The Prediction Update (TAFs and forecasts)
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Major new functionality for Where2Fly: The Prediction Update
Purpose: Making W2F search engine even smarter by looking into the future of weather forecasts and VATSIM controllers and event details to give you a prediction/forecast of how things will be when you arrive at the destination airport.
Why: Today W2F is totally reliant at now-picture in the moment of search, if you search long haul, you don't get correct weather status as METAR will change within you arrival, so will the online controllers.
Detailing:
Weather (TAF's)
- On each update add TAF to dataset and airports (https://aviationweather.gov/data/api/)
- Rework the scores model to accept from-to timestamps
- When searching use scores, but scoped to timestamps to give correct predictions
- In search results rename "conditions" table column to "forecast"
When applying a forecast for VATSIM controllers check the following:
- If there's an event within the timestamp of arrival +/- X hours -> Forecast online controllers at destination airport
- If there's no event, check VATSIM's controller bookings to see if someone at airport is present at time of arrival
- If there's no event or bookings, but controller is logged on, estimate 2 hours since logon before they logoff. Useful for shorter hauls predictions.