Pathfinder Features & Benefits
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Geodesic Calculator Plus
Use Pathfinder wherever accurate, precise, geographical calculations with a high degree integrity are desired including the design of instrument approach procedures, airway development, airspace design, etc.
What Does It Do?
Pathfinder is an advanced Geodesic calculator that includes a magnetic variation model, mapping functions and a database.
Who Uses It?
Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) offices use Pathfinder to maintain computational standards in accordance with Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and practices. Pathfinder is ideal for aeronautical information and airspace specialists.
Geodesic Calculator
The Pathfinder geodesic calculator computes geodesics at any altitude set by the user from the earth's surface to 100,000 feet. Bearing values are provided in both true and magnetic using the built-in variation model. Data created in the geodesic calculator can be saved to the database for subsequent retrieval and/or for display using the mapping function. Units of measure can be changed at the touch of a button.
Pathfinder calculates:
- Great circle bearings (both forward and reverse);
- Distances;
- New geographic positions, and;
- Intersections or waypoints.
Resolution exceeds all industry and ICAO requirements.
Variation Model
The Pathfinder variation model can be used either in conjunction with the geodesic calculator or independently with its own window. The model computes variation at the earth's surface or at any altitude up to 100,000 feet. The variation model is indispensable for today's navigation practices.
- Epoch year can be set by the user from 1945 to 2015.
- Automatically applies variation to computed bearings in the geodesic calculator.
- Accurate to within 15 arc seconds (1/240 of one degree).
- Variation model applicable over the entire globe.
Mapping
The mapping feature in Pathfinder shows aeronautical data that has been calculated with the geodesic calculator or simply entered into the database. Classes of data can be turned on or off to reduce clutter. The map feature permits crucial visualization of computed data to ensure consistency.
- User selectable Mercator or orthographic map projections.
- Symbol library contains all typical aeronautical chart symbology.
- Display data calculated in the geodesic calculator.
- World coastlines and political boundaries displayed.
- Displays data from the aeronautical database.
- Maps can be scaled from 0.1 degrees to the entire globe.
Database
The database in Pathfinder provides full browse, editing and printing features. The database is invaluable in maintaining a secure, consistent and reliable record of aeronautical data.
- Permits important aeronautical data to be retrieved for use with the geodesic calculator or for display in the map feature.
- Maintains data integrity.
- Database files can be sent to third parties helping to maintain data integrity.
- Saves computations from the geodesic calculator.
Benefits
- Pathfinder reduces the need for paper maps.
- Segregated database files help to ensure data integrity.
- Provides third party aeronautical data vendors with timely and precise data.
- Visualisation of data in the Pathfinder map provides instant evaluation with respect to other data.
- Runs on a standard PC.
- Used by the world's foremost aviation authorities.
