Effectiveness of Linear Elements for Taxiway and Runway Delineation

Runway and taxiway edge lighting systems provide delineation using point sources of light. Centerline lighting systems also use points of light provided by airfield lighting fixtures. Published evidence from roadway delineation applications suggests that the continuous delineation provided by linear elements may be superior at presenting visual information for guidance than intermittent delineation provided by arrays of point sources. A series of studies were conducted to identify whether linear light source elements could provide benefits over conventional airfield lighting practices. The results identified relationships between linear element length, spacing, and visual acquisition times were developed. Such relationships can be useful in assessing whether, and to what extent, linear delineation elements provide similar (or improved) levels of visual performance compared to conventional delineation practices.

DOT/FAA/TC-TN17/38
Authors: John D. Bullough, Nicholas P. Skinner, Nattiel Chambers, Seth Young, Jean Paul Freyssinier, N. Narendran, Donald W. Gallagher