Network Manager nominated by the European Commission EUROCONTROL European AIS Database The single source of aeronautical information serving ATM and beyond 10 2003-2013 1
Table of contents General Overview 5 What is the European AIS database EAD? 5 EAD a unique concept 5 Benefits 6 Data Quality 6 Cost reduction 6 Availability and security 6 Data Coverage 6 Worldwide 6 ECAC 6 Accessing EAD 7 EAD Pro 7 MyEAD 7 EAD Basic 8 Download 8 AFTN 8 Supporting tools 8 Service Desk 8 Knowledge Base 8 SDO Input Guidance Manual - SIGMA 8 SDO Data Completeness Tool - SDC 8 EAD Training support and elearning 8 Solutions 9 SDO Static Data Operations 9 SDO functions for Data Providers 9 SDO functions for Data Users 9 AIP and Chart Production Tools AIP / CHT Production 10 AIP / CHT functions for Data Providers 10 PAMS Published AIP Management System 10 PAMS functions for Data Providers 10 PAMS functions for Data Users 10 INO International NOTAM Operations 11 INO functions for Data Providers 11 INO BF functions for ATS Reporting Offices 11 INO functions for Data Users 11 Becoming a client 12 Trial Period 12 User registration 12 Data User Agreement 12 Connection Support 12 EAD Information Request Form 13 3
General Overview What is the European AIS database EAD? EAD, developed by EUROCONTROL on behalf of its Member States, is a centralised reference database of quality-assured aeronautical information. It includes a fully integrated state-ofthe-art Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) solution, for the benefit of the ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) Member States and all airspace users. AIS units, acting as Data Providers, maintain the aeronautical information under their responsibility directly into the EAD. Airspace users, acting as Data Users, access the EAD to retrieve, consult and download this aeronautical Information. The rationale The concept of the EAD was developed by EUROCONTROL and its Member States following a study carried out in the early 1990s which revealed that the AIS operational structure at the time showed several limitations and drawbacks when seen from a European perspective. In some cases, this included: incoherence of cross-border aeronautical information inconsistent quality of data throughout the ECAC area lack of interoperability between systems due to different data models and exchange formats shortcomings in ensuring timely distribution of aeronautical information updates to all stakeholders duplication of effort and investment and therefore costs for all involved. It was concluded that the cost effectiveness of AIS operations, the quality of aeronautical data and the accessibility and availability of such data could be significantly improved through automation and centralisation. This resulted in the development of the EAD intended to facilitate European wide maintenance and distribution of aeronautical information. EUROCONTROL was entrusted with the development, establishment and operation of the EAD in July 1999. After the initial development phase, the EAD entered provisional service in July 2001 and began full operations in mid-2003. On 6 June 2013, the EAD celebrated ten years of successful operations. Today, the EAD is made available through the Directorate Network Management (DNM) of the EUROCONTROL Agency. DNM provides air traffic flow management services over the states of western and central Europe who are members of ECAC. Within DNM, the Airspace/AIS Data Management Unit (ADM) is responsible for the EUROCONTROL EAD service and overall coherence of aeronautical information aspects within DNM. Non European States are showing growing interest, which makes the scope of the EAD much wider than was originally expected. At this point in time 15 organisations outside the ECAC area are using the EAD; half of them are already providing their Aeronautical data to EAD. EAD a unique concept EAD is a single reference repository of aeronautical information. It enables centralised management of digital aeronautical information based on the AIXM model (Aeronautical Information Exchange Model) developed by EUROCONTROL. It enhances the quality of aeronautical data by using international standards and rigorous data-checking procedures, including in-depth validation and verification. Two main types of clients use the EAD: Data Providers (DP) and Data Users (DU). Additionally, the EAD Service Providers ensure the required support to States on an operational, technical and training level. Data Providers use different EAD components for the creation, maintenance and storage of aeronautical information. They retain full control of - and intellectual property rights over - the data they input into the EAD. The concept of having the Data Providers maintain their data in a common database is unique in the aviation world. Available EAD solutions for Data Providers are: Maintenance of static data - SDO Creation of NOTAM - INO Publication of aeronautical documents - PAMS AIP Production - AIP Chart Production - CHART. EAD Service Provision is responsible for the processing of worldwide NOTAM information as well as the Minimum Static Data and AIP documents, for all those ECAC States not migrated to the EAD, by using the SDO, INO and PAMS DP solutions. 5
