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 presenting complex area definitions that traditional systems often leave as text.

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 visualize that? Traditional NOTAM systems either ignore these complex definitions entirely or display them as unhelpful text blocks. But for pilots and dispatchers, understanding the shape and location of these restrictions is critical for flight planning.

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
• Clearer boundary visualization
• 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

What Users Should Expect

The feature is designed to make complex geometry review practical. Users should expect a visual representation that helps them understand the published restriction faster, while still checking the original NOTAM text and official sources for operational use.

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 on a challenging area definition? Try searching for NOTAMs at airports known for complex restrictions and compare the map with the source text.

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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.