Movement & Behavior

Captures flight characteristics, maneuvers, and interactions with aircraft or environment.

MovementData Interface

Field	Type	Description
`primaryPattern`	`MovementPattern`	Primary movement type
`additionalPatterns`	`MovementPattern[]`	Additional patterns observed
`estimatedSpeedKmh`	`number`	Estimated speed in km/h
`speedMinKmh`	`number`	Speed range minimum (km/h)
`speedMaxKmh`	`number`	Speed range maximum (km/h)
`speedDescription`	`string`	Speed description
`speedChanged`	`boolean`	Whether speed changed during observation
`wasHypersonic`	`boolean`	Exceeded Mach 5
`wasTransmedium`	`boolean`	Air-water transition observed
`transmediumDescription`	`string`	Transmedium details
`estimatedAltitudeMeters`	`number`	Estimated altitude
`altitudeMinMeters`	`number`	Altitude range minimum (meters)
`altitudeMaxMeters`	`number`	Altitude range maximum (meters)
`altitudeDescription`	`string`	Altitude description
`altitudeChanged`	`boolean`	Whether altitude changed
`initialHeading`	`number`	Initial heading (degrees, 0=North)
`finalHeading`	`number`	Final heading (degrees)
`directionDescription`	`string`	Direction description
`maneuvers`	`ManeuverType[]`	Notable maneuvers observed
`maneuverDescriptions`	`string[]`	Maneuver descriptions
`extremeAcceleration`	`boolean`	Beyond known technology capabilities
`estimatedGForces`	`number`	Estimated G-forces (if calculable)
`antiGravity`	`boolean`	Exhibited anti-gravity characteristics
`inertiaDefying`	`boolean`	Exhibited inertia-defying characteristics
`entryBehavior`	`EntryBehavior`	How object appeared
`exitBehavior`	`ExitBehavior`	How object departed
`formation`	`FormationType`	Formation type if multiple objects
`formationChanged`	`boolean`	Formation changed during observation
`formationDescription`	`string`	Formation description
`coordinatedBehavior`	`boolean`	Exhibited coordinated behavior
`coordinationDescription`	`string`	Coordination description
`environmentInteraction`	`string`	Interaction with environment
`aircraftInteraction`	`AircraftInteraction`	Interaction with aircraft
`otherInteraction`	`string`	Interaction with other objects
`movementDescription`	`string`	General movement description

TypeScript Definition

interface MovementData {
  primaryPattern?: MovementPattern;
  additionalPatterns?: MovementPattern[];
  estimatedSpeedKmh?: number;
  speedMinKmh?: number;
  speedMaxKmh?: number;
  speedDescription?: string;
  speedChanged?: boolean;
  wasHypersonic?: boolean;
  wasTransmedium?: boolean;
  transmediumDescription?: string;
  estimatedAltitudeMeters?: number;
  altitudeMinMeters?: number;
  altitudeMaxMeters?: number;
  altitudeDescription?: string;
  altitudeChanged?: boolean;
  initialHeading?: number;
  finalHeading?: number;
  directionDescription?: string;
  maneuvers?: ManeuverType[];
  maneuverDescriptions?: string[];
  extremeAcceleration?: boolean;
  estimatedGForces?: number;
  antiGravity?: boolean;
  inertiaDefying?: boolean;
  entryBehavior?: EntryBehavior;
  exitBehavior?: ExitBehavior;
  formation?: FormationType;
  formationChanged?: boolean;
  formationDescription?: string;
  coordinatedBehavior?: boolean;
  coordinationDescription?: string;
  environmentInteraction?: string;
  aircraftInteraction?: AircraftInteraction;
  otherInteraction?: string;
  movementDescription?: string;
}

interface AircraftInteraction {
  aircraftType?: string;
  wasMilitary?: boolean;
  wasCommercial?: boolean;
  wasPrivate?: boolean;
  approachedAircraft?: boolean;
  closestApproachMeters?: number;
  pacedAircraft?: boolean;
  pacingDurationSeconds?: number;
  circledAircraft?: boolean;
  collisionAvoidanceRequired?: boolean;
  evasiveActionTaken?: boolean;
  interactionDescription?: string;
}

MovementPattern Enum

Stationary

Value	Description
`stationary`	Not moving
`hovering`	Hovering in place
`drifting`	Slow drift

Linear Motion

Value	Description
`linear`	Straight line movement
`curved`	Curved path

Complex Motion

Value	Description
`circular`	Circular pattern
`spiral`	Spiral pattern
`zigzag`	Zigzag pattern
`erratic`	Erratic/unpredictable
`pendulum`	Pendulum-like swing
`falling_leaf`	Falling leaf motion
`bobbing`	Up and down bobbing
`oscillating`	Side to side oscillation