Data Users consult and download aeronautical data or publications, and can generate reports from EAD. Available EAD solutions for Data Users are: DATA PROVIDER Direct data maintenance SD Since June 2003 Generation of static data reports SDO Pre-flight Information Bulletins (PIB) INO Briefing Facility for ATS Reporting Office (ARO) INO Consultation and download of aeronautical publications PAMS Benefits Data Quality NOTAM NOTAM SD Central AI repository DATA Quality DATA Users PIB, NOTAM, AIP, Charts NOTAM SD Data held in the EAD is assured against a variety of standards and recommendations including ICAO, OPADD, ESARRs, SDP, and the AICM/AIXM data models. The system and operational procedures areupdated in accordance with changes in applicable regulations. EAD Operations Non -migrated & worldwide Harmonisation and Consistency In addition, regular data quality reviews and consistency checks are conducted on data loaded by both the EAD and clients to ensure consistency and improve procedures to minimise errors. is supported by the 24h operational and technical Service Desk enabling rapid dissemination of information on any issues identified. The EAD facilitates in resolving cross-border data conflicts and guarantees the harmonisation of the available aeronautical information through well defined validation and harmonisation rules. Cost reduction The EAD is using modern technologies, such as VPN or SSL, for the timely and secure distribution of static and dynamic data. As such, the EAD is a truly reliable source of aeronautical information. Data Coverage As a single point of reference the EAD provides a cost benefit to both Data Users and Data Providers. The integration of the different AIS components into the EAD has reduced the workload throughout the AIS chain, including the cost and effort of paper dissemination. Centrally developed applications and common maintenance have reduced implementation and maintenance costs to clients, as well as increased compatibility between States. In addition to this, the centralised processing of worldwide NOTAM leads to added costs savings as well. Availability and security The service availability for the clients is covered by an SLA with the provider, with an availability requirement of 99.975%. This Worldwide Original and processed NOTAM, SNOWTAM and ASHTAM messages Minimum set of SDO required for NOTAM validation and Pre-Flight Information Bulletin (PIB) generation encompassing Aerodromes identification with associated Runways, Airspaces (FIR, UIR, TMA, P-D-R), Routes, Navaids and Waypoints. ECAC AIPs, AICs, Amendments, Supplements, and Charts Original and processed NOTAM, SNOWTAM and ASHTAM Full set of aeronautical information data published in AIP including: Aerodrome information, procedures, obstacles; enroute information, airspaces, routes, navaids and waypoints; and general information, organization, authority and units. 6
General Overview Accessing EAD AIMSL AIM Service Layer EAD Pro EAD Pro is the software suite of specially-designed applications to be installed on a PC. EAD Pro provides access to all EAD Applications (SDO, INO, PAMS, BF) via a user-friendly, graphical interface. It is the fully integrated, ready-to-run AIS solution, which lets Data Providers manage aeronautical information and retrieve the data. It provides also an easy access for Data Users. Each EAD application is separately available on a software license fee basis, including yearly maintenance providing annual releases of the software, and is supplied by the EAD IT Service Provider (ITP). ECIT EAD Client Interface Terminal EAD Pro software can be supplied pre-installed on a dedicated PC by ITP, requiring no additional set-up work to be done. Alternatively it can be installed by the client on any PC, meeting the technical specifications, through the supplied software installer. SSL secure internet access With AIMSL, the EAD has started to provide interfaces to the EAD sub-systems using open, standard technologies that enable interoperability according to the Service-Oriented Architecture principle, in particular Web Services. As such, any possible dependencies on a bespoke API and dedicated middleware are removed. Through AIMSL, the EAD will also be able to act as an Aeronautical Information Management System within the SESAR concept and exchange information with other systems through SWIM. EAD Basic EAD Basic is an application providing a quick and easy access to the EAD. Users who completed the on-line EAD Basic registration, will be able to browse the database via the web. EAD Basic provides, through a set of limited functions, the possibility: to create basic Pre-Flight Information Bulletins (PIB), to generate standard aeronautical data reports, and, to browse Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and chart publications. If the use of an ECIT is