UK Aeronautical Terrain and Obstacle Data Repository (UK ATODR)

The CAA has a potential requirement for the mapping of Terrain and Obstacle Data within the UK. The introduction of Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP’s) by ICAO into Annex 15, Aeronautical Information Services” (AIS), Chapter 10 – Electronic Terrain and Obstacle Data (eTOD), requires the provision of terrain and obstacle data within the entire State (UK FIR) as digital data sets.

The eTOD requirements deal with the electronic terrain and obstacle data function, coverage, terrain and obstacle numerical requirements, content and structure of terrain and obstacle databases, product specifications for terrain and obstacle data and their availability. The UK currently utilises obstacle data collected and maintained by the Defence Geographic Centre (DGC), Ministry of Defence, for the purpose of publishing En-Route obstacle data in the UK AIP ENR 5.4. a DVOF data update is provided on a monthly basis to the UK AIS service provider, National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

As obstacle and terrain data is of strategic benefit to both civil and military aviation, the CAA and MoD are seeking to establish a joint means for the collection of terrain and obstacle data and ongoing maintenance. With a potential contract award value in excess of OJEU levels, requiring a tender process, it is necessary that a market test exercise is undertaken to determine if there are suitable organisations that have the surveying resource and technological capability to fulfil the UK’s ATODR requirements. To assist in this matter, we are intending to hold a Bidder Market Engagement Day - see II.7 Additional Information for details.