The concept of path objects [ATC]

Implementing the path object concept has the potential to solve many problems that are now facing planners of the world´s future ATC systems. By incorporating the aircraft´s flight management computer into the architecture of the traffic control system, the path object concept offers the capability to maintain a high degree of certainty about an aircraft´s intended path regardless of its complexity. The path object concept offers a common language that can express complete information about the aircraft´s intended path, which in turn offers benefits to both the ground control system and the aircraft operator. By simplifying the expression of flight paths, it solves many practical problems related to the of navigation databases, of procedures for the pilot, charting and cockpit display of information, and efficiency of transmission. Coupled with a universally available coordinate system provided by GPS, path objects can be used anywhere in the world without reliance on ground based navigation aids or datalink