SID-Viz3D: A Geospatially Accurate 3D Visualization and Simulation Framework for Standard Instrument Departure Procedures

Abstract

Standard Instrument Departure (SID) procedures define the post-takeoff climb and route integration that pilots must execute with precision, yet current training relies on two-dimensional charts that force pilots to mentally reconstruct three-dimensional flight profiles—a cognitive transformation that increases error rates during complex departures and high-traffic operations. Existing full-motion flight simulators address this gap at prohibitive cost, while low-fidelity desktop trainers lack geospatially accurate terrain and procedural fidelity. This paper presents SID-Viz3D, an interactive 3D visualization and simulation framework built on Unity 3D with Cesium geospatial integration that transforms ICAO-compliant SID chart data—including waypoint coordinates, altitude constraints (AT, AT_OR_ABOVE, AT_OR_BELOW, BETWEEN), and waypoint types (FLY_BY/FLY_OVER)—into a real-coordinate briefing and flight environment. The system provides real-time three-axis deviation tracking (lateral, vertical, and course) against planned procedure profiles, creating a basis for future quantitative pilot performance measurement without full-simulator infrastructure. Preliminary validation on Narita International Airport (RJAA) Runway 34L/34R SID procedures demonstrates that the framework preserves ICAO PANS-OPS procedural semantics while supporting real-time interaction in the 3D simulation environment.