VFR flight planning and navigation software I've written
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Just been playing with it a bit more - it really is a superb depiction of airspace - the clearest I've seen I reckon. The weather and Notam data is brilliant - nice to see graphical notams again. I hope you get it finished soon as I'd certainly buy a copy.
A few notes (constructive criticism!):
The default airspace filter is <2500 I think. Maybe set this to FL100-125 as this is a realistic maximum that most simple SEPs VFR will transit at?
Make airways default to ON.
Another nice feature would be right click > Insert Way-point here.
It would be good if you could click an airspace item (like a DA) and it brings up the info on it?
(I'm based at EGHS)
A few notes (constructive criticism!):
The default airspace filter is <2500 I think. Maybe set this to FL100-125 as this is a realistic maximum that most simple SEPs VFR will transit at?
Make airways default to ON.
Another nice feature would be right click > Insert Way-point here.
It would be good if you could click an airspace item (like a DA) and it brings up the info on it?
(I'm based at EGHS)
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Problems with InFlight
Congratulations this is a very accomplished piece of software with excellent clear graphics and some really useful features.
Is there a help file available (I am having trouble working out exactly how to enter and modify waypoints using the map).
When trying this out on my smartphone (Eten X500 running WM6.1) there is a long pause when starting (with the usual windows rotating circle) and then I get the following error displayed:
The TAF "AMD EGUL 230804 28015G25KT 9999 SCT030 BKN050 QNH3000INS" is causing an error due to the "QNH3000INS" item.
I am looking forward to trying this out for real when it's a bit more developed.
Simon
Is there a help file available (I am having trouble working out exactly how to enter and modify waypoints using the map).
When trying this out on my smartphone (Eten X500 running WM6.1) there is a long pause when starting (with the usual windows rotating circle) and then I get the following error displayed:
SkyAngel.exe TypeLoadException File or assembly name 'Sytem.Windows.Forms, Version=3.5.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=969DB8053D3322AC', or one of its dependencies was not found.
I am looking forward to trying this out for real when it's a bit more developed.
Simon
Exxcellent stuff and very clear "mapping". However being a complete computer numpty I'm not sure how to add my home airfield. Bedford Castle Mill is also on there and has long since been disused. Great work though.
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HeliCraig, thanks for the detailed feedback. Embarrassingly, the radar services data was missing the new-style Farnborough polygons. Now fixed, and you'll see correct output in the next release. Incidentally, how on earth are you running this on a mac? Installed Windows on it?
Regarding scheduling, are you looking for a means of filtering the NOTAM window so that you could say, for example, "only NOTAMS relevant to tomorrow"? I note that the RA(T) is showing for Sywell already. Bonus: If you click on a NOTAM containing a Red Arrows formation transit, it's plotted on the map so you can see exactly where they're going.
To create a user-defined waypoint, ctrl-click on the map. A window then pops up allowing you to define is as a literal coordinate or by reference to an existing waypoint (VOR etc). Also, you can shift-click anywhere on the map and a different window will pop up showing you a distance-sorted list of waypoints close to that position, including minor towns that might not be plotted on the map. I clearly need to add a right-click option for this too, so I'll put that on the list. Also user waypoints are not currently persisted, so that will need to be addressed.
I agree that double-clicking on an airfield should show some kind of approach-plate-like presentation of all the data we have for it. Linking to the one on AIS is a great idea. Bonus: even now, if you zoom right in on an airfield, all its runways will appear (including dimensions) in their correct positions (where available).
I'm curious, do many people want to be able to print the map from SkyAngel? I don't want to get into a situation where somebody is trying to use it as a proper chart; as good as our data is, I can't make those sorts of guarantees.
Freightops, I'd love to include other countries. Compiling the data is a very laborious process, though. If anyone knows of anyone who would be willing to help us "support" a country by getting this data together, I'm sure arrangements could be made.
Anton, I'd love to enable the importing of raw data by those people who have a mind to create it. Would you be looking to import airfields, or some other entities?
englishal, thanks for the comments on airspace depiction, it's an area I've spent a huge amount of time tweaking to be as clear as possible. I disagree with setting the default airspace filter to FL100 but I'm happy to be proved wrong if the prevailing opinion is that this should be visible by default. Also note that although airways are turned off on the main map for clarity, they will appear in enroute features if you attempted a route that went through one.
