The difference between the AMD and AMDB was explained in Chapter 2. This part contains information regarding the provision and distribution of AMDB and illustrates the usage of metadata within the provision of AMD.
Obtaining and creation of AMD
Although obtaining of AMD is not the purpose of this guidance material it is important to observe that there is no singular and specific method that leads to successful creation of AMD. To create AMD, generally speaking two types of data are needed:
- Geographical data
- Aeronautical data
Geographical data in essence is geospatial data (i.e. describing geographic features using geometries that can be referenced to earth locations) however not all aeronautical data is geospatial (e.g. a time schedule). Typically geographical data such as image maps are used to digitize AMD. Such geographical data, possibly following coordinate transformation, serve as geospatial reference. Using the geographical data the geospatial characteristics of AMD features within the aerodrome can then be captured in a geometry element of the resulting feature. Typical types of geometry are point, line and polygon. These notions are standardized in ISO 19107: Geographic Information - Spatial Schema. In the aeronautical information context all geospatial data shall be published in the WGS84 (EPSG 4326) Horizontal Reference System and the EGM-96 Vertical Reference System (EUROCONTROL Specification for the Origination of Aeronautical Data Volume 2: Guidance Material).
For more information about this topic please refer to chapter Data creation
Reference Vocabulary
In this guidance the ATM Information Reference Model (AIRM) is used as the reference vocabulary for ATM information (www.airm.aero). The use of the AIRM enables the common understanding of the information to be encoded. This precedes the actual data encoding of AMD having chosen an information exchange models such as AIXM5.1 or AMXM.
Data Catalogue
The Aeronautical Data Catalogue presents the scope of the data that should be collected and maintained by an AIS organization and includes data quality requirements. For more information please refer to PANS AIM Doc 10066 Appendix 1.
Not all data required by the Data Catalogue are available in the Aeronautical Information Publication. For specific information the data originator should obtain data from other source of information, e.g. aerodrome operator.
Data update requirements
Specific requirements for how data sets should be updated are contained in ICAO Annex 15, section 6.3:
6.3.3.1 Data sets shall be amended or reissued at such regular intervals as may be necessary to keep them up to date.
6.3.3.2 Permanent changes and temporary changes of long duration (three months or longer) made available as digital data shall be issued in the form of a complete data set or a sub-set that includes only the differences from the previously issued complete data set.
6.3.3.3 Recommendation.— When made available as a completely re-issued data set, the differences from the previously issued complete data set should be indicated.”
ICAO Doc 10066 PANS AIM Chapter 6.1 contains section Aeronautical Information Product Updates, where the provision and updates of digital data sets is described.
The AMD follow the same rules and requirements regarding the provision and updates of data sets as AIP data set as described: Baseline data and updates