Aircraft flight behavior and LagrangePolynomialApproximation

CesiumJS
1

Hey guys,

The LagrangePolynomialApproximation algorithm used to smooth point-to-point paths, is a really good addition, but it's not done. I have stared at a lot of Interpolated flight paths in the past few days, fighter jets and passenger jets.

The demo in the Sandcastle illustrates how aircraft flight paths can be smoothed to show a more realistic path:

It's true, I believe the LagrangePolynomialApproximation path is better than straight line segments, however the resulting path often arcs-out *prior* to rounding a point, the way a runner rounds 2nd base on their way to 3rd. An aircraft does not do this, it just turns (most of the time).

Don't get me wrong, I could not do better, but I would advise some kind of "aircraft behavior" modification to the algorithm. That an aircraft does not get ready to turn at a point (like runner rounding bases) and that the aircraft is going forward. That an aircraft travel curve going forward is different than the curve going back.

Does this make sense? I hope this is constructive and does not offend anybody. Good job so far.

Thank you
Tom

2

Thanks for the feedback, Tom! The behavior you are seeing is exactly how the LagrangePolynomialApproximation is supposed to work. As you can see in that demo, we also have a HermitePolymonialApproximation. That may work better for your specific case. Altering the interpolation degree of either of these may also help you achieve a path closer to what you would like.

Best,

Hannah

3

I tried HermitePolynomialApproximation. The track path still flies as if it's anticipating a turn. I realize this is a straightforward math treatment of the data. If we can make it smart somehow; that the aircraft is flying forward, and it does not anticipate a turn, like a runner starting at 1st base and rounding 2nd base for 3rd. Food for thought. Maybe a good job for a math student.