InterUSS, the Linux Foundation project delivering open-source solutions to improve USSPs interoperability, is developing a new tool to translate UAS Geographical Zone data from the ED-269 standard currently in use into ED-318, the EUROCAE technical specification published in 2024 and now moving towards implementation.
From ED-269 to ED-318: what is changing?
ED-269 is a Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) set by EUROCAE that defines how geofencing functions should behave in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), prescribing the minimum performance requirements for UAS to be geo-aware: how they load, interpret and react to UAS Geographical Zones (no-fly zones, restricted airspace, etc.) under a wide range of operational and environmental conditions.
Following EU Implementing Regulations 2019/947 and 2021/664, which require a common digital format and standardised data exchange model for UAS geographical zones across Europe, EUROCAE developed the ED-318 Technical Specification. While ED-269 already provided a good foundation to comply with the regulations, this new specification introduces richer requirements designed to support more dynamic and complex UAS operations, including real-time changes to airspace.
In essence, ED-318 moves beyond the geofencing focus of ED-269 by establishing full data interoperability and enabling dynamic airspace management, such as temporary reconfiguration of U-space boundaries, while ensuring alignment with both 2019/947 and 2021/664 EU Implementing regulations.
One step ahead: InterUSS and the case of Switzerland
Through InterUSS, private-sector specialists are working with the Swiss Civil Aviation Authority (Federal Office of Civil Aviation, FOCA) to drive the shift toward the ED-318 technical specification by creating an open-source script to streamline UAS Geographical Zones data conversion. The script will leverage GitHub Actions to monitor the availability of new ED-269 JSON files and instantly convert them into an ED-318-compliant GeoJSON format.
This agile approach enables early adoption of ED-318 within the U-space framework, allowing stakeholders to test dependent services and build operational experience ahead of formal regulatory implementation. While publishing data in the new format is technically manageable, aligning upstream data quality and coordination remains a challenge. InterUSS’s solution helps bridge this gap, offering a practical pathway to future-proof federal infrastructure and accelerating the uptake of ED-318.
Developing these kinds of solutions relies on the expertise of civil aviation authorities and innovative companies:
“For FOCA, this new solution demonstrates how open-source collaboration can turn complex regulatory requirements into practical tools. It supports a smooth transition toward ED-318 by making the standard tangible for stakeholders, ensuring that interoperability and safety remain at the core of U-space development,” said Amanda Boekholt, Head of Strategy and Innovation at FOCA.
The upcoming InterUSS Technical Workshop and Interoperability Roundtable
InterUSS Technical Committee members will present the open-source solutions of InterUSS and specific national use cases at the upcoming Technical Workshop and Interoperability Roundtable taking place in Zurich on 3 November 2025, ahead of GUTMA’s Harmonized Skies 2025.
The event will unfold with a comprehensive overview of the key role of open-source interoperability for global U-Space scalability and a detailed look at our Platform’s open-source products, with a live InterUSS Interoperability demonstration given by our Technical Committee.
The second part will feature an analysis of the operational experiences of InterUSS and deployment case studies across various countries. Followed by an interactive roundtable discussion, with a moderated dialogue between CAAs, USSPs and other stakeholders.
Would you like to join the event? Contact us at outreach@interussplatform.org to participate
(Main image: iStock | Credit: aerogondo)
Additional Resources
