AeroPoint Documentation

AeroPoint is a comprehensive aviation waypoint management system designed to streamline the creation, management, and export of waypoints and associated files for various aviation platforms, particularly ForeFlight. The software allows users to organize waypoints, plates, map layers, and other files within program-specific containers, ensuring easy access and efficient management.

In addition to its waypoint management capabilities, AeroPoint provides advanced tools for aircraft deconfliction tailored for utility, fire, and law enforcement flight departments. By leveraging pilot input and operational timeframes, the software generates and exports precise map overlays directly to ForeFlight, helping to ensure safe and coordinated airspace operations.

Getting Started

User Access

  • Users must be invited to access the system
  • Each user belongs to one or more groups
  • Groups determine which programs a user can access
  • Admin users have access to all programs

User Roles

  • Regular Users: Basic waypoint and file management
  • Company Admins:
    • Create and manage programs
    • Import waypoints to any program
    • Manage user access within their company
    • Edit company-wide settings
  • Super Admins: Full system access and configuration

Initial Setup

  1. Log in with provided credentials
  2. Select or create a program
  3. Begin adding waypoints or importing existing data

Core Features

Program Management

  • Create and manage multiple programs
  • Each program contains its own:
    • Waypoints
    • Plates
    • Map Layers
    • Associated Files
  • Programs can be shared across user groups
  • Support for hazard programs with special handling:
    • Automatically appends "Hazards" to program name
    • Adds "-HAZ" suffix to program code
    • Forces waypoint type to "hazard"
    • Disables airport designation

Deconfliction Management

  • Plan and track aircraft operations
  • Input fields for:
    • Aircraft type (Plane/Helicopter/Drone/Other)
    • Tail number (for planes and helicopters)
    • Mission type with customizable "Other" option
    • Date and time windows
    • Operating areas
  • Helps prevent airspace conflicts
  • Exports to ForeFlight for visualization

Automatic Deconfliction Exports

  • System automatically exports deconfliction data hourly
  • Export includes:
    • Active flight operations
    • Planned operations for next 24 hours
    • Operating areas as map overlays
  • Export formats:
    • KML files for ForeFlight visualization
    • CSV files for record keeping
  • Export locations:
    • Dropbox users: Automatically synced to ForeFlight directory
    • Non-Dropbox users: Available for manual download
  • Email notifications:
    • Company admins receive daily summary
    • Users notified of overlapping operations
    • Contractors alerted to new operations in their areas

File Organization

The system organizes files into four main categories:

  1. Waypoint Files - Files associated with specific waypoints
  2. Plates - Airport plates and procedures
  3. Layers - Map overlay files
  4. Files - General program-related files

Dropbox Integration

  • Optional connection to Dropbox for automatic file syncing
  • When connected:
    • Content packs are saved to /Apps/ForeFlight/contentpack/
    • Program files are saved to /Apps/ForeFlight/
  • Without Dropbox:
    • All files are downloaded directly to your device

Programs

Creating a Program

  1. Navigate to Settings
  2. Click "Create Program"
  3. Enter:
    • Program Name
    • Program Code (unique identifier)
    • Select Group

Program Selection

  • Use the dropdown at the top of the page to switch between programs
  • Click "Switch Program" to activate the selected program

Waypoints

Adding Waypoints

Waypoints can be added in two ways:

1. Individual Entry:

  • Click "Add" in the navigation bar
  • Fill in waypoint details
  • Supports multiple coordinate formats:
    • Decimal Degrees (DD): 40.446151
    • Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM): 40 26.769 N
    • Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS): 40 26 46.14 N

2. Bulk Import:

  • Click "Import" in the navigation bar
  • Upload CSV file with waypoint data
  • Choose existing program or create new one

CSV Import Format

The system accepts CSV files with specific columns for waypoint data. Download Sample CSV

Column Name Description Required Format Examples
Waypoint ID Unique identifier for the waypoint Yes ABVLE
Waypoint Name Descriptive name Yes Abbeville Area Med Ctr
City City location No ABBEVILLE
State State location (2-letter code) No SC
Latitude Waypoint latitude Yes 34.1583333333333 or 31 35.47 N
Longitude Waypoint longitude Yes -82.382 or 084 09.40 W
Waypoint Type Set the icon for the waypoint when exported as map layer No target, pushpin, square, triangle, diamond, hazard
Airport Whether location is an airport (Yes/No) Yes YES
FAA Identifier FAA identifier (if applicable) No SC83
Description Additional details about the waypoint No "Helipad"

Important Notes:

