3D Pilot

Industrial prototype 3D navigation aid with synthetic vision for pilots approaching small and middle-sized airports

PSU was subcontracted by ESRI and avionTek GmbH to create the 2D and 3D GIS database for the 3D Pilot project. For this purpose, extensive geodata sets from various sources such as orthophotos, airborne and satellite LIDAR and radar data were processed in a GIS database for the 3D terrain. In addition, 3D CAD building and obstacle data were integrated.

GPS-EGNOS supported 2D/3D navigation and "Synthetic Vision Systems" are indispensable for general aviation, because most accidents occur during visual flight (VFR) due to the pilot's loss of orientation, loss of control or loss of situational awareness in poor visibility. 3D Pilot technology with Synthetic Vision is therefore a "lifesaver" in critical situations.

AvionTek GmbH developed the 3D-PILOT product, a system for additional and effective 3D navigation support with synthetic vision and 3D landing approach guidance (including hardware, software and a terrain and airfield database). The system is used by general aviation pilots to perform a safe landing on small and poorly equipped airfields with landing aids in bad weather and unfavorable visibility conditions.

Current satellite positioning equipment for general aviation provides not only 2D map navigation, but also 3D navigation technology with high-precision 3D satellite positioning, IMU attitude determination, and tunnel and predictor guidance. In addition to the GIS data generated by PSU, the worldwide ARINC navigation database is used. Depending on the position of the aircraft on approach, the 3D GIS data is visualized on the cockpit display in different levels of detail (LOD=Level of Details).


3D Pilot Application Example

The video shows a general aviation approach to Straubing airfield with 3D GIS based flight guidance for the pilot.


3D-Pilot video


Profile

Client
Funding program "Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)" of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) - Funding Module Cooperation Projects
Project partner

esri Deutschland GmbH / PSU - Prof. Schaller UmweltConsult GmbH
AEE Aircraft Electronic Engeneering GmbH
KEP3 AG
Technical University of Munich - Institute for Flight System Dynamics
Technical University of Munich - Chair of Computer Graphics and Visualization
University of Stuttgart - Institute of Navigation

Project period
2010 - 2011
Services

Design of the 3D GIS database
Development of a 3D geodatabase with documentation of the workflows
Software development for the provision of 3D airfield databases and quality control
Program development according to rules and regulations of aeronautical certifiability
Programming of the 3D geodatabase server for provision of the geodata
Creation of a manual for server and portal administration
Provision of training on data maintenance

Download
3D_Pilot Poster 1 Sichere Landung.pdf
Poster 3D Pilot landing (only available in German)
3D_Pilot Poster 2 Projektpartner.pdf
Poster 3D Pilot project partner (only available in German)
3D_Pilot Poster 4 Systemkomponenten.pdf
Poster 3D Pilot system components (only available in German)