All the info we have on DAs is shown in the tooltip that appears when you hover over them. If there were any more data I would agree with a separate window, but can't justify it right now.
Aha, so you're at EGHS, eh? Let's go for a pint at the pub and discuss further...
Regarding scheduling, are you looking for a means of filtering the NOTAM window so that you could say, for example, "only NOTAMS relevant to tomorrow"? I note that the RA(T) is showing for Sywell already. Bonus: If you click on a NOTAM containing a Red Arrows formation transit, it's plotted on the map so you can see exactly where they're going.
To create a user-defined waypoint, ctrl-click on the map. A window then pops up allowing you to define is as a literal coordinate or by reference to an existing waypoint (VOR etc). Also, you can shift-click anywhere on the map and a different window will pop up showing you a distance-sorted list of waypoints close to that position, including minor towns that might not be plotted on the map. I clearly need to add a right-click option for this too, so I'll put that on the list. Also user waypoints are not currently persisted, so that will need to be addressed.
I agree that double-clicking on an airfield should show some kind of approach-plate-like presentation of all the data we have for it. Linking to the one on AIS is a great idea. Bonus: even now, if you zoom right in on an airfield, all its runways will appear (including dimensions) in their correct positions (where available).
I'm curious, do many people want to be able to print the map from SkyAngel? I don't want to get into a situation where somebody is trying to use it as a proper chart; as good as our data is, I can't make those sorts of guarantees.
Freightops, I'd love to include other countries. Compiling the data is a very laborious process, though. If anyone knows of anyone who would be willing to help us "support" a country by getting this data together, I'm sure arrangements could be made.
Anton, I'd love to enable the importing of raw data by those people who have a mind to create it. Would you be looking to import airfields, or some other entities?
englishal, thanks for the comments on airspace depiction, it's an area I've spent a huge amount of time tweaking to be as clear as possible. I disagree with setting the default airspace filter to FL100 but I'm happy to be proved wrong if the prevailing opinion is that this should be visible by default. Also note that although airways are turned off on the main map for clarity, they will appear in enroute features if you attempted a route that went through one.
All the info we have on DAs is shown in the tooltip that appears when you hover over them. If there were any more data I would agree with a separate window, but can't justify it right now.
Aha, so you're at EGHS, eh? Let's go for a pint at the pub and discuss further...
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srayne, no help file for the moment I'm afraid. By the time of the next release, I will try to write one. In the meantime reading my replies in this thread should address the common how-tos.
Regarding your smartphone, it sounds like you need to install the .net compact framework 3.5 from Microsoft which is a requirement of SkyAngel.
You're quite correct that our TAF parser doesn't yet understand QNH forecasts; I'll get this fixed.
VictorGolf you can't actually add airfields in this version so you haven't missed anything! You can, however, ctrl-click on the map to create a user-defined waypoint that you can treat as an airfield. Unfortunately this won't be saved next time you open the software. This is an issue that'll be addressed for the next release.
Thanks all!
Regarding your smartphone, it sounds like you need to install the .net compact framework 3.5 from Microsoft which is a requirement of SkyAngel.
You're quite correct that our TAF parser doesn't yet understand QNH forecasts; I'll get this fixed.
VictorGolf you can't actually add airfields in this version so you haven't missed anything! You can, however, ctrl-click on the map to create a user-defined waypoint that you can treat as an airfield. Unfortunately this won't be saved next time you open the software. This is an issue that'll be addressed for the next release.
Thanks all!
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I disagree with setting the default airspace filter to FL100 but I'm happy to be proved wrong if the prevailing opinion is that this should be visible by default. Also note that although airways are turned off on the main map
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Excellent piece of kit. Well done.
Suggest that you speak to the Flightnav.co.uk boys who have been working on airfield information cards. Their aim is to keep the site free for use presumably by selling advertising.
The only obvious improvement would be if CAA were to publish air navigation data electronically - but then .....
Suggest that you speak to the Flightnav.co.uk boys who have been working on airfield information cards. Their aim is to keep the site free for use presumably by selling advertising.
The only obvious improvement would be if CAA were to publish air navigation data electronically - but then .....
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Anton, I'd love to enable the importing of raw data by those people who have a mind to create it. Would you be looking to import airfields, or some other entities?
