[Freegis-list] Re: Aviation navigation (long)

[Matt.Wilkie]

> Now, if we can do this, we might also be able to perform location
> projections to warn the pilot of impending doom (if you stay at this
> altitude and speed, you'll hit a mountain in 2 minutes), or of airspace
> violations (on present course, you're going to fly through a Class B
> airspace,) and etc.

Be very careful of this. There are more regulations for aviation than
any other single field I can think of and navigation is one of the
stickiest parts. Whatever you do, don't say "and this program can warn
you if you are on a collision course with a mountain". DEM data, 
especially publicly available data, is not all that accurate to begin
with. Add to that that people like to stick things like 25m microwave
towers and windmills on top of mountains...

So, go ahead and program the capability, but don't publicize it as
warning device. And talk to a lawyer familiar with navigation law
who can tell you the proper way to say "this is not to be used as a
safety device".

> > 4. Am I out of my mind here?

No, go for it. :)

cheers,

-matt

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Matt Wilkie * Yukon Renewable Resources GIS
http://renres.gov.yk.ca/pubs/rrgis/
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