New Guidance Released on Aviation Geospatial Data Governance

The aviation industry has taken a major step forward in the realm of data governance with the release of the ACRP Research Report 278 – Geospatial Data Governance: Policies and Procedures. This long-awaited report, developed under the guidance of the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), provides essential frameworks and actionable guidance for managing geospatial data effectively across airport operations and beyond.

The report emphasizes the growing importance of data governance in aviation, particularly as airports increasingly rely on GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and spatial technologies to drive planning, operations, safety, and infrastructure management. With geospatial data playing a pivotal role in everything from runway layout optimization to emergency response planning, establishing strong governance policies is critical.

Tom Tiner, GISP, Geospatial Discipline Lead, stated “I was thrilled to contribute a small part to this large-scale research initiative. The collaborative nature of this project enabled deep learning and knowledge-sharing across disciplines, and the resulting report serves as a vital tool for industry professionals.”

Arora has long been a leader in developing and integrating geospatial solutions for major airports. Our real-world experience helped ground the research behind ACRP Report 278 in practical, implementable strategies. Through our work, we support organizations in defining governance policies, ownership roles, and operational processes that ensure long-term data sustainability goals that align directly with the core objectives of this report.

Why This Matters:

• Improved Decision-Making: Clear data governance ensures that geospatial data is accurate, consistent, and trustworthy enabling better planning and operational decisions.

• Enhanced Collaboration: With standardized procedures, cross-departmental teams can access and use geospatial data seamlessly.

• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Reduction: Strong governance supports compliance with FAA standards and reduces operational risks.

• Future-Proofing Infrastructure: As technologies evolve, airports with robust data governance systems will be better positioned to adapt and innovate.

What’s Inside the Report:

• A structured framework for creating and implementing geospatial data governance.

• Policy templates and best practices for managing data ownership, access, quality control, and metadata.

• Case studies from airports implementing successful governance strategies.

• Recommendations tailored for airports of all sizes.

This report is a must-read for airport executives, planners, GIS professionals, and IT leaders seeking to elevate their data practices in a rapidly transforming digital aviation landscape.

You can access the full ACRP Report 278 via the Transportation Research Board (TRB) website.