When the last major version of AIXM was released -AIXM 5.1 – everybody concerned noticed that there was a big change compared to the previous one – AIXM 4.5.
But what are actually the big differences between these two versions of AIXM?
Ok, all of us may know AIXM 5.1 is GML based. But what else has changed between these versions and what impact may that have?
What are the big advantages of AIXM 5.1?
Why did the AIXM design team decided to abandon some well accepted concepts and technical design criteria?
Are there also some pitfalls of AIXM 5.1 we should be aware of?
What has changed in regard to the domain model?
What about the regulatory compliances of the different AIXM versions in regard to ADQ, new upcoming EASA regulations, etc.?
This blog series will discuss and try to answer all these questions and more.
AIXM 4.5 vs. AIXM 5 comparison table
The following table gives you already an overview of the main different concepts used for the two AIXM versions.
| Topic | AIXM 4.5 | AIXM 5 |
| Data Scope | Only Static Data | Static and Dynamic Data, Enabling Digital NOTAM |
| Geographical Elements | XML | XML/GML (ISO standard for geometry) |
| Feature Identification | Natural Keys | Artificial Identifier (UUID concept) |
| Message Types | Snapshot or Update | Flexible Messages |
| Communication of Data Changes | All feature attributes and relationships have to be provided. | Only deltas have to be provided |
| Temporality | Temporality is a property of the message Supports only static data |
Temporality is a property of the aeronautical feature, Supports both static and dynamic data |
| Metadata | Very limited metadata capabilities | Full range of metadata, based on ISO 19115 & ISO/TS 19139 (metadata standards) |
| Model Extensibility | Limited extensibility (part of local system) |
Defined extensibility concept for the AIXM Schema |
| Business Rules | provided in plain language, included in model |
Based on standard for modelling business rules (SBVR), uncoupled from model |
The flowing parts of this series will discuss all the topics listed above in detail. So stay tuned….
Leave a Reply