forecast or observation process starts.

changeIndicatorCodeChangeIndicatorType
Indication about the type of meteorological conditions changes.

confidence

Quality of trusting for a forecast expressed as a percentage.

hasNoSignificantWeather

Indication that no specified en-route weather phenomena which may affect the safety of aircraft operations is occurring or expected to occur.

probability

Relative likelihood of a forecast expressed as a percentage.

typeCodeWeatherConditionType
The type of weather condition being reported.

weatherInformationSourceWeatherInformationSource
The weather information source.

contourContour
A contour used to outline a particular weather situation within the forecast or observation.


Contour



applicability: En-route significant weather only.

speedSpeed of the movement of the meteorological phenomenon.towardsCardinalDirectionThe cardinal direction towards which the meteorological phenomenon is moving.

WeatherCondition

featureattributetype, multiplicity
featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
MovementDescriptionMovement information associated with a phenomenon.directionFromThe angle from which the meteorological phenomenon is moving.directionTowardsHeading of the movement of a meteorological phenomenon.fromCardinalDirectionThe cardinal direction from which the meteorological phenomenon is moving.isStationaryIndication whether a meteorological phenomenon is moving or not.
Contour


An estimated or observed outline of a particular weather situation.

contourValueMeasure


The value of the measure that applies to that contour.
For example a pressure chart could have contours where each contour line represents a specific pressure value, this could be sorted in the contourValue.


AviationCondition

Inherits from WeatherCondition.



featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
WeatherCondition
AviationCondition


Weather observations and or forecast for

an area of interest.

Note: This is the root for the various aviation conditions: AerodromeCondition.

analysisTimeDateTimeThe time at which the forecast or observation process starts.changeIndicatorCodeChangeIndicatorTypeIndication about the type of meteorological conditions changes.confidenceQuality of trusting for a forecast expressed as a percentage.hasNoSignificantWeatherIndication that no specified en-route weather phenomena which may affect the safety of aircraft operations is occurring or expected to occur.probabilityRelative likelihood of a forecast expressed as a percentage.typeCodeWeatherConditionTypeThe type of weather condition being reported.weatherInformationSourceWeatherInformationSourceThe weather information source.contourContourA contour used to outline a particular weather situation within the forecast or observation.

Contour

applicability: En-route significant weather only.

featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondenceContourAn estimated or observed outline of a particular weather situation.contourValueMeasureThe value of the measure that applies to that contour.
For example a pressure chart could have contours where each contour line represents a specific pressure value, this could be sorted in the contourValue.

AviationCondition

Inherits from WeatherCondition.

featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondenceAviationCondition

Weather observations and or forecast for a specific aeronautical location or airspace volume.

airPressureForce per unit area exerted into a surface by the weight of air above that surface.airTemperatureThe temperature indicated by a thermometer exposed to the air in a place sheltered from direct solar radiation.dewpointTemperatureThe temperature to which a given air parcel must be cooled at constant pressure and constant water vapor content in order for saturation to occur.maximumAirTemperatureThe maximum air temperature.maximumAirTemperatureTimeThe time of the occurrence of the maximum air temperature.minimumAirTemperatureThe minimum air temperature.minimumAirTemperatureTimeThe time of the occurrence of the minimum air temperature.relativeHumidityAt a given pressure and temperature, the percentage ratio of the gram-molecular weight of the water vapour to the gram-molecular weight that the air would have if it were saturated with respect to water at the same pressure and temperature.verticalVisibilityMaximum distance at which an observer can see and identify an object on the same vertical as himself, above or below.tropopauseMeteorological information about the tropopause.ceilingMeteorological information about the tropopause.horizontalVisibilityThe greatest horizontal distance at which selected objects can be seen, identified, and/or measured with instrumentation.AerodromeCondition

a specific aeronautical location or airspace volume.



airPressure


Force per unit area exerted into a surface by the weight of air above that surface.

airTemperature

The temperature indicated by a thermometer exposed to the air in a place sheltered from direct solar radiation.