By the way, are you using just the digital 3D terrain for terrain presentation or graphic images as well? In the latter case, different users may prefer different styles, so allowing people to scan their favourite maps (or convert existing digital charts) and insert them into the program may be a good idea.
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Cracking bit of software.
Would it be possible to search for Nav aids by there idents eg ADN,NGL etc.
I know its only meant for VFR but with a few changes it would be very usefull for sub FL100 IFR the vertical profile with airspace is superb
Would it be possible to search for Nav aids by there idents eg ADN,NGL etc.
I know its only meant for VFR but with a few changes it would be very usefull for sub FL100 IFR the vertical profile with airspace is superb
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Amazing software, got both applications working fine.
Not sure if it's already been mentioned, but it might be useful if when hovering the pointer over a VOR that it's details pop up ??
Tim
Not sure if it's already been mentioned, but it might be useful if when hovering the pointer over a VOR that it's details pop up ??
Tim
Very impresive, I .can’t find a way to dog-leg a route. F4 opens a search box, and inserting a pin does not allow me to route via it. Applications were EGPI – EGPE remaining S of Highland Restricted Area, and EGEC-EGPG keeping to N of EGPF airspace.
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Sounds and looks a lot like Home of the PocketFMS Foundation.
Great bit of software that also runs on the majority of car-navigators. That way you get a 7 inch screen moving-map for as little as 230 pounds.
I have no interest in either one of these programs, I just think that it`s great to see these developments.
Great bit of software that also runs on the majority of car-navigators. That way you get a 7 inch screen moving-map for as little as 230 pounds.
I have no interest in either one of these programs, I just think that it`s great to see these developments.
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As I fly from a farm strip how do I enter its details so every time I open Skyangel Plan it is still shown on the map?
Doglegging a route is messy as entering a user defined waypoint, then re-planning to use it finds you crossing an airspace, means guessing another waypoint and re-planning. It would be better if you could drag and drop the route.
Otherwise the basics of a good planner.
Doglegging a route is messy as entering a user defined waypoint, then re-planning to use it finds you crossing an airspace, means guessing another waypoint and re-planning. It would be better if you could drag and drop the route.
Otherwise the basics of a good planner.
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Anton, I'm going to make sure that in the next release it'll be possible to add your own data to it quite easily. Maybe not all types of data to start with, but certainly important bits (airfields, runways). Terrain drawing is done dynamically, there are no images. There's a page up on the SkyAngel site about the terrain data we use if you're interested.
mad_jock, searching for a waypoint by its ident is as easy as typing in uppercase in the waypoint finder window. Ctrl-F, EGHA, takes you to Compton Abbas. Radio aids and reporting points work the same way.
tlowther, we should definitely include waypoint details in the tooltip; good idea.
To dog-leg a route: just click on an existing route segment to select it, then click a waypoint to insert that waypoint in the route segment. You can ctrl-click to create a new one and select that. Is this too difficult? Are you expecting to be able to just drag a route on to a new waypoint rather than clicking twice?
yakker, the next release (which will be next week) will keep your user waypoints from one session to the next, and it'll also allow you to have your own personal database so you can add to the airfield database included with it. See above re doglegging a route, I'm interested in this because a lot of people seem to be having problems with it.
mad_jock, searching for a waypoint by its ident is as easy as typing in uppercase in the waypoint finder window. Ctrl-F, EGHA, takes you to Compton Abbas. Radio aids and reporting points work the same way.
tlowther, we should definitely include waypoint details in the tooltip; good idea.
To dog-leg a route: just click on an existing route segment to select it, then click a waypoint to insert that waypoint in the route segment. You can ctrl-click to create a new one and select that. Is this too difficult? Are you expecting to be able to just drag a route on to a new waypoint rather than clicking twice?
yakker, the next release (which will be next week) will keep your user waypoints from one session to the next, and it'll also allow you to have your own personal database so you can add to the airfield database included with it. See above re doglegging a route, I'm interested in this because a lot of people seem to be having problems with it.
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You can ctrl-click to create a new one and select that. Is this too difficult?
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Great stuff..
Like it - would buy it.
I prefer the "drag route to where you need it " method as used on Navbox and my 296..... if you are doing a poll Tim !
But your product is good...
Cheers
I prefer the "drag route to where you need it " method as used on Navbox and my 296..... if you are doing a poll Tim !
But your product is good...
Cheers