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ClearFlite®

ClearFlite obstruction surfaceClearFlite is an airfield obstruction software tool that allows operators to easily identify and collect vertical obstructions in and around airfields using stereo imagery. The output can be directly used by a GIS application. ClearFlite is designed to operate with SOCET SET.

  • Automatically create 3D vector and elevation model of the Obstruction Identification Surface (OIS) over any runway
  • Creates all FAR-77 OISs (Objects affecting navigable airspace)
  • Stereo view of terrain and vertical obstructions around any airfield
  • Continuously displays elevation and height above OIS
  • Visual indicator when objects are above or below the OIS
  • Automatic population of critical attributes
  • Edit and delete obstruction features
  • Track inspected areas of the OIS
  • Automatic cursor tracking on the OIS
  • Export obstruction features to 3D Shapefile or Arc-Gen formats
  • Generate a Universal Data Delivery format report of obstructions
  • Automatic delineation of terrain obstructions

ClearFliteOn April 3, 1996 U.S Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown and 30 other passengers and crew were killed when their aircraft hit the side of a mountain in Croatia.

In addition to gross pilot error and mediocre navigational equipment, the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Air Force determined that the aeronautical charts and cartographic data in and around the airfield were outdated or did not exist.

On behalf of aviation safety, the U.S. Congress funded the Ron Brown Airfield Initiative. ClearFlite is part of this effort.

What is ClearFlite?

ClearFlite is an Airfield Obstruction Tool software product that lets operators identify and collect vertical obstructions in and around airfields using stereo imagery. ClearFlite automatically generates the NGA’s Ron Brown Airfield Initiative Obstruction Identification Surface and also includes all instrument landing surfaces. Operators can identify and collect vertical obstructions in and around airfields and runways. The data generated from ClearFlite can be used directly by a GIS and/or a Visualization application. ClearFlite is an extension to our photogrammetric product SOCET SET.

Why did we do it?

ClearFliteBAE SYSTEMS developed ClearFlite in response to NGA’s Ron Brown Airfield Initiative. The goal of the RBAI is to produce the safest possible Terminal Procedures or TERPS for some of the world’s busiest airports. TERPS consist of detailed information about airfields, runways, and vertical obstructions. The RBAI consists of all military and civilian airports at which U.S. Department of Defense passenger aircraft are anticipated to land on 3 or more times per year. This consists of over 2,000 airfields worldwide. NGA was tasked to develop a database of these airfields containing the Airfield Survey Data, Airfield Features, Vertical Obstructions, and Airfield Elevation Models.

The problem with all of this is the existing data collection process...

Historically, airfield vertical obstruction identification was done with conventional land surveying methods. Although these methods are the most accurate, they are also the most costly and time consuming. Additionally, conventional methods do not have the ability to determine a vertical object vs. a vertical obstruction. ClearFlite does have the ability to determine a vertical obstruction by automatically generating an Obstruction Identification Surface.

What is an OBSTRUCTION IDENTIFICATION SURFACE or OIS?

An OIS is an imaginary surface that defines the obstruction area in and around the airfield. The size and length of the surface vary depending on the use of the airfield (civilian, military). The OIS determines which objects are vertical obstructions. If an object penetrates the OIS it is considered a vertical obstruction.

Obstruction Identification Surface

  • 3-D imaginary “football stadium” shape
  • 7 nautical miles about the runway
  • Consists of the following surfaces Approach surfaces:
    • Primary surface
    • Inner and Outer horizontal surfaces
    • Conical Surfaces
    • Transition Surfaces
  • Different zones and surfaces for different governing agencies(FAA, NGA, ICAO)

How does ClearFlite work?

ClearFlite uses soft-copy photogrammety, GIS, and geospatial analysis to identify and collect vertical obstructions. This is accomplished by:

  • Identifing and inputting runway end points.
  • Automatically building 3d OIS model
  • Building a reflective surface elevation model - similar to a lidar database.
  • Intersecting the OIS and the elevation model - this automatically identifies terrain obstacles.
  • Extracting the vertical obstructions in stereo - attributes are automatically applied to obstructions.
  • Exporting data to GIS/Visualization application. (Yellow polygons show obstructing terrain and symbols show vertical obstructions.)

Key Features

  • ClearFlite automatically generates a 3D OIS and elevation model over the runway.
  • The terrain obstructions are automatically generated.
  • The user has a 3D stereo view of terrain, features, and obstacles.
  • ClearFlite has a cursor tracking system with a visual indicator that continuously displays elevation and height above the OIS.
  • ClearFlite exports to all major 3rd party GIS and Visualization applications.

Accuracy

Scenario:

  • Typical camera with a 6 inch focal length
  • Aerial photography with a scale of 1:24,000
  • Image scan resolution of 15 micron (.7 meter GSD)

Vertical Accuracy (Z) = .81 meter
Horizontal Accuracy (X,Y) = .50 meter

This meets or exceeds all NGA, FAA, and ICAO accuracy requirements.