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A runway is differentiated from other surfaces on the airport by being the only surface an aircraft (other than a helicopter) either lands on or takes off from. Runways may also be used for taxiing aircraft and in some cases for parking aircraft. Runways are always designated (and normally marked) by a one or two number label, loosely associated with their compass bearing. Runway markings are always white. Runways are also bordered by white lights. Taxiways are designated surfaces provided at airports to enable aircraft to reposition from the runway to their final position on the field, or vice versa. They have different marking from runways, and are always identified by letters, with numbers if necessary. At the other end of taxiways are “Ramps” which are not really ramps at all, but different surfaces that denote where the taxiway ends and the terminal or gate area begins.
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image via akitarescueoftulsa.com
image via aopa.org
All of these diagrams, regardless of how colorful or easy to read, provide basic information for navigating around an airport, and supplemental information which is either critical or informational. The EGCC diagram has numerous “shadow boxes” with important information such as touchdown zone elevation (TDZ) and localizer frequencies, for example. It denotes taxiways via replicas of the taxiway markings you would see looking out the cockpit window, yellow against a black background. The portrayal of runway markings and orientation is also a faithful representation of the real-world airport.
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image via airports-worldwide.com
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With these diagrams, it provides basic understanding of airport diagrams to enable pilots to navigate safely and correctly at various airfields. The pilot should have a clear understanding of the elements of an airport diagram and how to use it. All figures are free to be downloaded and provided in high definition.