Salford professor helps to redefine knowledge of Europe’s future airspace with new public glossary
As Europe moves closer to integrating drones and electric air vehicles into everyday life one challenge has become increasingly clear: there is still no common language to describe this emerging field. Often highly technical, terminology is fragmented across disciplines and unfamiliar to those not deeply involved in the aviation industry.
Designed to help Europe navigate the fast-evolving world of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Innovative Air Mobility (IAM), and drone operations, a new public glossary, created with help from University of Salford academics, is set to bring clarity to future airspace.
Aiming to bridge the gap between technical jargon and colloquial communication, U-Space Wiki, which is now live, provides accessible, non-technical yet clear explanations of terms used in discussions about drones, U-Space (securing space for unmanned aircraft) services and related emerging aviation services.
Presenting each term using concise text and light storytelling, the wiki recognises that people absorb information in different ways. Illustrated cards and intuitive icons help concepts feel immediately familiar, while short narrative scenes show how these terms appear in real urban settings – the visual layer not only supports visual learners but also makes complex ideas easier to recognise, recall and connect.
Prof Antonio J. Torija Martinez, Professor of Acoustic Engineering and Psychoacoustics at the University, said: “Shared terminology is the foundation of effective collaboration. When researchers, cities and industry align their language, we enable safer, smarter and more socially accepted drone operations.”
U-Space Wiki builds on the extensive work already carried out by Europe’s aviation community, including SESAR[1], EUSPA[2] and EASA[3]. Rather than duplicating existing glossaries, the platform complements them by focusing specifically on U-Space and drone operations and addressing a distinct target group.
The wiki is designed to be collaborative and transparent – each term includes references to its original source and includes a visible history showing how the definition has evolved.
Community participation ensures the glossary is continuously updated - visitors can both submit new terms for inclusion and act as experts by reviewing or refining terminology descriptions to ensure the language remains simple and accessible.
Beyond offering clarity, U-Space Wiki empowers citizens, authorities, researchers and industry to participate confidently in conversations about the future of our skies. In this way, U-Space is more than a glossary – it is a practical resource supporting responsive, inclusive innovation across Europe. The wiki was initiated by Future Needs, a European research and innovation company focused on making emerging technologies more accessible, inclusive, and human-centred. Visit www.uspacewiki.eu to learn the language shaping Europe’s airspace future and contribute to building a shared understanding of tomorrow’s skies.
[1] Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research
[2] European Union Agency for the Space Programme
[3] European Union Aviation Safety Agency
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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