Aviation plotter

Types of Aviation Plotter

Aviation electronic plotter is a navigator's best friend when maps and flight charts are involved. It's a crucial tool in modern aviation, more so when working without reference to satellite systems. In practice, aviation plotters are used to create straight and curved lines onto paper charts so a pilot can follow a flight route plotted on the chart. However, today's fundamental difference is that the navigator mark flight data directly onto charts and plots. Below are common types of aviation plotters:

Electronic Plotters

These devices have replaced the traditional mechanical plotter and now have a reputation for diverse applications. They work in combination with more advanced avionics and GPS systems for better accuracy. They provide feedback on data entry required by the pilot to monitor the updated progress.

Sun Path Plotters

These mechanical and electronic astronomical tools assist architects and builders who want to assess the sun's path on any part of a building throughout the day and year for effective use of solar energy. The sun plotter is an ecologically oriented device that helps cut energy costs by determining the best orientation for solar panels and ensuring natural lighting maximization.

A&D Plotters

A&D Plotter - These are used in ship navigation to electronically record the position of a ship concerning a database of electronic nautical charts. A&D plotters can log the movement of an object and compare it with that of a previously recorded object, such as a ship, to determine the average speed over distance traveled.

Route Circular

A route plotter is simply a circular device that is used to plot a course on a chart in the least amount of time. It consists of a rotating disk with three spoked arms, and the distance of the route from the center is proportional to the scale of the chart inscribed on the rim of the disk.

Design of Aviation Plotter

The design of the aviation plotter focuses on the tool's accuracy and ease of use, especially under the challenging conditions that may be experienced while flying an aircraft. Though they come in various designs depending on the type in question, below are the key elements that make up the structure of most aviation plotters:

Material

Aviation plotters are made from durable plastic since weight and cost are critical considerations in aviation. Electronic plotters may contain metal housing to ensure proper conductivity and heat resistance. The sea and sun path plotters are made of plastic and metal and will not degrade when exposed to the sun's UV rays or water.

Mechanical Aviation Plotter Design

The mechanical aviation plotter consists of two arms connected by a hinge, and one can slide along the other. The two arms are rotatable to set angles, and the horizontal arm can slide out to measure the distance on the chart and show the product of the distance and the speed of the aircraft in a given period. The scribing point is at the intersection of the two arms to indicate the plotted course.

Electronic Aviation Plotter Design

The electronic aviation plotter is relatively complicated than the mechanical one. Electronic plotters consist of a flat plate with a probe, which is placed on the chart where data is required. The data corresponds with another probe that is in contact with the chart and transmitting a signal to the internal computer that is proportional to the distance moved. The device includes a GPS and chart database to display the current position and navigate real-time.

Sun Path and A&D Plotters Design

The sun path and A&D plotters are like the ordinary circle and disc instruments. However, the sun path plotter contains movable transparencies and diagrams that illustrate the sun's path concerning the time of the day and season. At the same time, the A&D plot rotates according to the recorded turn and contains a pointer that shows the distance and average speed based on the time interval registered in the device.

Scenarios of Aviation Plotter

Aviation plotters are used during flight planning and in the air during navigation. Electronic plotters, mechanical plotters, sun path plotters, and A&D plotters have distinct applications based on their respective characteristics. The following are some of the cases of using the aviation plotter:

Flight Navigation

Pilot charts and navigational charts for all areas of an aircraft can be obtained from specific mechanical or electronic plotters. Electronic plotters help know the distance, direction, speed, and time relationships in real-time with great accuracy. Mechanical plotters also assist pilots in planning their routes before the flight.

Architectural Design

Solar path plotters are useful in planning a building's design and features, such as the installation of PV panels, skylights, and interior spaces with proper natural lighting. By understanding how the sun will move around a building at different times of the year, architects can design more energy-efficient structures.

Nautical Navigation

A&D plotters are used in ship navigation, which is crucial for determining position and speed. This is critical for safe navigation, particularly in high-risk areas such as the open sea. Electronic plotters are used to track and manage naval and commercial vessels in real time.

Field Operations

Aviation plotters are crucial in mission and operational planning in the military, such as conducting search and rescue (SAR) or air support requests (ASRs). For example, the course and distance of waypoints plotted on an aviation navigation chart help crew trainers conduct virtual missions by plotting routes and positioning for an aircraft on a chart.

Geographic Studies

Aviation plotters assist surveyors and geographers in mapping work, leading to distance and direction study results in a map. The plotters help make tasks more precise when dealing with large or small areas of a map.

Specification & Maintenance of Aviation Plotter

To get optimum performance from it, an aviation plotter should be properly maintained and cared for. Below are the key specifications and maintenance tips for different types of aviation plotters:

Mechanical Aviation Plotter

• Calibration: Mechanical plotters do not need to be calibrated, but it is recommended to change the chart scale for a properly plotted course.
• Durability: Mechanical aviation plotters are relatively robust. They can be reused after washing without any further operational costs.
• Care: Mechanical plotters should be cleaned after every use. Dust accumulation might cause map damage as well as wrong plotting.

Electronic Aviation Plotter

• Calibration: Electronic plotters must be calibrated frequently to receive accurate readings. Calibration settings should be kept in mind as beneficial.
• Power Supply: Electronic plotters need battery replacement or recharging to ensure they're functioning well during important navigation time.
• Software Updates: Software updates should be done for better working; old systems might get issues with electronic plotting depending on the charts update.

Sun Path Plotter

• Durability: Sun path plotters are robust instruments, though care must be taken not to damage the path papers or design because of wrong plotting.
• Storage: Proper storage and handling of the plotter are important in protecting the device from the sun's harmful effects and water damage.

A&D Plotters

• Calibration: Electronic A&D plotters require regular calibration, similar to aviation electronic devices. It often relates to checking its accuracy and adjusting the system.
• Durability: A&D plotters usually are designed to withstand continuous harsh conditions; however, care and maintenance help achieve better results.
• Chart Updates: Ensure the electronic nautical databases are updated frequently and contain frequent updates and corrections.

Q&A

Q1. What constitutes an aviation plotter?

A1. An aviation plotter is a navigational device that pilots employ to relate distance traveled to speed and time taken for successful and safe flight navigation. Recent advancements have motivated the invention of electronic plotters that can show real-time navigation activities on a display.

Q2. Do mechanical and electronic plotters have comparable accuracies?

A2. Mechanical plotters are accurate, but not as accurate as electronic aviation plotters, which can get pinpoint locations using satellite systems and automated chart databases.

Q3. What is the significance of a plotter in aviation?

A3. Aviation Plotters relate crucial navigational data, including speed, distance, and time. Pilots employ this information for efficient and safe flight planning and navigation.

Q4. How often can a plotter be used in a day?

A4. It can be used numerous times a day; for example, a mechanical plotter can be cleaned after use and reused, while an electronic plotter needs to be calibrated and recharged frequently.

Q5. What are the two major roles played by the electronic aviation plotter?

A5. The electronic plotter's two primary functions are in navigation, where the current position is displayed in association with flight data, and the chart is dynamically updated to show the plotted course.