AIRM Docs

What is the AIRM?

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The AIRM is a reference

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The ATM Information Reference Model (AIRM) is the ATM system-wide reference vocabulary for defining ATM information. 

Using the AIRM promotes semantic interoperability - the ability to exchange information with unambiguous, shared meaning.  The AIRM vocabulary therefore supports interoperability improvements throughout the ATM network.

As a reference model, the AIRM says nothing about the technologies. It can be used as the basis for many developments within the ATM community.

The AIRM is an ATM-wide vocabulary

The AIRM captures the knowledge on information and data that is exchanged within the ATM community by organisations, systems and services.

It captures ATM specific terms and definitions from an agreed set of ICAO Annexes and documents, and global information exchange models such as the Aeronautical Information Exchange Model (AIXM), Flight Information Exchange Model (FIXM), ICAO Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM).

It also includes key terms from international standards to allow the ATM community to share a common understanding on e.g. the geometry and temporal aspects of information.

The following subjects are covered by the AIRM.

Subject Definition
Aircraft Information about the aircraft used for a flight.
Airspace Infrastructure Information about airspace volumes and infrastructure.
Air Traffic Operations Information on all ATM activities required to implement air traffic by enabling flights.
Base Infrastructure Information about the identity, location, description, and configuration of the infrastructure assets including physical facilities and systems, terrain and obstacles.
Common This contains information on ATM specific topics that are used by more than one other subject areas.
Flight Information about a specific flight.
Meteorology Meteorological observation, report, analysis, forecast and any other statement relating to existing or expected meteorological conditions.
Surveillance Information about a flight’s position, vector, identity, and short-term flight path intent as reported by ground or on-board sensors.
Stakeholders Information about individuals, identifiable groups and organisations that either operate in ATM or have relationships with ATM.

The AIRM is a model

The AIRM is modelled using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) but is available in other formats: a searchable online tool and in HTML format.

The AIRM takes a layered approach to modelling the information constructs, moving from a "top-down" ATM-wide model to a model that is focussed on the information that is exchanged by users and providers of information. The AIRM has several components in order to achieve its aims in supporting its stakeholders.

  • The AIRM Contextual Model contains the terminology, abbreviations, standards and classification scheme used in the developement of the AIRM. It is used to set the context in which the AIRM is developed.
  • The AIRM Conceptual Model provides a reference model for the ATM information concepts for operational experts. Moreover, it contains entities and semantic relationships relevant to the ATM operational discourse and concerns.
  • The AIRM Logical Model provides a reference model of the ATM data concepts for service architects and system implementers; it contains the data elements necessary to model the shared information of ATM.

The AIRM is a support

The AIRM can be used in many contexts and by different users.

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Information architects use the AIRM as a reference for the definitions used in information exchange models, and in aligning the definitions collaboratively across multiple communities.

Service architects use the AIRM during service design and development activities to define the information service payload.

Operational experts use the AIRM in support of operational concept development and in defining collaborative workflows enabled by SWIM. They also use the AIRM when defining information exchange requirements (IERs) as part of service identification activities.

Standard developing organisation may use the AIRM as a reference in creating a data catalogue, a data dictionary, or a standard information service payload.

More on using the AIRM

The AIRM is a community resource

The AIRM is built by and for the ATM community.

AIRM Community

Related Documentation

Using the AIRM

Find out the best way to use the AIRM

AIRM Components

Find the details about the AIRM components and how they are designed.

AIRM History

How was the AIRM created? Learn about the AIRM History.

AIRM and Information Exchange Models

All about the AIRM and the -XMs

AIRM Change Management

What is the CCB? When is the next AIRM version being released?

Semantic Interoperability

What is it and why the AIRM is the cornerstone?