ARINC REPORT 443-2010 PDF

Full title and description

ARINC Report 443: Data Collection for Visual Databases — an industry information report prepared by the Flight Simulator Engineering and Maintenance Committee (FSEMC) that provides guidance on the critical data elements, photographic data requirements, and information‑exchange practices needed to create and maintain accurate visual databases for flight simulation and training devices.

Abstract

This report illustrates to airfield and airport authorities, visual‑database suppliers, and simulation developers the need for timely, accurate information about actual or planned changes to the physical airfield, identifies the critical visual‑database data elements required for simulation training, and describes their intended uses to support regulatory compliance of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs). It also provides photographic and attribute data requirements and a glossary of terms.

General information

• Status: Current (information report in force as published).
• Publication date: April 2010 (published April 2010; listed April 1–7, 2010 in source records).
• Publisher: Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC); prepared by the FSEMC.
• ICS / categories: Aviation; Flight simulation; Visual databases; Airport operations; Aeronautical data collection.
• Edition / version: ARINC Report 443 — 2010 edition.
• Number of pages: 37 pages (typical report length as published).

Scope

Defines minimum data elements and photographic requirements for building and maintaining geospatial and airport visual database content used in flight simulators and visual systems. The report is intended for airport operators, data suppliers, visual database developers, and simulator integrators to improve the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of airfield representation used in training and qualification of FSTDs.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification and description of critical data elements required for airfield visual databases (runways, taxiways, markings, signage, lighting, obstacles, gates, surrounding terrain and cultural features).
• Photographic data requirements and recommended imagery practices for accurate visual modeling.
• Data currency and change‑notification practices to ensure timely updates when physical changes occur on the airfield.
• Recommended attribute lists, coordinate and reference conventions, and minimal metadata to support database creation and validation.
• Guidance for airport authorities and data suppliers on communicating changes and providing source material to simulation developers.

Typical use and users

Used by visual database developers, simulation houses, flight simulator manufacturers, airlines, military simulation integrators, airport operators, and regulatory authorities involved in FSTD qualification and recurrent pilot training. The report supports production of Level A–D database content and alignment of visual models with regulatory qualification criteria.

Related standards

Referenced by and complementary to FSTD/simulator qualification guidance such as FAA advisory material and other ARINC/industry reports on simulation and aeronautical data. ARINC Report 443 is listed among ARINC publications addressing visual/database topics and is referenced in industry product listings and standards inventories.

Keywords

visual database, flight simulation, FSTD, airfield data, airport data, photographic requirements, ARINC 443, FSEMC, database currency, simulation training

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: An ARINC information report titled "Data Collection for Visual Databases" (Report 443, 2010) that documents the critical elements and data practices needed to build and maintain accurate visual databases for flight simulators.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The report covers required data elements for airfields and surrounding areas, photographic and imagery guidance, metadata and attribute recommendations, and procedures for timely notification of physical changes that affect visual databases used in training.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Visual database vendors, simulation integrators, aircraft operators, airport authorities, and organizations responsible for FSTD development, validation and maintenance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2010 ARINC Report 443 edition is published and listed as the active information report in industry catalogs; users should verify with the ARINC/standards publisher for any later amendments or errata before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one of ARINC's suite of reports addressing avionics, simulation and aeronautical data; related ARINC reports cover other aspects of simulation, database formats and avionics interfaces.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Visual database, airfield data, photogrammetry, simulation, FSTD, database currency, ARINC 443.