AeroMetric completed the nation’s first ‘robust data collection’ on the Valley International Airport project in Harlingen, Texas, a 3-runway airport, located west of the Gulf of Mexico. A National Geodetic Survey (NGS) review confirmed the accuracy of the data, which is critical for flight operation safety. NGS acceptance opens the way forward for the creation of the first electronic Airport Layout Plan (eALP) produced in compliance with the new FAA guidelines.
This assignment was one of six pilot programs selected by the FAA Southwest Region for their Airport GIS program. Under this program, the selected airports will develop an Airport GIS and an eALP in compliance with FAA AC 150/5300-16A, -17B, and -18B.
AeroMetric, working as a sub-consultant to AECOM, submitted quality control, geodetic, and flight plans through the FAA GIS website, acquired aerial photography to be used for photogrammetric mapping and obstruction analysis, and completed detailed mapping. The final planimetric maps incorporated detailed feature attribution. Orthophotography was provided at a one-foot pixel resolution for the project area, and 0.25-foot pixel resolution for the entire airport property.
In addition, the airport and the project team worked with the FAA to evaluate, beta test, and provide recommendations for improvement to the standards, FAA business processes, and tools that will enhance Airport GIS programs for future participating airports.
Elliott Lindgren, Senior Project Manager with AECOM, said, “AeroMetric was very responsive to the needs of the project and did a fantastic job for us. We established a great working relationship as we broke new ground at Valley International, learning a lot together, and developing a very efficient work flow that we are applying to similar airport assignments around the country.”
Bryan Wren, Assistant Director of Aviation, Valley International Airport, said, “Working with AeroMetric on this project has been a great experience and their professionalism was by far the best I have ever experienced. I am especially pleased with their responsiveness and the accuracy of their work. Teamwork was a big part of the success with all team members playing a role in producing the data set that was approved by NGS. This will result in the first eALP in the nation and that is a real accomplishment.”AeroMetric, Inc. is a full-service geospatial solutions company built on over eight decades of consistent, quality service and enduring client relationships. The firm offers a comprehensive range of on-target geospatial solutions including the latest in photogrammetric, lidar, satellite and airborne imaging technology and has earned a reputation for technical excellence, superior service, and on-time, on-budget delivery. For more information please call 1-800-558-6707 or visit www.aerometric.com.
