A moving map display is a type of

navigation Navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another.Bowditch, 2003:799. The field of navigation includes four general categories: land navigation, ...

system output that, instead of numerically displaying the current geographical coordinates determined by the navigation unit or an heading and distance indication of a certain

waypoint A waypoint is an intermediate point or place on a route or line of travel, a stopping point or point at which course is changed, the first use of the term tracing to 1880. In modern terms, it most often refers to coordinates which specify one's posi ...

, displays the unit's current location at the center of a

map A map is a symbolic depiction emphasizing relationships between elements of some space, such as objects, regions, or themes. Many maps are static, fixed to paper or some other durable medium, while others are dynamic or interactive. Although ...

. As the unit moves around and new coordinates are therefore determined, the map moves to keep its position at the center of the display. Mechanical moving map displays using paper charts were first introduced in the 1950s, and became common in some roles during the 1960s. Mechanically moved paper maps were replaced by projected map displays and digital maps during the 1970s and 80s, with resolution and detail improving along with computer imagery and the

computer memory In computing, memory is a device or system that is used to store information for immediate use in a computer or related computer hardware and digital electronic devices. The term ''memory'' is often synonymous with the term '' primary storag ...

systems that held the data. A symbol representing the location of the GPS device carried by a person or inside a vehicle, remains stationary on the display screen while a map or chart image moves beneath the symbol. The display thus portrays the physical movement of the device on the displayed map or chart. The portrayal typically shows a simulated overhead view of the device location on the moving map, but some devices also simulate a three-dimensional view from the perspective of the device. Many devices also provide an option for the map or chart image to remain stationary on the display while the location symbol moves to represent physical device movement. Some moving map display systems also provide a method of displaying the elevation of the device above sea level or the earth's surface. A common example of a moving map display today is the map display on a

smart phone A smartphone is a portable computer device that combines mobile telephone and computing functions into one unit. They are distinguished from feature phones by their stronger hardware capabilities and extensive mobile operating systems, which ...

or tablet screen, with an app using

GPS The Global Positioning System (GPS), originally Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. It is one of the global navigation satellite sy ...

to determine the device's current position and display it on map data from the device's internal storage or from the

Internet The Internet (or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a '' network of networks'' that consists of private, pub ...

in real time. This use of phones and tablets has expanded very rapidly for navigation in car travel, hiking, and aviation. Moving map applications are now included in the base software for most phones and tablets, and include many helpful options like directions to destination, business hours, and more. Aviation moving map apps include extensive in-flight information such as other nearby aircraft. Weather and other data is also available and may be depicted on the moving map. Some sophisticated apps, even including 3D display options for this purpose are available free, without subscription fees.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ds.avare Example of free open source Android app. This trend has enabled even inexpensive aircraft with no electrical system to have very advanced

Avionics Avionics (a blend of ''aviation'' and ''electronics'') are the electronic systems used on aircraft. Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are fit ...

in flight. Many pilots of the most expensive jets and helicopters also use such apps to supplement expensive certified avionics.

References

{{Reflist Transport software

See also

References