Notam Compose Map Elements: Decoding Complex Airspace Like Never Before

Ever stared at a NOTAM's E) section and wondered how to visualize a "clockwise arc from point A to point B, then a line to point C"? If you've dealt with complex airspace restrictions, you know the frustration. That's exactly why we developed Notam Compose Map Elements – our solution for parsing the most complex area definitions that traditional systems simply can't handle.

The Challenge: When NOTAMs Get Geometrically Complex

NOTAMs can contain virtually anything in their E) section. Take this real example from OEJD:

1374/25 NOTAMN Q) EGTT/QRTCA/IV/BO /AW/000/025/5128N00014W013 A) EGLC B) 2505050800 C) 2505051600
E) RESTRICTED AREA (TEMPORARY) ACTIVE (LONDON) WI AREA BOUNDED BY: 513611N 0001644W - 513611N 0000311W
THEN CLOCKWISE ARC OF A CIRCLE RADIUS 17NM CENTRED ON 512812N 0002713W
TO 512625N 0000010W - 512625N 0000010W - 512013N 0000316W - 512013N 0001641W
THEN CLOCKWISE ARC OF A CIRCLE RADIUS 12NM CENTRED ON 512812N 0000020W TO 513611N 0001644W.
APPLIES TO ALL ACFT INCLUDING ANY SMALL BALLOON, ANY KITE, ANY UAS AND ANY PARACHUTE INCLUDING A PARASCENDING PARACHUTE OR PARAMOTOR.
DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY ACFT FLYING IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXCEPTIONS STATED IN THE AIC. AIC M 064/2025 REFERS, AMEND PARAGRAPH 3 TIMES TO READ: BETWEEN 0800 AND 1600 HOURS ON 05 MAY 2025. FURTHER DETAILS WWW.NATS.AERO/AIS. RESTRICTION OF FLYING REGULATIONS MADE UNDER ARTICLE 239 OF THE AIR NAV ORDER 2016. AR-2025-1538
F) SFC G) 2500FT AMSL

How do you even begin to parse that? Traditional NOTAM systems either ignore these complex definitions entirely or display them as unhelpful text blocks. But for pilots and dispatchers, understanding the exact shape and location of these restrictions is critical for flight planning.

Our Solution: A Custom Area Definition Language

At Notamify, we took a different approach. We created our own area definition language specifically designed to handle the geometric complexity found in real-world NOTAMs.

LINE(0.0, 0.1) THEN ARC(0.1, 1.1, 1.2, CLOCKWISE, 17NM) THEN LINE(1.2, 2.1, 2.2) THEN ARC(2.2, 3.1, 3.2, CLOCKWISE, 12NM)

Here's how it works:

1. Large Language Models Parse the Instructions

When we encounter a complex area definition like the one above, we use advanced language models to break down the geometric instructions into structured components:

• Lines and Polygons: Direct connections between coordinate points
• Arcs: Curved segments with specified radius and direction
• Closing instructions: Rules for completing polygons
• Reference points: Centers for arc calculations

2. Math Calculates the Precise Points

Once our AI understands the geometric intent, our calculation engine takes over:

• Converts coordinate references to precise decimal degrees
• Calculates arc segments point by point
• Ensures proper geometric closure
• Validates the resulting shape for rendering accuracy

3. Real-Time Visualization

The result? Complex airspace restrictions that were previously impossible to visualize now appear as precise geometric shapes on your map – instantly and accurately.

Why This Matters for Flight Operations

Consider the operational impact:

Before Compose Map Elements:

• Pilots manually plot complex coordinates
• Risk of calculation errors affecting flight safety
• Time-consuming interpretation of geometric instructions
• Uncertainty about exact restriction boundaries

With Compose Map Elements:

• Instant visual representation of complex areas
• Mathematically precise boundary calculations
• Clear understanding of restriction scope
• Confident flight planning around complex airspace

Beyond Basic Shapes

Notam Compose Map Elements handles geometric complexity that goes far beyond simple circles and polygons:

• Compound curves: Multiple connected arcs with different radii
• Mixed geometry: Combinations of lines, arcs, and curves
• Reference-based definitions: Areas defined relative to navigation aids
• Conditional closures: Shapes that depend on operational parameters

This capability is particularly valuable for:

• Military operating areas with complex boundaries
• Temporary restricted areas around special events
• Construction zones with irregular shapes
• Natural disaster response areas

The Technical Innovation Behind It

What makes this possible is the combination of:

1. Semantic Understanding: Our AI doesn't just recognize coordinates – it understands geometric relationships and spatial concepts, but does not calculate the final coordinates
2. Mathematical Precision: Our system calculations ensure accuracy down to the meter
3. Real-Time Processing: Complex areas render immediately without manual intervention
4. Validation Systems: Built-in checks ensure geometric integrity

This represents a significant advancement in NOTAM interpretation technology, moving beyond simple pattern matching to true spatial intelligence.

Experience It Yourself

Check these examples: Airspace reservation in effect with specified coordinates and a 40NM anti-clockwise arc Airspace reservation in effect with specified coordinates and a clockwise arc

Notam Compose Map Elements is available now as part of Notamify Pro and Notamify API. You can try it free for 7 days and see how it transforms your approach to complex NOTAM interpretation.

Want to see it handle a particularly challenging area definition? Try searching for NOTAMs at airports known for complex restrictions – you'll be amazed at what becomes possible when geometry meets intelligence.

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Have you encountered NOTAMs with particularly complex area definitions? We'd love to hear about your experience with our new Compose Map Elements. Share your feedback through our contact form – your input directly influences how we continue advancing NOTAM interpretation technology.