In an increasingly geo-spatially powered world, seeing the flight plan, obstacles, traffic and weather overlaid on a topographic display is the expected norm.   Knowing where you are, where you are going, and where the high ground is has to be one of the most useful tools for staying safe.

MFDs from different manufacturers use unit specific geographical layers and layer properties.   Highways for instance are depicted with different colors and line styles.

SimAVIO's mapping system uses advanced computer graphics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques to make sure our maps are accurate representations of those displayed by aircraft equipment.

SimAVIO provides the following static map layers:

• Raster Topographical Display consisting of a shaded relief map using color to indicate the height of terrain.
• Vector Based Data representing aeronautical and cultural features typical of MFD displays where each map layer, roads, lakes etc, are displayed in colors and styles specific to the MFD being simulated.

The following layers are available. 

• Coastline
• Lakes
• Highways
• Political Boundaries
• Class B, C, D and E Airspace
• MOA, Alert, Warning and Prohibited Areas
• Airways
• Point data from aeronautical sources
  • Airports
  • Obstacles

Presentation of Map Layers is simulated equipment specific:  

• North, track, heading and desired track (DTK) up and Arc View
• Topographical height map and ocean, 'night' mode or no map
• Equipment specific ranges and range rings
• Cursor based map scrolling

Dynamic Flight Plan Features

• Active Leg, Direct To
• Speed based dynamic holds including hold entry prediction
• Turn anticipation
• Fuel range ring
• Track prediction vector
• Nearest aeronautical point (airport)
• Initial, Final and Missed Approach legs
• Course to Altitude
• Direct To turn anticipation

A Note on Aeronautical Data

On of the biggest problems in providing modern avionics simulation is sourcing aeronautical data. ARINC 424 is a format in which all airport, SID, STAR and approach data can be coded, ARINC 424 appears to be the standard used by most of the world. SimAVIO is compatible with ARINC 424-18. The only practically priced and controlled data FlyThisSim has found is the National Flight Database (NFD) produced by the FAA. An ongoing project, the NFD contains data for most GPS/RNAV approaches, SIDs and STARs, VORs, waypoints and airspace for the USA. Until recently, no ground based (ILS/LOC) approaches were included in the NFD.  This situation is improving as the FAA continues to include more approaches on every release. FlyThisSim is monitoring the situation.  As credible data sources come to our attention, we will consider importing them. 

Forward to WAAS / GPS