A tool for visualizing future traffic flow complexity

FAA traffic managers require decision support tools that will help them visualize the complex interactions of air traffic flows. With advanced tools, they can more effectively and efficiently carry out their responsibilities. MITRE/CAASD and the FAA have developed one such tool, the Future Traffic Display, which displays future positions of air traffic. Future Traffic Display enables traffic managers to examine both current flight plan trajectories and the predicted results of proposed traffic flow management strategies. Evaluations conducted with the Future Traffic Display, both in a simulation environment and in field shadow mode operations, show that traffic managers find the Future Traffic Display useful for numerous tasks: analyzing potential problems, identifying flows involved in the problem, visualizing the effect of a proposed traffic management initiative for resolving the problem, monitoring customer-submitted preferred routes, determining whether those routes could be accommodated, and coordinating with customers and other traffic managers. After the most recent evaluations, both traffic manager and customer participants affirmed the value of Future Traffic Display, listing it as their top priority for implementation.