The Aviation screen is divided into 7 different maps, as described below:
6.9.1 – METAR
6.9.2 – Visibility
6.9.3 – Glide Index
6.9.4 – Glide Flight Distance
6.9.5 – Boundary Layer Height
6.9.6 – Clear Air Turbulence
6.9.7 – SIGMET
Below we will discuss each of the maps in detail.
6.9.1 – METAR
This map shows real-time weather conditions at official airports worldwide. It is based on measurements taken at the airport. When you select a station on the map, all available information is displayed. METAR weather reports are mainly used by pilots as part of their pre-flight weather briefing.
The METAR map (Nº1) illustrates different weather conditions, using various alerts on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.9.1A below shows how the METAR map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.9.1A – METAR Map
The time selector bar (Nº3) will show the different dates and times available to check forecasts for the selected region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the preset Zoom options bar (Nº4) located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.9.2 – Visibility
These maps show horizontal visibility as a distance in meters (m) with colors specified on the color bar. Visibility of less than one kilometer is called fog, and between one and eight kilometers is called mist.
The Visibility map (Nº1) illustrates different visibility conditions, using varying intensities of colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.9.2A below shows how the Visibility map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.9.2A – Visibility Map
Hovering over the map will present different visibility values in meters (Nº3) for the selected date and time. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the lower left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates and times available to check forecasts for the selected region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the preset Zoom options bar (Nº6) located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.9.3 – Glide Index
These maps show the dimensionless lift index with colors as indicated on the map legend. A low glide index indicates the absence of thermals or weak thermals, while a high glide index indicates possible storms.
The glide index map (Nº1) illustrates different indices, using varying intensities of colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.9.3A below shows how the Glide Index map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.9.3A – Glide Index Map
Hovering over the map will present different glide index values (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the lower left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates and times available to check forecasts for the selected region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the preset Zoom options bar (Nº6) located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.9.4 – Glide Flight Distance
This map shows how many kilometers (km) a skilled pilot can fly in a glider based on prevailing weather conditions. The expected flight distances are shown on the map with colors, as indicated on the color scale.
The Glide Flight Distance map (Nº1) illustrates different glider flight distances, using varying intensities of colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.9.4A below shows how the Glide Flight Distance map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.9.4A – Glide Flight Distance Map
Hovering over the map will present different glider flight distances (Nº3) for the selected date and time. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the lower left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates and times available to check forecasts for the selected region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the preset Zoom options bar (Nº6) located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.9.5 – Boundary Layer Height
These maps show the boundary layer height in meters (m) with the colors defined on the color bar. The boundary layer is the lowest part of the troposphere and is defined as the layer where friction with the Earth’s surface influences airflow. It typically ranges from a few hundred meters to 2 km in depth.
The Boundary Layer Height map (Nº1) illustrates the different heights of the lowest part of the troposphere, using varying intensities of colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.9.5A below shows how the Boundary Layer Height map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.9.5A – Boundary Layer Height Map
Hovering over the map will present different boundary layer height values (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the lower left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates and times available to check forecasts for the selected region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the preset Zoom options bar (Nº6) located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.9.6 – Clear Air Turbulence
These maps show the expected intensity of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) with colors as indicated on the map legend. Visualizing clear air turbulence on weather maps is very useful for being prepared for regions where heavy turbulence may appear. This allows for planning a smoother flight path, avoiding regions with severe CAT.
The Clear Air Turbulence map (Nº1) illustrates different areas of turbulent air, using varying intensities of colors on the map (Nº2). Figure 6.9.6A below shows how the Clear Air Turbulence map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.9.6A – Clear Air Turbulence Map
The map values can be compared to the legend (Nº3) located in the lower left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº4) will show the different dates and times available to check forecasts for the selected region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the preset Zoom options bar (Nº5) located in the upper right corner of the screen.
6.9.7 – SIGMET
SIGMET is a weather alert system for air traffic. Hazard warnings are issued by a monitoring center for a specific area and typically remain in effect for four hours. The warnings are visualized with colors as specified in the legend.
TSGR = Thunderstorm with hail
TURB = Turbulence
LLWS = Low-level wind shear
MTW = Mountain waves
ICE = Icing
TC = Tropical cyclones
SS = Sandstorms
DS = Dust storms
VA = Volcanic ash
☢ CLD = Radioactive cloud
The SIGMET alert map (No. 1) illustrates various alerts using different colors on the map (No. 2). Figure 6.9.7A below shows how the SIGMET alert map is presented on the platform.
Figure 6.9.7A – SIGMET Map
On the SIGMET map screen, different alerts will be presented (Nº3) for the selected date. If the user prefers, the map values can be compared to the legend (Nº4) located in the lower left corner of the screen. The time selector bar (Nº5) will show the different dates available to check forecasts for the selected region. If the user needs to adjust the zoom of the image on the screen, they can use the preset Zoom options bar (Nº6) located in the upper right corner of the screen.