dewpointTemperature

The temperature to which a given air parcel must be cooled at constant pressure and constant water vapor content in order for saturation to occur.

maximumAirTemperature

The maximum air temperature.

maximumAirTemperatureTime

The time of the occurrence of the maximum air temperature.

minimumAirTemperature

The minimum air temperature.

minimumAirTemperatureTime

The time of the occurrence of the minimum air temperature.

relativeHumidity

At a given pressure and temperature, the percentage ratio of the gram-molecular weight of the water vapour to the gram-molecular weight that the air would have if it were saturated with respect to water at the same pressure and temperature.

verticalVisibility

Maximum distance at which an observer can see and identify an object on the same vertical as himself, above or below.

tropopause

Meteorological information about the tropopause.

ceiling

Meteorological information about the tropopause.

horizontalVisibility

The greatest horizontal distance at which selected objects can be seen, identified, and/or measured with instrumentation.


AerodromeCondition

Inherits from AviationCondition.



featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
AerodromeCondition


Weather observations and or forecast for an aerodrome

cavokBoolean


Visibility, cloud and present weather better than prescribed values or conditions.

qfeValPressureType
Atmospheric pressure at aerodrome elevation. A pressure type altimeter calibrated in accordance with the Standard Atmosphere, when set to a QFE altimeter setting using this particular pressure value, will indicate the height above the aerodrome environment.

qnhValPressureType
Q Code corresponding to the derived atmospheric pressure at Mean Sea Level, based on the atmospheric pressure at the reference point converted using the characteristics of the ICAO Standard Atmosphere.

ValPressureTypeCloud
The cloud conditions at the aerodrome.


AirspaceCondition

Inherits from AviationCondition.



featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
AirspaceCondition


Weather-related observations and forecasts of relevance to an airspace.

airspaceAirspace


The airspace which is subject to observation or forecast.


RouteCondition

Inherits from AviationCondition.



featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
RouteCondition


Weather observations and / or forecasts related to routes.

routeRoute


The route which is subject to observation or forecast.


RunwayCondition

Inherits from AviationCondition.

Inherits from AviationCondition.

featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
AerodromeConditionWeather observations and or forecast for an aerodromecavokBooleanVisibility, cloud and present weather better than prescribed values or conditions.qfeValPressureTypeAtmospheric pressure at aerodrome RunwayCondition





qfe


Atmospheric pressure at runway threshold elevation. A pressure type altimeter calibrated in accordance with the Standard Atmosphere, when set to a QFE altimeter setting using this particular pressure value, will indicate the height above the aerodrome environmentthe touch-down zone of the runway.qnhValPressureTypeQ Code corresponding to the derived atmospheric pressure at Mean Sea Level, based on the atmospheric pressure at the reference point converted using the characteristics of the ICAO Standard Atmosphere.ValPressureTypeCloudThe cloud conditions at the aerodrome.

AirspaceCondition



temperature

The temperature measured by a probe under the runway surface at the touchdown (TDZ) zone.

rvrRunwayVisualRange
The observed or forecast runway visual range.

runwayRunway
The runway which is subject to observation or forecast.


Ceiling




Inherits from AviationCondition.

featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondenceAirspaceConditionWeather-related observations and forecasts of relevance to an airspace.airspaceAirspaceThe airspace which is subject to observation or forecast.

RouteCondition

featureattributeCeiling


Height above the Earth's surface of the base of the lower cloud layer whose amount exceeds a specific value.

isVariable


An indicator which denotes a ceiling of less than 3,000 feet, which rapidly increases or decreases in height by established criteria during the period of observation.

lowerBoundVariableCeiling

The lowest variable ceiling height evaluated.

upperBoundVariableCeiling

The highest variable ceiling height evaluated.


HorizontalVisibility




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondenceRouteConditionWeather observations and / or forecasts related to routes.routeRouteThe route which is subject to observation or forecast.

