Plenary Lecture
Three-Dimensional Geographic Information System Applications for Commercial Space Operations
Professor Rich Snow
Applied Aviation Sciences
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
USA
E-mail: snow4fc@erau.edu
Abstract: The ability to efficiently query, analyze, and make real-time decisions based on enormous amounts of geospatial data requires sophisticated software such as that provided by a Geographic Information System (GIS). This research examines GIS training and techniques that can incorporate aeronautical charts and other airport information into a GIS that allows the different airspace classes to form 3-D images depicting their exact dimensions and arrangements. Scenarios of individual approaches, runways, and surrounding infrastructure can be zoomed and rotated in 3-D for optimal viewing. Situational awareness is greatly enhanced by these capabilities, which enable pilots and crew members to better comprehend the complexities of a particular airport, its accompanying airspace, and landing trajectories. Global Positioning System (GPS) data also can be integrated into the GIS, whereby a suborbital space flight can be tracked and plotted in a 3-D environment for visualization. Flights can later be debriefed allowing the crew and support team to replay and analyze the flight from taxi to touchdown. Most importantly, in the event of a return flight diversion, GIS enables the crew to rapidly assess the available alternatives within range and view the airspace and airport in 3-D before committing to the actual approach. Public agencies and private industries at all levels are using GIS technology as a vehicle to create linkages between the diverse disciplines associated with aerospace to maximize the resulting synergy.
Brief Biography of the Speaker: Dr. Richard Snow earned his B.S. in Geography (summa cum laude) and his M.S. in Geoscience from Western Kentucky University prior to taking his Ph.D. in Physical Geography from Indiana State University in 1999. Rich is a Professor of Meteorology and teaches courses in Meteorology, Climatology, and GIS in the Department of Applied Aviation Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Prior to joining Embry-Riddle in 2002, Rich worked as a GIS Specialist at the County of Volusia, Florida, for two years.