FAA 13A Surfaces (Aviation Tools)

Summary

Creates obstruction identification surfaces (OIS) based on the FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13A specification. These primary and approach surfaces are designed to determine which objects are vertical obstructions and are used to support planning and design activities. The type, function, and dimension of a surface differ by its runway classification. This tool creates surfaces as a polygon or multipatch features.

Legacy:

This is a deprecated tool. This functionality has been replaced by the FAA 13 tool that creates obstruction identification surfaces (OIS) based on the FAA Advisory Circular AC150/5300-13B specification.

Usage

The Input Runway Features parameter value must be z-enabled.
The Target OIS Features parameter value must be z-enabled.
This tool creates the OIS in an existing polygon or multipatch feature class. It can also be generated in an existing polygon shapefile. If a feature class is specified for the Target OIS Features parameter value, it must have a vertical spatial reference.
OIS tools are flexible and accept a variety of input and output feature class types. For more information, see the OIS Input and Output schemas.
The selection you make in the High Runway End Classification parameter and the Low Runway End Classification parameter will automatically populate most of the surface perimeters.
The Input Threshold Point Features parameter can be used to supply x-, y-, and z-geometry for displaced threshold features. If displaced thresholds are included, surfaces will be constructed based on their x-, y-, and z-geometry instead of their corresponding runway feature endpoint.
To create a .json file for the Custom JSON File parameter, use the CustomizeOIS.exe utility included in the Aviation Airports Product Data download available from My Esri.
To generate clearway surfaces, check the Generate Clearway Surfaces parameter, and specify a value for the Generate Departure Surfaces parameter.
The High Runway End Classification parameter refers to runway direction identifiers 19 through 36. The Low Runway End Classification parameter refers to runway direction identifiers 01 through 18.

Label	Explanation	Data type
Input Runway Features	The input runway dataset. The feature class must be z-enabled and contain polylines.	Feature Layer
Target OIS Features	The target feature class that will contain the generated OIS.	Feature Layer
High Runway End Classification	Specifies the classification of the high end of the runway. Small airplanes approach speeds less than 50 knots—This runway classification is designed for light aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 254 pounds and approach speed less than 50 knots. This is a visual runway only that can be used during the day or night. Small airplanes approach speeds 50 knots or more—This runway classification is designed for light aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 1,320 pounds and approach speed more than 50 knots. This is a visual runway only that can be used during the day or night. Large airplanes for visual runways only, day or night—This runway classification is designed for aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds. The approach end of the runway is expected to serve large airplanes as a visual runway available day or night, or instrument approach with a minimum greater than one statute mile (1.6 kilometers) only during the day. Instrument approach visibility greater than or equal to 3/4 mile—This runway classification is designed for an instrument approach procedure where the visibility is greater than (>) three-fourths of a mile and less than one mile. The approach end of the runway is expected to accommodate instrument approaches with visible minimums more than three-fourths but less than 1 statute mile (1.2 < 1.6 kilometers) during day or night. Instrument approach less than 3/4 mile visibility—This runway classification's course and vertical path guidance are provided with visibility less than (<) three-fourths of a mile. The approach end of the runway is expected to accommodate instrument approaches with visibility minimum less than three-fourths of a statute mile (1.2 kilometers) or precision approach (Instrument landing System [ILS] or Global Navigation Satellite System [GNSS] Landing System [GLS]) day or night. Vertical guidance approach—This runway classification uses precision guidance systems to support aircraft approach and landing. The approach of the runway is expected to accommodate approaches with vertical guidance such as a Glide Path Qualification Surface (GPQS).	String
Low Runway End Classification (Optional)	Specifies the classification of the low end of the runway. The low runway end is the same as the high runway end classification—Same as high runway end classification Small airplanes approach speeds less than 50 knots—This runway classification is designed for light aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 254 pounds and approach speed less than 50 knots. This is a visual runway only that can be used during the day or night. Small airplanes approach speeds 50 knots or more—This runway classification is designed for light aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 1,320 pounds and approach speed more than 50 knots. This is a visual runway only that can be used during the day or night. Large airplanes for visual runways only, day or night—This runway classification is designed for aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds. The approach end of the runway is expected to serve large airplanes as a visual runway available day or night, or instrument approach with a minimum greater than one statute mile (1.6 kilometers) only during the day. Instrument approach visibility greater than or equal to 3/4 mile—This runway classification is designed for an instrument approach procedure where the visibility is greater than (>) three-fourths of a mile and less than one mile. The approach end of the runway is expected to accommodate instrument approaches with visible minimums more than three-fourths but less than 1 statute mile (1.2 < 1.6 kilometers) during day or night. Instrument approach less than 3/4 mile visibility—This runway classification's course and vertical path guidance are provided with visibility less than (<) three-fourths of a mile. The approach end of the runway is expected to accommodate instrument approaches with visibility minimum less than three-fourths of a statute mile (1.2 kilometers) or precision approach (Instrument landing System [ILS] or Global Navigation Satellite System [GNSS] Landing System [GLS]) day or night. Vertical guidance approach—This runway classification uses precision guidance systems to support aircraft approach and landing. The approach of the runway is expected to accommodate approaches with vertical guidance such as a Glide Path Qualification Surface (GPQS).	String
Generate Departure Surfaces (Optional)	Specifies whether a departure surface will be generated for departure runways. Generate Departure Surface at Both Ends—A departure surface will be generated at both ends of the runway. Generate Departure Surface at High End—A departure surface will be generated at the high end of the runway. Generate Departure Surface at Low End—A departure surface will be generated at the low end of the runway. Do Not Generate Departure Surface—A departure surface will not be generated.	String
Generate Clearway Surfaces (Optional)	Specifies whether a clearway surface will be generated for departure runways. Clearway surfaces will only be generated if a value has been specified for the `generate_departure_surfaces` parameter. Checked—A clearway surface will be generated. Unchecked—A clearway surface will not be generated. This is the default.	Boolean
Input Threshold Point Features (Optional)	The input threshold point dataset. The feature class must be z-enabled.	Feature Layer
Custom JSON File (Optional)	The import configuration, in JSON format, that will be used to create the custom OIS.	File