not required, the EAD Pro Data User applications can be made available by secure internet connection using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. As such, EAD Basic allows its users to get an idea of what Aeronautical Information is made available through the EAD prior to getting access through either EAD Pro or MyEAD. MyEAD MyEAD is the EAD system-to-system solution allowing client applications, which require aeronautical information, to access and/or exchange data seamlessly with the EAD. MyEAD requires the client to carry out some software development, based on schema supplied by EUROCONTROL, to access all EAD functions. Any MyEAD connection will need to be tested and validated prior to operational connection. ESI EAD System Interface ESI ensures the communication between an external client system and the services provided by the EAD sub-systems. The information exchanged via ESI is represented in XML. For the development of an ESI connection, the Application Programming Interface (API) and all other relevant technical documentation will be supplied by EUROCONTROL. EAD Basic can be accessed from: http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int Download For clients who require defined batches of data, the EAD offers the ability to download files from the EAD Internet File Server. Downloads can be made at regular intervals, or by ad-hoc requests through the EAD Service Desk from which the Client will receive a notification that the file has been made available. AFTN If needed, NOTAM information contained in the EAD can also be made available through a regular AFTN connection. 7
Supporting tools SDO Data Completeness Tool - SDC Service Desk The EAD Service Desk (SD) is the primary point of contact between clients and the EAD providing 24h operational and technical support for all clients, both Data Provider and Data User. Through the online SD Interface, clients can report errors, request downloads, ask questions and make suggestions. Knowledge Base The EAD Knowledge Base is a repository of EAD Documents related to both the operational and technical aspects of the system. Documents can either be searched for or can be browsed by sub-system providing users a first-line information source to anything EAD related, from the latest Release content document to User Manuals and technical descriptions. Through SDC, a process is set-up that facilitates the monitoring of static data completeness by both States and EUROCONTROL. This is done according to agreed Data Provider procedures supporting the provision of all the required static data resulting from the gap analysis that the SDC Tool provides. The Static data completeness is covering all relevant AIP information, and is going beyond the scope of ICAO Annex 15 requirements to address operational requirements as addressed in various working groups. EAD Training support and elearning Training is made available to all new clients of the EAD on each of the subsystems and the use of the service desk. This can take place in a variety of ways including: the EAD Training Centre in Frankfurt, on site at the client s premises, or by telephone. In addition, introductory and continuing training is available through the EAD e-learning facility. More information on the available EAD elearning modules can be found at: http://www.eurocontrol.int/ians/public/standard_page/ training_catalogue.html SDO Input Guidance Manual - SIGMA SIGMA has been developed by the EAD to support Data Providers uploading Static Data into the EAD. SIGMA includes encoding rules of AICM/AIXM, as well as EAD SDO specific rules, and contains AIP references where appropriate. The SIGMA Forum is an online discussion tool monitored by the EAD where users can ask questions and make use of the mutual knowledge available. SIGMA can be accessed from: http://www.eurocontrol.int/sigma 8
Solutions EAD Solutions and Workflow Worldwide Minimum Static Data Set Update SDO eaip Production & Charts Static Data... Worldwide AIP Subscription AFTN, worldwide NOTAM reception EAD Service ECAC AIS Office Military/ Civil TAM Creation AIP/Supp/AIC PAMS ECAC AIP Library... TAM Processing INO NOTAM Distribution Dynamic Data Briefing Facility As a central repository of aeronautical information, the EAD offers a number of seamlessly integrated sub-systems to support the daily operations of any AIS unit. From the maintenance of static data (SDO), to the creation (AIP/CHP) and publication of AIP information (PAMS) and distribution of NOTAM (INO), any AISP can use the different components throughout the publication process of aeronautical information. At the same time, the different sub-systems allow any user of aeronautical information to retrieve all information through the respective functions retrievel or query static data (SDO), download AIP information (PAMS) or generate PIB and retrieve NOTAM (INO). ATS Reporting office can also use the INO Briefing Facility (BF) to manage and distribute their flight plans. SDO allows the database to be queried through the generation of