The TomTom system comprises of 2 files - the map file and an icon used to select the map on your TomTom. To download the latest version of the TomTom Airfields Map file, click the icon and save the ZIP file to your computer’s download directory.

Once downloaded you need to open the ZIP file and extract the 2 files. Please note: Do not change the file names. You are now ready to install the file onto your TomTom device. The installation instructions are below.

TomTom Map File Notes

The file contains the co-ordinates for 920 UK airfields. It also shows against each airfield’s name the number of civil aircraft given in the LAAS British Isles Civil Aircraft Register 2010 (BICR) publication plus those on the Foreign Registered Aircraft based in the UK website listing in mid-2010 to give an idea of total based civil aircraft.

By loading the file onto your TomTom SatNav you no longer have to input the postcode or co-ordinates into your TomTom – they are already there. All you have to do is select the airfield of interest from the list. All airfields will show up on your TomTom maps as you plan your journeys.

Important Accuracy Note

This download is a add-on to compliment the work in creating the links to Google Maps for individual airfields shown on the Ports Of Call section of the LAASdata website. This means that the co-ordinates used are normally those of the midpoint of the longest runway. In some instances, where there is an obvious focal point such as an intersection of runways or the centre of a triangle of runways, this is used.

The coordinates do not represent the location of the airfield entrance. You will need to check out the airfield map on the website or a detailed atlas to identify the actual entrance. The SatNav file does, however, make you aware of the existence of airfields around you and will take you to a point on the perimeter of the airfield.

To Install Onto Your TomTom Device

This is the process for the TomTom Start. Other models are likely to have the similar steps (please let us know if they do not).

• Connect your TomTom to your PC/laptop using the USB supplied with it.
• Switch on the TomTom.
• Open ‘Windows Explorer’.
• Select ‘My Computer’.
• Select ‘TomTom (E: )’ (note the drive letter will vary from PC to PC).
• Expand the ‘TomTom (E: ) folder to see all the sub-folders on your TomTom device.
• Select ‘United_Kingdom_and_Republic_of_Ireland’.
• Copy the two files ‘ukairfields.ov2’ and ‘ukairfields.bmp’ from the location you saved them to on your PC into this folder.
• The TomTom will respond briefly.
• Disconnect the TomTom from your PC/laptop.

Selecting The UK Airfields File On Your TomTom

• From the front screen – ‘Plan Route’ and ‘Browse Map’.
• Select ‘Browse Map’.
• Select ‘Choose POIs’  (Points Of Interest).
• Check/tick the box next to ‘ukairfields’.
• Select ‘Done’.
• Select ‘Done’ to return to the front screen.

How To Use The UK Airfields File

In this example, we will plan a trip to Rochester.

• From the front screen – ‘Plan Route’.
• Select ‘Point of Interest’ on the ‘Navigate to’ screen.
• Select ‘POI near home’.
• Select ‘ukairfields’.

A list of airfields in increasing distance from you is given. This covers 8 screens of 6 airfields covering 48 airfields out to around 50-70 miles dependent on the density of airfields. This is a very useful output in its own right.

You now have 2 options;

(1) If ‘Rochester’ is likely to be one of your nearest 48 airfields:

• Scroll down using the arrows until you find ‘Rochester’.
• Press on ‘Rochester’ (the screen changes and Rochester is then shown on the map).
• Press ‘Select’.

or, (2) If ‘Rochester’ is further away from you:

• Select ‘Find’.
• Start typing from the keyboard “Rochester” until it is displayed in full above the keyboard in large letters.
• Press the large lettered ‘Rochester’.
• The screen changes and Rochester is then shown on the map.
• Press ‘Select’.

Rochester is now your destination.

A screen querying your current position may be shown. Options are ‘Wait’ or ‘Plan using last known position’. Select as required, then press ‘Done’.