<p>The purpose of this Master’s Thesis is to produce a specification for the aircraft conflict alert system STCA, and implement a prototype as a module in the air traffic surveillance system NOVA9000. </p><p>The specification is constructed based on functional requirements from EUROCONTROL and describes a system using a nominal trajectory method, where the future paths of aircraft are estimated. The trajectory is created using a probabilistic approach, where future positions are described with probability fields. </p><p>The prototype is implemented using the specification with some simplifications. The prototype is evaluated using recorded traffic from a heavy air traffic region surrounding an airport with parallel runways. 15 alerts were induced in 1,5 hour of morning traffic; this is far too much to be acceptable. Improvements are proposed and explanations to the high rate of alerts are made.</p>

The purpose of this Master’s Thesis is to produce a specification for the aircraft conflict alert system STCA, and implement a prototype as a module in the air traffic surveillance system NOVA9000. The specification is constructed based on functional requirements from EUROCONTROL and describes a system using a nominal trajectory method, where the future paths of aircraft are estimated. The trajectory is created using a probabilistic approach, where future positions are described with probability fields. The prototype is implemented using the specification with some simplifications. The prototype is evaluated using recorded traffic from a heavy air traffic region surrounding an airport with parallel runways. 15 alerts were induced in 1,5 hour of morning traffic; this is far too much to be acceptable. Improvements are proposed and explanations to the high rate of alerts are made.

Abstract: This thesis argues that taking a strategic sustainable development (SSD) approach to conflict resolution in areas of the world in long-term intractable conflict with intermittent violence could support an effective process and lasting outcome. SSD proposes a holistic systems perspective and decision-making framework to address challenges and opportunities at the largest scale, including identifying root causes and drivers of the conflict as well as finding common ground internally and externally. The currently unbalanced dynamics between the two fundaments of sustainability, a robust ecosystem and social fabric, are the basis of deeply unsustainable patterns of behaviour which are often also at the heart of conflicts. Socio-ecological unsustainability can be both a threat, and an opportunity for resolution and social change. The framework offers a proven way of organizing, evaluating and using tools that can aid in dealing with sustainability issues constructively, and evidence is presented to suggest its usage can be extended to conflict issues. This thesis analyzes the links between sustainability, strategic sustainable development and conflict resolution work in the areas of conflict described, and proposes a set of guidelines for approaching conflict resolution with SSD.