AWE: aviation weather data visualization environment

Weather is one of the major causes of aviation accidents. General aviation (GA) flights account for 92% of all the aviation accidents. Researchers are addressing this problem from various perspectives including improving meteorological forecasting techniques, collecting additional weather data automatically via on-board sensors and "flight" modems, and improving weather data dissemination (often available only in the textual format) and visualization techniques. We approach the problem from the improved dissemination perspective and propose weather visualization methods tailored for general aviation pilots. Although some aviation weather data, such as possible icing (Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMETs)) or turbulence conditions (Significant Meteorological Conditions (SIGMETs)), or information about precipitation intensity and movement, has already been presented well by existing systems, there is still an urgent need for visualizing several critical weather elements neglected so far. Our system, Aviation Weather Data Visualization Environment (AWE), focuses on graphical displays of these weather elements, namely, meteorological observations, terminal area forecasts, and winds aloft forecasts and maps them onto a cartographic grid specific to the pilot's area of interest. Additional weather graphics such as icing (AIRMETs) or turbulence conditions (SIGMETs) can easily be added to our system to provide a pilot with a more complete visual weather briefing. Decisions regarding the graphical display and design are made based on careful consideration of user needs. Integral visual display of these elements of weather reports is designed for the use of GA pilots as a weather briefing and route selection tool, AWE provides linking of the weather information to the flight's path and schedule. The pilot can interact with the system to obtain aviation-specific weather for the entire area or for his specific route to explore what-if scenarios including the selection of alternates, and make "go/no-go" decisions. AWE, as evaluated by some pilots at National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, was found to be useful. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.