Stringent Terrain And Obstacle Requirements Mandated by eTOD Initiative

An advanced terrain and obstacle map for the U.S., Europe, and other regions around the world is being compiled by Intermap Technologies using its high-resolution NEXTMap digital elevation data, the company said Monday. The map will be used to develop an advanced terrain and obstacle solution in advance of the ICAO’s eTOD (Electronic Terrain Obstacle Data) initiative. The process for collecting the NEXTMap dataset is currently undergoing certification by the FAA. NEXTMap data will ultimately enable an eTOD solution, which will help address cross-border integration issues in an effort to satisfy the need for uniformity and consistency in the provision of aeronautical information.

Developed in concert with several European-based air navigation service providers, the solution can potentially reduce the risk of collision with terrain and other obstacles by satisfying new reporting and accuracy requirements within well-defined distances surrounding aerodromes throughout Europe.

Available as early as the second quarter of 2010, the solution is expected to be compatible with existing planning tools and software, enable low upfront costs to the member states, and provide easy access to a seamless terrain and obstacle database that is centrally located.

“One of the most exciting aspects of helping make this solution available,” said Adam Denman, Intermap’s vice president and general manager for Europe, “is it will increase the safety of flights for crews and passengers by significantly reducing errors in the terrain and obstacle dataset here in Europe and by removing current issues associated with utilizing data in different coordinate systems from neighboring countries.”

FMI: www.Intermap.com, www.AccuTerra.com