  • Maximum file size for all uploads: 100MB
  • Coordinates can be entered in multiple formats:
    • Decimal Degrees (DD): 34.1583333333333
    • Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM): 31 35.47 N
    • Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS): 40 26 46.14 N

Waypoint Types

  • Target (default)
  • Hazard (shown in red bold text)
  • Diamond
  • Square
  • Triangle
  • Pushpin

Airport Waypoints

  • Check "Airport" checkbox to designate as airport
  • FAA Identifier required for airport waypoints
  • Cannot be marked as hazard

Waypoint Files

  • Upload PDF or TXT files to individual waypoints
  • Blue dot indicator shows waypoints with attached files
  • Files are included in exports based on export type

Coordinate Display Preferences

Users can customize how coordinates are displayed:

  • Access through user settings
  • Available formats:
    • Decimal Degrees (DD): 40.446151, -79.982928
    • Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM): 40° 26.769' N, 79° 58.976' W
    • Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS): 40° 26' 46.14" N, 79° 58' 58.56" W
  • Setting persists across sessions
  • Affects display only (original data preserved)
  • Export formats not affected by this setting

File Management

Plates Tab

  • Upload airport plates and procedures
  • Requires:
    • FAA Identifier (4 characters)
    • Procedure Type selection
  • Files are stored in the byop directory during export

Layers Tab

Supports multiple map layer formats:

  • KML files
  • MBTiles
  • FBTiles
  • Geospatial PDF

Files Tab

  • General file storage for program
  • No format restrictions
  • Files stored here are:
    • Downloaded individually during export
    • Placed in ForeFlight root when using Dropbox

Export Options

ForeFlight Export

Two main export options:

1. Content Pack:

  • Creates ForeFlight-compatible package
  • Includes all selected programs and states
  • Organizes files into appropriate directories:
    • /navdata/ - Waypoints and county names
    • /layers/ - Map layers and county boundaries
    • /byop/ - Plates and procedures
  • With Dropbox:
    • Package saved to /Apps/ForeFlight/contentpack/
    • Program files saved to /Apps/ForeFlight/
  • Without Dropbox:
    • Downloads as zip file
    • Program files downloaded separately

2. Individual Files:

  • Downloads each file separately
  • Includes:
    • Program waypoints (CSV or KML)
    • State files
    • Program files
    • Plates
    • Layers
    • Waypoint files

CAD Export

  • Exports waypoints in CSV format
  • Includes all waypoint details
  • Suitable for CAD software import

Avionics Export

  • Generates Garmin 650/750 compatible waypoint file
  • Exports in .wpt format

Contractor Management

Company Admins can add and manage contractors:

Contractor Types

  • Individual pilots
  • External companies
  • Temporary personnel

Contractor Privileges

  • Access to deconfliction tools
  • View assigned program waypoints
  • Download program files
  • Submit deconfliction plans

Access Control Features

  • Time-limited access
  • Program-specific permissions
  • Revocable at any time
  • Activity logging

Adding Contractors

  1. Navigate to Company Settings
  2. Select "Manage Contractors"
  3. Click "Add Contractor"
  4. Enter contractor details:
    • Email address
    • Access duration
    • Program permissions
  5. Contractor receives email invitation
  6. Sets up account with temporary password

Company Admin Controls

  • Monitor contractor activity
  • Modify access permissions
  • Extend or revoke access
  • Generate contractor activity reports

Mobile Features

Progressive Web App (PWA)

  • Install as standalone app on mobile devices
  • Offline capability for core features
  • Automatic updates when online
  • Native app-like experience

Mobile Usage

  • Install as PWA for better mobile experience
  • Optimized interface for touch screens
  • Persistent login across sessions
  • Offline capability for core features

Cache Management

Automatic caching of:

  • Core application files
  • CSS and JavaScript
  • Images and icons
  • County boundary files
  • State data files

Tips & Tricks

File Naming

  • Original filenames are preserved during upload
  • Spaces in filenames are maintained
  • Only during ForeFlight export are spaces converted to underscores

State Files

  • County boundaries available for multiple states
  • Automatically included in layers directory
  • County names included in navdata directory

Tab Persistence

  • System remembers active tab between operations
  • Maintains tab selection during file operations

Hazard Waypoints

  • Automatically exported as KML regardless of export option
  • Cannot be marked as airports
  • Visually distinct in waypoint list

Program Organization

  • Use meaningful program codes
  • Group related waypoints in same program
  • Utilize description field for detailed information

Export Considerations

  • Content packs require program selection
  • States can be exported without program selection
  • Dropbox connection streamlines ForeFlight integration