How does Netsys nsCHARTS produce ICAO-compliant aviation charts?

Updated

Netsys nsCHARTS is a chart-generation product from Netsys International that creates charts from numerical weather prediction (NWP) output in GRIB format, WAFC BUFR data, observations, and other sources. According to Netsys, it was initially designed to automate the production of ICAO-compliant aviation charts, and the same platform is also suited to producing charts and animations for websites or for regular distribution. That makes it relevant if you need recurring, standards-oriented aviation chart output rather than one-off graphics.

What nsCHARTS does

The product sits in the chart-production layer of a meteorological workflow: it takes model and observational data and turns it into finished chart products. Netsys describes two main uses:

  • Automated ICAO-compliant aviation charts — the original design goal, aimed at replacing manual chart production with an automated pipeline.
  • Charts and animations for websites or regular distribution — the same tooling applied to public-facing or scheduled output.

Data sources it accepts

Based on the Netsys product description, nsCHARTS works with:

Data type Description
NWP output (GRIB) Numerical weather prediction model fields in GRIB format
WAFC BUFR World Area Forecast Centre data in BUFR format
Observations Observed meteorological data
Other data Additional sources as required by the deployment

This mix matters because ICAO aviation chart products typically combine forecast model fields with WAFC-issued data, so a tool that ingests both GRIB and WAFC BUFR can cover the main inputs in one pipeline.

How the ICAO-compliance piece works

Netsys states that nsCHARTS was "initially designed to automate the production of ICAO compliant aviation charts." In practice, that means the chart templates, data handling, and output generation are built around ICAO chart requirements rather than being a generic plotting tool adapted afterward. If your requirement is to produce the standard aviation chart set on a schedule, this is the design intent the product was built for.

Because the public product description does not list specific chart types, formats, or the exact ICAO annex provisions covered, you should confirm those details directly with Netsys for your particular chart set.

Where it fits in the Netsys product line

nsCHARTS is one of several Netsys products for meteorological and aviation use:

  • nsCHARTS — chart generation from NWP, WAFC BUFR, and observations
  • nsFORECAST — forecaster visualization and interaction toolset
  • nsMHS — weather-data management covering WMO World Weather Watch functions
  • nsSAT — satellite data reception and visualization
  • nsGIB — chart and information briefing products, core of the WAFC SADIS/WIFS workstation package
  • nsWEBPIB — online pre-flight briefing portal and flight folder engine
  • nsSWIM — SWIM-compliant WXXM data exchange

If your goal is end-to-end aviation weather delivery, nsCHARTS handles the chart layer while nsGIB and nsWEBPIB handle briefing and distribution.

What to check before choosing it

  • Confirm your chart set — ask Netsys which specific ICAO chart products nsCHARTS generates out of the box and which require configuration.
  • Confirm your data feeds — verify that your GRIB and WAFC BUFR sources match what nsCHARTS expects.
  • Confirm output and distribution — the description covers web, animation, and regular distribution use; confirm the formats and delivery mechanisms you need.
  • Confirm deployment model — Netsys describes customized turnkey solutions, so deployment is likely scoped per customer rather than off-the-shelf.

For current capabilities, licensing, and pricing, contact Netsys International directly through netsys.aero.