Rotation/Oscillation

Value	Description
`tumbling`	Tumbling motion
`rotating`	Rotating
`spinning`	Spinning
`pulsating`	Pulsating movement

Relative Motion

Value	Description
`following`	Following observer/aircraft
`shadowing`	Maintaining distance
`intercepting`	Moving to intercept
`evading`	Avoiding pursuit
`other`	Other
`unknown`	Unknown

ManeuverType Enum

Acceleration/Deceleration

Value	Description
`sudden_stop`	Instantaneous stop
`sudden_acceleration`	Instantaneous acceleration

Direction Changes

Value	Description
`right_angle_turn`	90-degree turn
`acute_angle_turn`	Sharp turn (< 90°)
`instant_reversal`	Instantaneous 180° reversal
`banking_turn`	Normal banking turn

Vertical

Value	Description
`vertical_ascent`	Straight up
`vertical_descent`	Straight down
`level_flight`	Level flight
`diving`	Diving motion
`climbing`	Climbing motion

Anomalous

Value	Description
`splitting`	Object split into multiple
`merging`	Multiple objects merged
`formation_change`	Formation change
`materialization`	Appeared suddenly
`dematerialization`	Disappeared suddenly
`phase_shift`	Became transparent/translucent
`size_change`	Changed apparent size
`shape_shift`	Changed shape
`other`	Other

EntryBehavior Enum

Value	Description
`appeared_suddenly`	Appeared suddenly
`flew_into_view`	Flew into view
`descended`	Descended into view
`ascended`	Ascended into view
`emerged_from_water`	Emerged from water
`emerged_from_ground`	Emerged from ground
`already_present`	Already present when noticed
`unknown`	Unknown

ExitBehavior Enum

Value	Description
`flew_away_horizontal`	Flew away horizontally
`flew_away_ascending`	Flew away ascending
`flew_away_descending`	Flew away descending
`accelerated_out_of_sight`	Accelerated out of sight
`instant_disappearance`	Instantly disappeared
`faded_out`	Faded out gradually
`descended_below_horizon`	Descended below horizon
`ascended_out_of_sight`	Ascended out of sight
`entered_clouds`	Entered cloud cover
`entered_water`	Entered water
`landed`	Landed
`obscured_by_terrain`	Obscured by terrain
`observer_left`	Observer left scene
`still_present`	Still present when observation ended
`unknown`	Exit not observed

FormationType Enum

Value	Description
`single`	Single object
`pair`	Two objects
`triangle`	Triangular formation
`v_formation`	V-shaped formation
`line`	Linear formation
`echelon`	Echelon formation
`diamond`	Diamond formation
`circle`	Circular formation
`cluster`	Clustered grouping
`swarm`	Swarm behavior
`random`	Random/scattered
`changing`	Formation changed
`other`	Other
`unknown`	Unknown

Example

{
  "movement": {
    "primaryPattern": "hovering",
    "additionalPatterns": ["erratic"],
    "estimatedSpeedKmh": 0,
    "speedMinKmh": 0,
    "speedMaxKmh": 15000,
    "speedDescription": "Stationary, then accelerated instantly beyond Mach 5",
    "speedChanged": true,
    "wasHypersonic": true,
    "estimatedAltitudeMeters": 7620,
    "altitudeMinMeters": 7000,
    "altitudeMaxMeters": 8000,
    "altitudeDescription": "At approximately FL250",
    "maneuvers": ["sudden_acceleration", "instant_reversal"],
    "extremeAcceleration": true,
    "antiGravity": true,
    "inertiaDefying": true,
    "entryBehavior": "appeared_suddenly",
    "exitBehavior": "accelerated_out_of_sight",
    "aircraftInteraction": {
      "aircraftType": "F/A-18E Super Hornet",
      "wasMilitary": true,
      "approachedAircraft": true,
      "pacedAircraft": true,
      "pacingDurationSeconds": 300,
      "closestApproachMeters": 50,
      "collisionAvoidanceRequired": false,
      "interactionDescription": "Object paced aircraft for 5 minutes before accelerating away"
    },
    "movementDescription": "Hovered stationary, then instantly accelerated out of sight"
  }
}

Best Practices

Document all patterns - Include primary and secondary movement types
Use min/max ranges - Provide speed and altitude ranges when uncertain
Note anomalous maneuvers - extremeAcceleration, antiGravity, inertiaDefying flags are key
Record entry and exit - Use standardized enum values
Document aircraft interactions - Critical for aviation safety analysis

Movement & Behavior

Captures flight characteristics, maneuvers, and interactions with aircraft or environment.

