blake_jl

Hello,

I found this forum in Google and would like to learn how to create a simple program. I have taught myself HTML and some very basic PHP to go with it and a problem at my workplace has sparked an interest in creating a computer program.

I will describe what it is the program must do, my question is what do I need to create it and what language should i do it in. Please note I have no idea. I am a complete newbie but i pick things up quickly.

Description

I am an Air Traffic Controller from Australia. I currently work at a very busy airport that doesn't have any radar coverage. Technically the hardest place to work for an Air Traffic controller in this country. Because of the lack of radar coverage we separate aircraft "procedurally". This means a text book full of separation standards based on rules using distances and times.

Sometimes this type of separation requires controllers to use a map table to draw up a diagram where we use a map and draw the two aircrafts tracks, we then add specific "tracking tolerances" either side of that track and based on those diagrams work out where the two aircraft are not in conflict (ie. separated procedurally).

This is a very simple explanation, there is more to it, but the reason i am here is because I figured why not use my desire to create a program to create an easier way to do this.

Some of the functions it would have are

1. the ability to load a map image into the program for different locations. The person enters in co-ordinates from the four corners of the map and the program can then calculates distances between points and co-ordinates within that map.

2. The ability to click and draw lines for the aircrafts tracks.

3. Have different rules within the program that can be selected for each scenario. Eg. different classes of aircraft require different tolerances. So the controller selects the aircraft category and those tolerances are applied for that aircraft.

4. After drawing the tracks of aircraft and selecting the categories for the different tolerances the person click "ok" and a diagram is displayed on the map showing where the aircraft leave and enter conflict with each other.

I have a whole load of things in my head that I'd like this program to do, but these three points I think are probably the key points.

If someone could tell me what to do next that would be greatly appreciated.