Rakuten : AirMap Launches Unmanned Traffic Management Platform for Japan

Tokyo, December 7, 2017 - Rakuten AirMap, Inc. today announced that it has started offering the AirMap unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform to drone operators and airspace managers in Japan.

As the usage of drones increases, the development of airspace management infrastructure, including systems for sharing flight rules, approved flight areas and flight conditions, is becoming a pressing issue. The AirMap platform, distributed in Japan by Rakuten AirMap, includes the Airspace Management Dashboard for airspace managers, and the dedicated AirMap app for drone operators, available on iOS and Android.

When using the AirMap Airspace Management Dashboard, airspace managers can set and adjust airspace boundaries and flight rules, view and approve drone flight plans, and communicate directly with drone operators.

With the AirMap app, drone operators can search for designated flight areas, view any rules that apply, and fulfil any relevant flight notification requirements, including the submission of flight plans, right from the app. The AirMap app also offers airspace intelligence for situational awareness and flight planning, such as weather data, including temperature, wind direction and wind speed.

Rakuten AirMap anticipates that the UTM system will be deployed by municipalities, universities, and other Japanese airspace managers. Chiba City in Chiba Prefecture will become the first local government in the country to deploy a UTM system of any kind when it deploys the AirMap Airspace Management Dashboard at three drone test fields in the city on December 8, 2017. Drone operators wishing to fly at the drone test fields will be able to register and receive authorization from Chiba City by using the AirMap mobile app from December 8, with the drone test fields being open for use from December 13.

By providing infrastructure for the safe integration of unmanned air traffic, Rakuten AirMap looks forward to contributing to the development of a vibrant drone ecosystem in Japan.

*The Chiba City drone test fields are available for use by businesses. For more information about the drone fields, please check the following site (Japanese only):
https://www.city.chiba.jp/sogoseisaku/sogoseisaku/tokku/tokku_dronefield.html
About the Airspace Management Dashboard
Website: https://www.rakuten-airmap.co.jp/stakeholders/
Launch date: December 7, 2017
System overview:
・Set and adjust airspace boundaries and rules
・View and approve flight plans
・Check drone operator information
・Notify drone operators via SMS
For more information, please contact Rakuten AirMap through the website below:
https://www.rakuten-airmap.co.jp/contact-us/

About the AirMap app
Launch date: December 7, 2017
Functions of the app:
・Search for designated flight areas
・Create and submit flight plans
・View rules in the flight area, in addition to weather information, such as temperature, wind direction and wind speed
・Register operator profiles and manage flight logs
How to use the app:
1. Create an account and log in to the app.
2. Create flight plans (date, route, altitude) in a designated flight area on the map.
3. Submit flight plans and receive authorization.
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.airmap.airmap
App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/airmap/id1282232697
Price: Free (as of December 2017) *Price is subject to change.

Supported devices and operating systems:
iPhone5, iPad4, iPad mini2, iPod touch (6th Generation) and above, iOS10.0 and above
Android 4.3 and above
*iOS9.3 and below, Android4.2 and below are not supported.

*iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc.
*iOS is a trademark of Cisco
*Google Play and Android are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.