For those interested in future developments, read up on
AIXM and
WXXM
Both of these projects should eliminate the concerns raised so far in the discussion.
PS: As for the operator highlighting keywords in their app to view NOTAM information, I hope their software will get soon improved to not occasionally miss out some of them as they are in incorrect typeset for them to be recognised...
The current Notice to Airmen (
NOTAM) is a text message, which includes some structured 'NOTAM qualifier' fields. NOTAM are distributed through basic teletype networks such as the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN). The NOTAM content is intended to be read by pilots, controllers and other operational personnel involved in flight operations. There are increasing complaints about the usability of the NOTAM system due to aspects such as:
- NOTAM proliferation - the number of international NOTAM messages has tripled in the last 10 years, approaching 1 million per year;
- use of only upper case (an AFTN character set limitation) - which makes the NOTAM difficult to read, especially when compiled in long pre-flight information bulletins;
- the free text nature of the NOTAM, which makes any parsing and automatic processing unreliable or even impossible.
Therefore, a
Digital NOTAM concept has been proposed, by which the NOTAM information will be provided as fully structured data set through digital data services.
AIXM version 5.1 and further versions support the provision of Digital NOTAM. These can be used, for example, in order to present an updated airport diagram to the pilot or to the air traffic controller, containing graphical depictions of the work in progress areas, closed taxiways or runways, temporary obstacles, etc. Digital NOTAM enable the provision of pre-flight pilot briefings in normal sentence case, which should significantly improve their readability and the visual comfort for the user. The processing of a Digital NOTAM might also trigger automated actions, such as determine procedures impacted by the unavailability of a navaid.
The Weather Information Exchange Models and Schema (WXCM-WXXM-WXXS) are designed to enable a platform independent, harmonized and interoperable meteorological information exchange covering all the needs of the air transport industry.
The Weather Information Exchange Model specifications support the data-centric environment. It supports MET information collection, dissemination and transformation throughout the data chain.