MovementData Interface

Field	Type	Description
`primaryPattern`	`MovementPattern`	Primary movement type
`additionalPatterns`	`MovementPattern[]`	Additional patterns observed
`estimatedSpeedKmh`	`number`	Estimated speed in km/h
`speedMinKmh`	`number`	Speed range minimum (km/h)
`speedMaxKmh`	`number`	Speed range maximum (km/h)
`speedDescription`	`string`	Speed description
`speedChanged`	`boolean`	Whether speed changed during observation
`wasHypersonic`	`boolean`	Exceeded Mach 5
`wasTransmedium`	`boolean`	Air-water transition observed
`transmediumDescription`	`string`	Transmedium details
`estimatedAltitudeMeters`	`number`	Estimated altitude
`altitudeMinMeters`	`number`	Altitude range minimum (meters)
`altitudeMaxMeters`	`number`	Altitude range maximum (meters)
`altitudeDescription`	`string`	Altitude description
`altitudeChanged`	`boolean`	Whether altitude changed
`initialHeading`	`number`	Initial heading (degrees, 0=North)
`finalHeading`	`number`	Final heading (degrees)
`directionDescription`	`string`	Direction description
`maneuvers`	`ManeuverType[]`	Notable maneuvers observed
`maneuverDescriptions`	`string[]`	Maneuver descriptions
`extremeAcceleration`	`boolean`	Beyond known technology capabilities
`estimatedGForces`	`number`	Estimated G-forces (if calculable)
`antiGravity`	`boolean`	Exhibited anti-gravity characteristics
`inertiaDefying`	`boolean`	Exhibited inertia-defying characteristics
`entryBehavior`	`EntryBehavior`	How object appeared
`exitBehavior`	`ExitBehavior`	How object departed
`formation`	`FormationType`	Formation type if multiple objects
`formationChanged`	`boolean`	Formation changed during observation
`formationDescription`	`string`	Formation description
`coordinatedBehavior`	`boolean`	Exhibited coordinated behavior
`coordinationDescription`	`string`	Coordination description
`environmentInteraction`	`string`	Interaction with environment
`aircraftInteraction`	`AircraftInteraction`	Interaction with aircraft
`otherInteraction`	`string`	Interaction with other objects
`movementDescription`	`string`	General movement description

TypeScript Definition

interface MovementData {
  primaryPattern?: MovementPattern;
  additionalPatterns?: MovementPattern[];
  estimatedSpeedKmh?: number;
  speedMinKmh?: number;
  speedMaxKmh?: number;
  speedDescription?: string;
  speedChanged?: boolean;
  wasHypersonic?: boolean;
  wasTransmedium?: boolean;
  transmediumDescription?: string;
  estimatedAltitudeMeters?: number;
  altitudeMinMeters?: number;
  altitudeMaxMeters?: number;
  altitudeDescription?: string;
  altitudeChanged?: boolean;
  initialHeading?: number;
  finalHeading?: number;
  directionDescription?: string;
  maneuvers?: ManeuverType[];
  maneuverDescriptions?: string[];
  extremeAcceleration?: boolean;
  estimatedGForces?: number;
  antiGravity?: boolean;
  inertiaDefying?: boolean;
  entryBehavior?: EntryBehavior;
  exitBehavior?: ExitBehavior;
  formation?: FormationType;
  formationChanged?: boolean;
  formationDescription?: string;
  coordinatedBehavior?: boolean;
  coordinationDescription?: string;
  environmentInteraction?: string;
  aircraftInteraction?: AircraftInteraction;
  otherInteraction?: string;
  movementDescription?: string;
}

interface AircraftInteraction {
  aircraftType?: string;
  wasMilitary?: boolean;
  wasCommercial?: boolean;
  wasPrivate?: boolean;
  approachedAircraft?: boolean;
  closestApproachMeters?: number;
  pacedAircraft?: boolean;
  pacingDurationSeconds?: number;
  circledAircraft?: boolean;
  collisionAvoidanceRequired?: boolean;
  evasiveActionTaken?: boolean;
  interactionDescription?: string;
}

MovementPattern Enum

Stationary

Value	Description
`stationary`	Not moving
`hovering`	Hovering in place
`drifting`	Slow drift

Linear Motion

Value	Description
`linear`	Straight line movement
`curved`	Curved path

Complex Motion

Value	Description
`circular`	Circular pattern
`spiral`	Spiral pattern
`zigzag`	Zigzag pattern
`erratic`	Erratic/unpredictable
`pendulum`	Pendulum-like swing
`falling_leaf`	Falling leaf motion
`bobbing`	Up and down bobbing
`oscillating`	Side to side oscillation

Rotation/Oscillation

Value	Description
`tumbling`	Tumbling motion
`rotating`	Rotating
`spinning`	Spinning
`pulsating`	Pulsating movement

Relative Motion

Value	Description
`following`	Following observer/aircraft
`shadowing`	Maintaining distance
`intercepting`	Moving to intercept
`evading`	Avoiding pursuit
`other`	Other
`unknown`	Unknown

