Virtual Reality in Air Traffic Control

Air traffic control is a highly spatial work. However, there are currently no three-dimensional tools used in the education of air traffic controllers or in the operational work of air traffic control. This paper presents results from some pilot studies aiming to:
-Find new techniques for visualization and editing of trajectories in air traffic control.
-Investigate how Virtual Reality (VR) can contribute to the air traffic controllers’ understanding of the air space and of certain situations. Two VR models have been developed. In one model a procedure called ‘holding’ is visualized. In the other VR model the different sectors in the air space are shown to make it easier for the air traffic controller to build a mental picture of a sector. In a training package the user can fly around in the sector and see how traffic passes through.
These introductory studies indicate the usefulness of new ways to present the third dimension in a variety of air traffic situations. The tools can be used to visualize a three dimensional situation and help the air traffic controller to build a mental model The most obvious application area is in training and education of air traffic controllers but other applications such as an explanation and communication tool in the investigation after an incident are of interest.