Derived output

Label	Explanation	Data type
Output OIS Features	The updated feature class containing the generated OIS.	Feature Layer

arcpy.aviation.FAA13ASurfaces(in_features, target_ois_features, high_runway_end_type, {low_runway_end_type}, {generate_departure_surfaces}, {generate_clearway_surfaces}, {threshold_point_feature_class}, {custom_json_file})

Name	Explanation	Data type
in_features	The input runway dataset. The feature class must be z-enabled and contain polylines.	Feature Layer
target_ois_features	The target feature class that will contain the generated OIS.	Feature Layer
high_runway_end_type	Specifies the classification of the high end of the runway. `SMALL_AIRPLANE_APPROACH_SPEEDS_LT_50`—This runway classification is designed for light aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 254 pounds and approach speed less than 50 knots. This is a visual runway only that can be used during the day or night. `SMALL_AIRPLANE_APPROACH_SPEEDS_GT_50`—This runway classification is designed for light aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 1,320 pounds and approach speed more than 50 knots. This is a visual runway only that can be used during the day or night. `LARGE_AIRPLANE_VISUAL_RUNWAY_DAY_NIGHT`—This runway classification is designed for aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds. The approach end of the runway is expected to serve large airplanes as a visual runway available day or night, or instrument approach with a minimum greater than one statute mile (1.6 kilometers) only during the day. `INSTRUMENT_GT_EQ_3/4_MILE`—This runway classification is designed for an instrument approach procedure where the visibility is greater than (>) three-fourths of a mile and less than one mile. The approach end of the runway is expected to accommodate instrument approaches with visible minimums more than three-fourths but less than 1 statute mile (1.2 < 1.6 kilometers) during day or night. `INSTRUMENT_LT_3/4_MILE_VISIBILITY`—This runway classification's course and vertical path guidance are provided with visibility less than (<) three-fourths of a mile. The approach end of the runway is expected to accommodate instrument approaches with visibility minimum less than three-fourths of a statute mile (1.2 kilometers) or precision approach (Instrument landing System [ILS] or Global Navigation Satellite System [GNSS] Landing System [GLS]) day or night. `VERTICAL_GUIDANCE_APPROACH`—This runway classification uses precision guidance systems to support aircraft approach and landing. The approach of the runway is expected to accommodate approaches with vertical guidance such as a Glide Path Qualification Surface (GPQS).	String
low_runway_end_type (Optional)	Specifies the classification of the low end of the runway. `SAME_AS_HIGH_RUNWAY_END_CLASSIFICATION`—Same as high runway end classification `SMALL_AIRPLANE_APPROACH_SPEEDS_LT_50`—This runway classification is designed for light aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 254 pounds and approach speed less than 50 knots. This is a visual runway only that can be used during the day or night. `SMALL_AIRPLANE_APPROACH_SPEEDS_GT_50`—This runway classification is designed for light aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 1,320 pounds and approach speed more than 50 knots. This is a visual runway only that can be used during the day or night. `LARGE_AIRPLANE_VISUAL_RUNWAY_DAY_NIGHT`—This runway classification is designed for aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds. The approach end of the runway is expected to serve large airplanes as a visual runway available day or night, or instrument approach with a minimum greater than one statute mile (1.6 kilometers) only during the day. `INSTRUMENT_GT_EQ_3/4_MILE`—This runway classification is designed for an instrument approach procedure where the visibility is greater than (>) three-fourths of a mile and less than one mile. The approach end of the runway is expected to accommodate instrument approaches with visible minimums more than three-fourths but less than 1 statute mile (1.2 < 1.6 kilometers) during day or night. `INSTRUMENT_LT_3/4_MILE_VISIBILITY`—This runway classification's course and vertical path guidance are provided with visibility less than (<) three-fourths of a mile. The approach end of the runway is expected to accommodate instrument approaches with visibility minimum less than three-fourths of a statute mile (1.2 kilometers) or precision approach (Instrument landing System [ILS] or Global Navigation Satellite System [GNSS] Landing System [GLS]) day or night. `VERTICAL_GUIDANCE_APPROACH`—This runway classification uses precision guidance systems to support aircraft approach and landing. The approach of the runway is expected to accommodate approaches with vertical guidance such as a Glide Path Qualification Surface (GPQS).	String
generate_departure_surfaces (Optional)	Specifies whether a departure surface will be generated for departure runways. `GENERATE_DEPARTURE_SURFACE_AT_BOTH_ENDS`—A departure surface will be generated at both ends of the runway. `GENERATE_DEPARTURE_SURFACE_AT_HIGH_END`—A departure surface will be generated at the high end of the runway. `GENERATE_DEPARTURE_SURFACE_AT_LOW_END`—A departure surface will be generated at the low end of the runway. `DO_NOT_GENERATE_DEPARTURE_SURFACE`—A departure surface will not be generated.	String
generate_clearway_surfaces (Optional)	Specifies whether a clearway surface will be generated for departure runways. Clearway surfaces will only be generated if a value has been specified for the `generate_departure_surfaces` parameter. `GENERATE_CLEARWAY_SURFACES`—A clearway surface will be generated. `NOT_GENERATE_CLEARWAY_SURFACES`—A clearway surface will not be generated. This is the default.	Boolean
threshold_point_feature_class (Optional)	The input threshold point dataset. The feature class must be z-enabled.	Feature Layer
custom_json_file (Optional)	The import configuration, in JSON format, that will be used to create the custom OIS.	File

