Knowledge management in the enhanced traffic management system

Abstract

The Enhanced Traffic Management System (ETMS) functions as the primary Database Management System (DBMS) for real-time flight information administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. The ETMS is a mission critical system responsible for facilitating air traffic control throughout the United States. The design of the ETMS represents a pinnacle achievement of modern data management. This thesis project will investigate the development of the ETMS and will identify several recent design decisions that illustrate a paradigm shift in data management techniques. These design decisions portray the initial implementation of a Knowledge-Base Management System (KBMS) wherein the system architecture shifts focus from data management toward knowledge management. DBMS and KBMS technologies will be introduced and compared. Specific implementations of each technology will be discussed and identified in the Enhanced Traffic Management System. Suggestions for further improvements in the ETMS design architecture will be entertained and several alternative design scenarios will be introduced.