Frequently Asked Questions


What is GIS and why is it important?

A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts. GIS is important on many levels. It allows users to analyze data in such ways that it will give the decision makers a reliable source to make key decisions. GIS also provides a graphic view of information that is compiled, people love to see pictures of things and GIS allows the users to display data in a way to show answers to questions that decision makers need.

What is ESRI and why is it important to do business with a certified ESRI vendor?

Environmental Systems Research Institute(ESRI) is a California based company that designs, implements, and creates the worlds largest and most powerful GIS based software products. NAC is a certified business partner with ESRI allowing us to access the ever expanding world of GIS for our customers. A Certified Business partner receives all the latest information, data, and shared collaboration on new software as well as trade secrets with others in the world of GIS and application building.

What does the term “Layer” or “shape file” mean to me?

A “Layer” is a term used to describe a piece of information in a map or a computer interface, whether it being a photograph or a table of data to allow for display or analysis of any sort and a “Shapefile” is an actual piece of data that has a spatial component and a data component that make it up. Because the FAA now requires airports to submit their Airport Layout Plan(ALP) in GIS format, the airport can include many important references from the ALP onto the i-AIR® module for airfield use. A good example would be the restrictions of the RWY protection zones, noise corridors, and pavement safety areas. Other shape files can be inserted for reference as underground utilities, signage plans, and more. All of these things mentioned above and more can be added into i-Air® for improved safety. With the data collected in the field by the inspectors, that data can be combined with data that is created of used to form analysis of any sort.

Does the product require data to be web hosted?

Our secure solution requires no web hosting, leaving complete control with the airport authority. Technical support, upgrades, and troubleshooting are all performed remotely and do not require access to the client server.

Will i-Air® data be compatible with FAA airports GIS data?

In support of NextGen, the FAA is moving to a Geospatial Information System (GIS). In FY 2007, we issued three Advisory Circulars to provide guidance for the collection and submission of aeronautical data and to identify the FAA’s GIS data model for airport-related data. We will use the data to develop satellite-based approach procedures and to better utilize and manage the National Airspace System. The Office of Airports is working on an initiative to create the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) assembly tools from the GIS data. The proof-of-concept milestone was successfully completed in September 2009, and once final programming is complete on the deployable eALP module, beta testing will be conducted from Airports GIS data gathered from the 37 pilot program airports across the country. i-AIR® will provide this compliance along with any other GIS data that can be created and saved. GIS data collected will also be compatible with the new FAA airPAVE software. i-Air® meets AC150/5300-16A, AC 150/5200-17B, AC150/5300-18B, AC150/5200-18C performance specifications

What makes the i-AIR® & i-AIR®Link a better choice than other GIS service providers?

i-Air® is a lightweight yet powerful GIS-GPS touchscreen interface that allows the users to perform field safety inspection more accurately while also being connected to their work networks through cellular modem technology provided by a company you can trust. i-AIR® is the only registered GIS-GPS solution with USPO for airports using ESRI technology now providing the tools airport staff use anywhere on the airfield without the need to be confined to their office. Using the mobile data solution AirLink allows the airport operations vehicles to become mobile hotspots. These mobile hotspots extend the length of the office network into the airfield allowing staff to tap into various daily work programs making the Part 139 inspections faster, more reliable, and more accurate. When time comes for FAA audits and inspections, airport staff can employ these mobile hotspots showing inspectors how Part 139 is conducted at their airfield and displaying the accuracy and efficiency of the inspections.

Do I have to be only a PART 139 airport to benefit from using the i-AIR®?

No, many smaller airports do not have a standardized program for work orders, NOTAM issues, accident reports, and many forms that are needed for airport operations. With one mobile laptop, and airport manager can have full real-time access in a moving map environment with the added ability to connect to their server from the airfield. The purpose of the Part 139 safety inspections 14 CFR Part 139 requires FAA to issue airport operating certificates to airports but all airports have the same field safety requirements for aircraft operations.

How will i-Air® help my airport improve its Part 139 safety inspections?

The i-AIR® is a GIS/GPS moving map with ESRI technology, useful in tracking airfield discrepancies while simultaneously creating work orders based on your airfield self-Inspection program. Discrepancies are mapped and the GPS coordinates are captured automatically, via a user-friendly touch-screen interface. The moving airfield map allows for accurate and efficient tracking of corrective action and your historical data is preserved for report generation and analysis. Tracking activities using geographic analysis and spatial visualization improve operational efficiency, decision making, and problem solving. Authorities can use our simple work order and reporting solution exclusively, or i-AIR® can integrate with your existing computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).