Integrated mathematical and geospatial approach for cargo airship site selection under emerging EASA standards and national requirements

Abstract

The recent resurgence of Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) technologies presents a transformative opportunity for the logistics sector, particularly for transporting oversized cargo to infrastructure-limited regions. However, a significant research gap exists regarding the formalized ground infrastructure requirements for large-scale airships under emerging regulatory frameworks. This study proposes a novel, GIS-based multi-criteria methodology for selecting cargo airship operating sites, specifically aligned with the forthcoming European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, including NPA 2025-04 and SC-GAS. The methodology transforms fragmented legislative and technical constraints into a mathematical Suitability Index comprising geometric, terrain, environmental, and legislative parameters. The framework was validated through a pilot case study in the Pardubice Region, Czech Republic, utilizing high-resolution digital elevation models (DMR 5G) and topographic datasets (Data50). Results demonstrate that the model effectively distinguishes between highly constrained urban-peri-urban environments and permissive rural-agricultural zones. By applying obstacle clearance buffers, slope thresholds, and focal statistics for area sizing, the workflow identified candidate sites capable of accommodating circular operating footprints up to 500 m in diameter. This modular approach provides a transparent, repeatable decision-support tool for regional screening, bridging the gap between abstract regulatory drafts and practical operational planning for the next generation of heavy-lift airships.