RunwayCondition

Inherits from AviationCondition.

featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondenceRunwayConditionqfeAtmospheric pressure at runway threshold elevation. A pressure type altimeter calibrated in accordance with the Standard Atmosphere, when set to a QFE altimeter setting using this particular pressure value, will indicate the height above the touch-down zone of the runway.temperatureThe temperature measured by a probe under the runway surface at the touchdown (TDZ) zone.rvrRunwayVisualRangeThe observed or forecast runway visual range.runwayRunwayThe runway which is subject to observation or forecast.

Ceiling

featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondenceCeilingHeight above the Earth's surface of the base of the lower cloud layer whose amount exceeds a specific value.isVariableAn indicator which denotes a ceiling of less than 3,000 feet, which rapidly increases or decreases in height by established criteria during the period of observation.lowerBoundVariableCeilingThe lowest variable ceiling height evaluated.upperBoundVariableCeilingThe highest variable ceiling height evaluated.HorizontalVisibility
HorizontalVisibility


An aggregation of horizontal visibility conditions typically reported together at an aerodrome, including the prevailing visibility and minimum visibility.

isPrevailingVisibilityAbove10000metres


Indication that the prevailing visibility is of at least 10000 meters.

isUnidirectionalVisibility

Indication whether the horizontalVisibility is given for a single direction or not.

minimumVisibility

Visibility for aeronautical purposes is the greater of:
a) the greatest distance at which a black object of suitable dimensions, situated near the ground, can be seen and recognized when observed against a bright background;
b) the greatest distance at which lights in the vicinity of 1 000 candelas can be seen and identified against an unlit background.


minimumVisibilityDirection

The direction of the minimum visibility relative to the reporting station.

prevailingVisibility

The greatest visibility value, observed in accordance with the definition of "visibility", which is reached within at least half the horizon circle or within at least half of the surface of the aerodrome. These areas could comprise contiguous or non-contiguous sectors.


RunwayVisualRange




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
RunwayVisualRange


The range over which the pilot of an aircraft on the centre line of a runway can see the runway surface markings or the lights delineating the runway or identifying its centre line.

rvrTendency


When instrumented systems are used for the assessment of runway visual range, the variations in runway visual range during the 10-minute period immediately preceding the observation.

rvrValue

Value of the Runway Visual Range.

rvrValueInterpretation

The relational operator that can be used for interpreting the RVR value, for instance in order to express a mean RVR of at least 2000 meters (ABOVE 2000 meters).

associatedRunwayDirectionRunwayDirection
The runway direction for which the RVR is specified.

Info

This section of the information definitions covers weather phenomena.

WeatherPhenomenon




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
WeatherPhenomenon
HorizontalVisibilityAn aggregation of horizontal visibility conditions typically reported together at an aerodrome, including the prevailing visibility and minimum visibility.isPrevailingVisibilityAbove10000metresIndication that the prevailing visibility is of at least 10000 meters.isUnidirectionalVisibilityIndication whether the horizontalVisibility is given for a single direction or not.minimumVisibilityVisibility for aeronautical purposes is the greater of:
a) the greatest distance at which a black object of suitable dimensions, situated near the ground, can be seen and recognized when observed against a bright background;
b) the greatest distance at which lights in the vicinity of 1 000 candelas can be seen and identified against an unlit background.minimumVisibilityDirectionThe direction of the minimum visibility relative to the reporting station.prevailingVisibilityThe greatest visibility value, observed in accordance with the definition of "visibility", which is reached within at least half the horizon circle or within at least half of the surface of the aerodrome. These areas could comprise contiguous or non-contiguous sectors.
RunwayVisualRange


WeatherPhenomenon

A meteorological event.

Note: This is the root for the various weather phenomena.



baseValDistanceType


Altitude of the lowest level of the description of a weather phenomenon.

intensityCodeWeatherIntensityType
Severity of a weather phenomenon.

phenomenonTypeCodeWeatherPhenomenonType
Description of the type of a weather phenomenon.

significantWeatherQualifierCodeSignificantWeatherQualifierType
A qualifier used in association with a reported significant weather phenomenon.

topValDistanceType
Altitude of the highest level of the description of a weather phenomenon.

movementMovementDescription
The movement of the weather phenomenon.

