A 3D simulation case study of airport air traffic handling

Modern Windows-based simulation packages bring simulation within reach of decision-makers. The use of graphics enables the manager to observe an animation of the simulated reality, to focus on the essentials of the model without the need to bother about implementation details. In most applications a 2D representation will satisfy the simulation objectives. One field of application in which 3D simulation is highly recommended is air traffic handling on and above an airport. In order to get a real understanding of this kind of process 3D simulation is indispensable. In this article a simulation is described in which 3D animation is essential to base management decisions on.