Derived output

Name	Explanation	Data type
derived_outfeatureclass	The updated feature class containing the generated OIS.	Feature Layer

Code sample

FAA13ASurfaces example 1 (Python window)

The following Python script demonstrates how to use the FAA13ASurfaces function.

# set gp environment
import arcpy

# Set  variables
inFeatures = r"C:\data\ois.gdb\RunwayCenterline"
targetOIS = r"C:\data\ois.gdb\ObstructionIdSurface"
highrunwayendtype = "SMALL_AIRPLANE_APPROACH_SPEEDS_LT_50"
lowrunwayendtype = "LARGE_AIRPLANE_VISUAL_RUNWAY_DAY_NIGHT"
generate_departure_surface = "GENERATE_DEPARTURE_SURFACES"
generate_clearway_surface = "GENERATE_CLEARWAY_SURFACES"
threshold_featureclass = r"C:\data\ois.gdb\AirportControlPoint"

# Generate FAA13A OIS Surfaces
arcpy.aviation.FAA13ASurfaces(inFeatures, targetOIS, highrunwayendtype, lowrunwayendtype, generate_departure_surface, generate_clearway_surface, threshold_featureclass)

FAA13ASurfaces example 2 (stand-alone script)

The following stand-alone script demonstrates how to use the FAA13ASurfaces function with the custom_json_file parameter.

import arcpy

# Set variables
inFeatures = r"C:\data\ois.gdb\RunwayCenterline"
targetOIS = r"C:\data\ois.gdb\ObstructionIdSurface"
highrunwayendtype = "SMALL_AIRPLANE_APPROACH_SPEEDS_LT_50"
lowrunwayendtype = "LARGE_AIRPLANE_VISUAL_RUNWAY_DAY_NIGHT"
generate_departure_surface = "GENERATE_DEPARTURE_SURFACES"
generate_clearway_surface = "GENERATE_CLEARWAY_SURFACES"
threshold_featureclass = r"C:\data\ois.gdb\AirportControlPoint"
customjsonfile = r"C:\data\customOIS.json"

# Generate FAA13A OIS Surfaces
arcpy.aviation.FAA13ASurfaces(inFeatures, targetOIS, highrunwayendtype, lowrunwayendtype, generate_departure_surface, generate_clearway_surface, threshold_featureclass, customjsonfile)

Environments

Current Workspace

Licensing information

Basic: No
Standard: Requires Airports or ArcGIS Aviation Charting
Advanced: Requires Airports or ArcGIS Aviation Charting