MovementDescription

applicability: En-route significant weather only.




featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
RunwayVisualRange
MovementDescription


Movement information associated with a phenomenon.

directionFrom


The
range over which the pilot of an aircraft on the centre line of a runway can see the runway surface markings or the lights delineating the runway or identifying its centre line.rvrTendencyWhen instrumented systems are used for the assessment of runway visual range, the variations in runway visual range during the 10-minute period immediately preceding the observation.rvrValueValue of the Runway Visual Range.rvrValueInterpretationThe relational operator that can be used for interpreting the RVR value, for instance in order to express a mean RVR of at least 2000 meters (ABOVE 2000 meters).associatedRunwayDirectionRunwayDirectionThe runway direction for which the RVR is specified
angle from which the meteorological phenomenon is moving.

directionTowards

Heading of the movement of a meteorological phenomenon.

fromCardinalDirection

The cardinal direction from which the meteorological phenomenon is moving.

isStationary

Indication whether a meteorological phenomenon is moving or not.

speed

Speed of the movement of the meteorological phenomenon.

towardsCardinalDirection

The cardinal direction towards which the meteorological phenomenon is moving.

Cloud

Inherits from WeatherPhenomenon.



featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence
Cloud


A hydrometeor consisting of minute particles of liquid water or ice, or of both, suspended in the free air and usually not touching the ground. It may also include larger particles of liquid water or ice and non-aqueous liquid or solid particles such as those present in fumes, smoke and dust.

cloudAmountCodeCloudAmountType


Fraction of the sky covered by the clouds of a certain genus, species, variety, layer or combination of clouds.

cloudTypeCodeCloudType
Categorization of the cloud depending on its main characteristics.

isAmoutAndBaseNotObservableBoolean
Indication that cumulonimbus clouds or towering cumulus clouds are detected by the automatic observing system but the cloud amount and the height of cloud base cannot be observed.

isEmbeddedBoolean
Surrounded, or part of a wider cloud layer, in opposition to isolated.

isNoCloudDetectedBoolean
No clouds are detected by the automatic observing system.

isNoSignificantCloudDetectedBoolean
No clouds of operational significance are detected by the ceilometer(s) in reports from fully automatic observing systems.

isObscuredBoolean
Hidden or out of sight by haze, smoke or cloud for example.

isWidespreadBoolean
Affecting a large area.


Still more to do....

+ ice crystals

start template


featureattributetype, multiplicity
identifierdefinitionsemantic correspondence













end template

simple types

CodeSignificantWeatherQualifierType


codelistvalueidentifierdefinition

CodeSignificantWeatherQualifierType



Qualifiers used in association with a reported significant weather phenomenon.
CodeSignificantWeatherQualifierType

BLOWING


Raised by the wind to a moderate height above the ground (2 meters or more).
CodeSignificantWeatherQualifierType

FREEZING


Precipitation freezing on impact on the ground and on exposed objects.

CodeSignificantWeatherQualifierType

LOW_DRIFTING


In motion due to the action of wind or raised by the wind to a small height above the ground (less than 2 meters).


PARTIAL
Covering part of the aerodrome.

PATCHES
Occurrences over small areas.

PROXIMITY
The weather phenomenon is observed between approximately 8 km and 16 km from the aerodrome reference point.

SHALLOW
Has a very little vertical extent.

SHOWER
Precipitation, often short-lived and heavy, falling from convective clouds. A shower is characterized by its sudden beginning and ending, and generally by large and rapid changes of intensity.

THUNDERSTORM
Sudden electrical discharges manifested by a flash of light (lightning) and a sharp or rumbling sound (thunder). Thunderstorms are associated with convective clouds (Cumulonimbus) and are, more often, accompanied by precipitation in the form of rainshowers or hail, or occasionally snow, snow pellets, or ice pellets.