ManeuverType Enum

Acceleration/Deceleration

Value	Description
`sudden_stop`	Instantaneous stop
`sudden_acceleration`	Instantaneous acceleration

Direction Changes

Value	Description
`right_angle_turn`	90-degree turn
`acute_angle_turn`	Sharp turn (< 90°)
`instant_reversal`	Instantaneous 180° reversal
`banking_turn`	Normal banking turn

Vertical

Value	Description
`vertical_ascent`	Straight up
`vertical_descent`	Straight down
`level_flight`	Level flight
`diving`	Diving motion
`climbing`	Climbing motion

Anomalous

Value	Description
`splitting`	Object split into multiple
`merging`	Multiple objects merged
`formation_change`	Formation change
`materialization`	Appeared suddenly
`dematerialization`	Disappeared suddenly
`phase_shift`	Became transparent/translucent
`size_change`	Changed apparent size
`shape_shift`	Changed shape
`other`	Other

EntryBehavior Enum

Value	Description
`appeared_suddenly`	Appeared suddenly
`flew_into_view`	Flew into view
`descended`	Descended into view
`ascended`	Ascended into view
`emerged_from_water`	Emerged from water
`emerged_from_ground`	Emerged from ground
`already_present`	Already present when noticed
`unknown`	Unknown

ExitBehavior Enum

Value	Description
`flew_away_horizontal`	Flew away horizontally
`flew_away_ascending`	Flew away ascending
`flew_away_descending`	Flew away descending
`accelerated_out_of_sight`	Accelerated out of sight
`instant_disappearance`	Instantly disappeared
`faded_out`	Faded out gradually
`descended_below_horizon`	Descended below horizon
`ascended_out_of_sight`	Ascended out of sight
`entered_clouds`	Entered cloud cover
`entered_water`	Entered water
`landed`	Landed
`obscured_by_terrain`	Obscured by terrain
`observer_left`	Observer left scene
`still_present`	Still present when observation ended
`unknown`	Exit not observed

FormationType Enum

Value	Description
`single`	Single object
`pair`	Two objects
`triangle`	Triangular formation
`v_formation`	V-shaped formation
`line`	Linear formation
`echelon`	Echelon formation
`diamond`	Diamond formation
`circle`	Circular formation
`cluster`	Clustered grouping
`swarm`	Swarm behavior
`random`	Random/scattered
`changing`	Formation changed
`other`	Other
`unknown`	Unknown

Example

{
  "movement": {
    "primaryPattern": "hovering",
    "additionalPatterns": ["erratic"],
    "estimatedSpeedKmh": 0,
    "speedMinKmh": 0,
    "speedMaxKmh": 15000,
    "speedDescription": "Stationary, then accelerated instantly beyond Mach 5",
    "speedChanged": true,
    "wasHypersonic": true,
    "estimatedAltitudeMeters": 7620,
    "altitudeMinMeters": 7000,
    "altitudeMaxMeters": 8000,
    "altitudeDescription": "At approximately FL250",
    "maneuvers": ["sudden_acceleration", "instant_reversal"],
    "extremeAcceleration": true,
    "antiGravity": true,
    "inertiaDefying": true,
    "entryBehavior": "appeared_suddenly",
    "exitBehavior": "accelerated_out_of_sight",
    "aircraftInteraction": {
      "aircraftType": "F/A-18E Super Hornet",
      "wasMilitary": true,
      "approachedAircraft": true,
      "pacedAircraft": true,
      "pacingDurationSeconds": 300,
      "closestApproachMeters": 50,
      "collisionAvoidanceRequired": false,
      "interactionDescription": "Object paced aircraft for 5 minutes before accelerating away"
    },
    "movementDescription": "Hovered stationary, then instantly accelerated out of sight"
  }
}

Best Practices

Document all patterns - Include primary and secondary movement types
Use min/max ranges - Provide speed and altitude ranges when uncertain
Note anomalous maneuvers - extremeAcceleration, antiGravity, inertiaDefying flags are key
Record entry and exit - Use standardized enum values
Document aircraft interactions - Critical for aviation safety analysis

Movement & Behavior

MovementData Interface

TypeScript Definition

MovementPattern Enum

Stationary

Linear Motion

Complex Motion

Rotation/Oscillation

Relative Motion

ManeuverType Enum

Acceleration/Deceleration

Direction Changes

Vertical

Anomalous

EntryBehavior Enum

ExitBehavior Enum

FormationType Enum

Example

Best Practices

On this page

Movement & Behavior

MovementData Interface

TypeScript Definition

MovementPattern Enum

Stationary

Linear Motion

Complex Motion

Rotation/Oscillation

Relative Motion

ManeuverType Enum

Acceleration/Deceleration

Direction Changes

Vertical

Anomalous

EntryBehavior Enum

ExitBehavior Enum

FormationType Enum

Example

Best Practices

On this page