pre-defined reports or the creation of user-defined reports. A set of predefined filters can be incorporated in the report creation (e.g. validity period, sorting order, aeronautical region etc.). The report can be generated in plain text or in XML format. User defined reports allow the creation, deletion, modification, retrieval, storage and execution of bespoke reports in the EAD; while Pre-defined reports are created by EAD Staff to be used by anyone having access to the database. SDO also provides a graphical facility for the verification and visualisation of complex static data changes before publication, while it can also be used to build up queries and display the results in a graphical manner, provided the static data has coordinates (lat/long). SDO Static Data Operations SDO is the central repository of validated static data based on AICM/AIXM specifications. It is the heart of the EAD and enables Data Providers to maintain the static data for their area of responsibility and allows Data Users to retrieve static data from all areas. After data validation, the information is made available to the different sub-systems to produce the AIP and Charts, to validate the NOTAM information at creation or during processing, and to perform the pre-validation of a flight-plan when using the Briefing facility. SDO functions for Data Providers Insertion, maintenance, withdrawal of data in AIXM format Graphical validation and verification Slot management for publication of data Upload facilities for data received from originators SIGMA and SDC Support SDO functions for Data Users Generation of pre-defined report Creation of user-defined report Graphical reporting facility Data download in AIXM-XML, ARINC format 9
AIP and Chart Production Tools AIP/CHT Production PAMS Published AIP Management System The AIP Production Tool is used to generate and maintain the official national AIS documentation: AIP, AIRAC & non-airac AIP Amendments and Supplements, AICs and checklists for Supplements and AICs. It provides facilities for: managing the different versions of a document using the AIP manager, modifying a document using the database by inserting a database link inset in a paragraph or entering a table link inset in a document, and generating document amendments in PDF or XML format. The Chart Production Tool is used to generate and maintain aeronautical charts defined in an AIP. It provides facilities to: set up a chart s geographical reference, compose a chart with elements from the database, synchronise a chart with annotation from the database, update a chart for a new effective date, maintain chart specifications and publish a chart. The static data (Aerodrome, FIR, etc,) necessary for the creation of both AIP documents and charts, is replicated from the SDO database to the AIP and Chart database respectively. PAMS is the library of ECAC States Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs), AIP Amendments, AIP Supplements and Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs) and Charts. It also includes all AIP information from migrated States from outside the ECAC region. It enables Data Providers to store AIP, Amendments, Supplements, AIC, and Charts, including meta-data such as effective date and document heading in a document library. The storage format to be used for the documents is either PDF or XML format. The automatic creation of NOTAM proposals, supported in PAMS, is in accordance with the static data operational procedures, when a newly created document is to be published. PAMS enables Data Users to search aeronautical documents, based on the meta-data filters associated with the documents or the content of the documents itself. PAMS functions for Data Providers Publication of documents and charts generated from EAD AIP & CHT tools as well as from non-ead tools Publication in PDF and XML/HTML format Pre-publication area Meta data setting per document PAMS functions for Data Users Search, view, download, print aeronautical documents and charts Advanced search selection criteria: AIP type and section, effective date, meta data Iconography matching status of documents AIP/CHT functions for Data Providers Creation and maintenance of aeronautical publications (eaip, AIP, AMDT, SUPP, CIRC) Creation and maintenance of aeronautical charts SDO data linkage Automatic generation of AIRAC or regular amendments and charts Outputs: eaip, PDF or HTML 10
