Modifying Data Libraries

Data Libraries

The ATC Language Processor relies on several different xml libraries for data. These libraries can be easily and directly modified to update existing data and add new data.

Modifying Libraries

Each data library exists in two formats: [library].xml and [library]Pretty.xml. The non-pretty format is the file used by the ATCLP, and contains no whitespace characters. The pretty format is easier to read, however the whitespace characters are read as #text nodes by the ATCLP, which are not handled correctly.

To modify a library:

• Directly modify the non-pretty xml file and update the pretty file
• Or, modify the pretty file then remove the whitespace characters and overwrite the existing non-pretty file.

Both pretty and non-pretty xml files should be updated regardless to maintain consistency and avoid confusion.

These whitespace issues are planned to be handled more gracefully.

instructions.xml

This library contains the valid ATC instructions along with each instruction's type and parameters.

Format

The root element is <instructions> containing several <instruction> elements.

	<instruction>
		<phrase>descend and maintain (flight level|mach point) [0-9]*</phrase>
		<type>altitude</type>
		<params>
			<param>
				<type>altitude</type>
				<input>flight level ([0-9]+)</input>
				<output>FL$1</output>
			</param>
			<param>
				<type>speed</type>
				<input>mach point ([0-9]+)</input>
				<output>.$1M</output>
			</param>
		</params>
	</instruction>

XML Tags

• phrase Regular expression or string of instruction phraseology
• type The type of instruction (clearance, altitude, etc.)
• params Contains one or more param elements
• param:type Type of parameter
• param:input Regular expression for the parameter to look for*
• param:output Regular expression of the parameter output*

*Note: The InstructionEngine procedure for converting the param:input to param:output uses Java's replaceAll() method, invoking replaceAll(inputRegex,outputRegex).

callsigns.xml

This library contains airline company, telephony, and 3-letter designator data according to FAA Order JO 7340.2, which can be viewed at http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/CNT.pdf (see Chapter 3).

Format

The root element <callsigns> contains several <callsign> child elements:

	<callsign>
		<telephony>ABAN</telephony>
		<designator>ABE</designator>
		<company>ABAN AIR</company>
	</callsign>

XML Tags

• telephony This is how Air Traffic Controllers verbally refer to an airline.
• designator The 3-letter designator
• company The airline company

numbers.xml

This library contains number information, including textual representations of numeric numbers. Generally, this library should not be modified.

Format

The root element <numbers> contains several <number> child elements:

	<number>
		<text>three</text>
		<value>3</value>
		<weight>1</weight>
	</number>