Airspace Composite Maps
A composite airspace surface map (composite map) is intended to aggregate and display the airspace surfaces that are most critical for a particular airport in a simplified manner. A composite map is intended to establish the lowest limits of an airport’s airspace up to which development can be allowed. Long-term development should be considered when establishing the lowest limits because it is difficult to lower a surface after development has already occurred. Once established, a composite map can be used to evaluate proposed developments in the airport’s vicinity in order to protect the airport’s utility by maintaining clear approaches for landing and departing aircraft. The complexity of a composite map varies with the complexity of the airport and its runway system. Two examples of composite maps have been prepared for user familiarization with the concept.
Disclaimer: The sample airspace composite maps contained herein are presented as examples of what a custom composite of critical airspace surfaces for an airport may look like. Developed in 3D design software, the files were converted into KMZ and KML file formats for use with Google Earth free software. Due to the limitations of that software platform and the complexity of rendering the multi-dimensional surface composite, the load times and performance of the file viewer will vary substantially based on particular computer specifications. The hypothetical airport surface layouts were located outside U.S. borders and are not intended to represent any specific facility.