Solutions INO International NOTAM Operations As a worldwide database of original and processed messages used in AIS and ATM, the INO sub-system provides consistent and validated NOTAM, SNOWTAM and ASHTAM. The INO Briefing Facility (BF) for ATS Reporting Offices (ARO) provides the ability to handle flight plans and related information integrated in the INO Data User application. Through this integration of the BF into the existing INO DU application, the user can automatically generate or schedule a PIB for a planned flight. It enables the creation, maintenance and distribution of NOTAM, SNOWTAM, and ASHTAM for NOTAM offices (NOF) in accordance with ICAO Standards And Recommended Practices (SARPS) and EUROCONTROL Operating Procedures for AIS Dynamic Data (OPADD). It offers the possibility of creating all different types of TAM messages as well as basic data maintenance such as NOF Series, AFTN address lists and distribution lists. INO also supports the NOTAM management process by providing increased quality and consistency through a single repository, NOTAM-SDO linkage, NOTAM grouping, and making available NOTAM templates and proposals. In addition NOTAM can be monitored by estimated NOTAM, NOTAM history, and NOTAM proposals. As such, it enables direct access to NOTAM, SNOWTAM, ASHTAM for briefing purposes (PIB Pre-flight Information Bulletins). Additionally, monitoring of all incoming NOTAM is possible. Briefings available include: aerodrome, area and special area; based on airspace or centre point radius; route, based on aerodrome of departure/destination and over-flown FIRs; and narrow route, based on a pre-defined route, a flight plan, or a route described by the operator. For each PIB, the following features can also be requested: a full or update PIB; immediate notification during a predefined period of time after creation of the PIB; storage of pre-defined routes based on flight plan or ad-hoc definition; storage of frequently requested PIB in a profile; allowing the user to re-use the definition of the PIB later on; schedule a profile based on a date/time parameter. For enhanced usability, pre-defined routes can be stored based on flight plan or ad-hoc definition and store frequently requested PIB in a profile, for later re-use. Through the BF, users are able to: create, validate and distribute flight plans; manage repetitive flight plans; manage client information and AFTN addresses; monitor the real traffic situation; identify the status of different flight plans; and manage incoming and outgoing messages. The Flight Plan (FPL) function enables users to: create new FPL; manage routes; pre-validate the FPL against SDO data; validate the FPL against the IFPUV; save a FPL in the FPL list; send the FPL via AFTN; generate a PIB for a specific FPL; and create AFTN addresses. INO functions for Data Providers Creation and distribution of NOTAM, SNOWTAM, ASHTAM NOTAM SDO Linkage Grouping and Templates NOTAM history and proposals International, National and Military Series Meteo Support INO Contingency INO BF functions for ATS Reporting Offices Creation, validation, distribution of Flight Plans Monitoring of real traffic situation Management of incoming and outgoing messages Management of client information and AFTN addresses INO functions for Data Users Pre-flight Information Bulletin (PIB) inquiry: Aerodrome, Area, Special area, Route, Narrow route PIB scheduling Profile and route management Graphical reporting TAM Subscription 11
Becoming a client Trial Period The EADPro suite of software is made available to prospective Data Users for a 3 month trial period. User registration To become an EAD Data User, please complete the Data User registration form, which is available on the EAD general website: http://www.eurocontrol.int/network-operations/ead-servicerequest-form After receipt of the registration form a tailor-made offer will be distributed, based on your specific requirements and needs. This indicates the start of the connection activities. Data User Agreement Prior to connecting to the EAD a Data User Agreement must be signed between the Data User (client) and EUROCONTROL. This agreement will define the roles, responsibilities and the obligations of both the client and EUROCONTROL, including liability regarding data. Connection Support During the connection activities, the EAD Migration Manager will assist the client until the finalisation of the migration process. 12
EAD Information Request Form We are interested in the European AIS Database (EAD), please send us more information. Our contact details: Company:... Unit/Dept.:... Name:... First Name:... Position:... E-mail:... Phone:... Mobile:... Fax:.... Street:... Zip Code:.... City:... Country:... Nature of Business:... (I.e. airline, airport, commercial user, etc.) We are interested in q q q q q q SDO - Static Data Operations INO - International Notam Operations PAMS - Published AIP Management System EAD Basic EAD Pro MyEAD EAD Contact Point Guido Haesevoets EAD Customer & Migration Management EUROCONTROL Rue de la Fusée 96 B-1130 Brussels Phone: +32 2 729 11 34 Fax: +32 2 729 90 29 E-mail: ead.service@eurocontrol.int EAD general website: http://eurocontrol.int/ead EAD Basic website: http://ead.eurocontrol.int 13
EUROCONTROL May 2013 European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) This document is published by EUROCONTROL for information purposes. It may be copied in whole or in part, provided that EUROCONTROL is mentioned as the source and it is not used for commercial purposes (i.e. for financial gain). The information in this document may not be modified without prior written permission from EUROCONTROL. www.eurocontrol.int