*2.4. Summary: Selective Comparison*

Different approaches to formulating vertiport design guidelines in Europe, the U.S. and internationally have been described in the previous sections. Across these approaches there are many similarities which reflect the desire to integrate UAM into existing airspace regulations and structures. At the same time there are variations. A comparative summary

of various design guidelines is contrasted in Table 5. This is a selective list and only reflects a momentary snapshot since the elaboration of vertiport design guidelines is still an ongoing worldwide development.


**Table 5.** Selection of diverging characteristics between various design guidelines.

#### **3. Vertiport Location and Networks**

*"Ground infrastructure and planning decisions at this stage of the project development carry significant project risk, and hence, decision makers and stakeholders need to be able to make well-considered business and operations decisions."* [81]

According to [82], the following factors make a location favorable for placing UAM ground infrastructure: less densely built-up cities with substantial amount of free and undeveloped land; access to water like lakes and rivers; no existing strong and efficient public transportation network; large commercial airport located nearby. Furthermore, a city's climate degrades initial UAM operations if reduced visibility, wind and icy conditions are faced frequently. Therefore, an initial setup is recommended in consistent weather patterns and mild climate until more operational experience is gained. In addition, the wealth of the city and its population has to be considered since early implementation of UAM and on-demand mobility services require high investments and will create high initial operating costs.

How scientific publications are addressing the question of vertiport location and how they propose to solve the optimization problem of finding the best place for a vertiport and the right size of a corresponding network, is discussed in the following chapter.

For additional orientation, the reader is pointed to Figure 9 which shows the operating areas of those vertiport networks discussed throughout the sections addressing the usecases: commuting, airport shuttle, holistic UAM system, other covering delivery and STOL operations, and mixed.

**Figure 9.** Vertiport network locations covered by selected scientific publications. Use-case is expressed through color-code.
