MAP Tab: GPS Moving Map

This is where IN-FLIGHT turns into an in-flight navigation tool. The MAP tab gives you a moving map display with your aircraft position, route visualization, and real-time guidance—think of it as a basic FMS map page in your browser.

What this is: Situational awareness, backup navigation, and route monitoring.

What this is NOT: A certified GPS navigator. Don't use this for primary navigation. It's a planning tool and backup reference.

What You're Looking At

Route Visualization

Your planned route appears as a series of connected waypoints:

Waypoint markers:

• Cyan circles = Airports
• Magenta circles = Navaids (VOR, NDB, DME)
• White circles = Fixes (intersections, GPS waypoints)
• Amber circles = Reporting points (ATC expects you to report these)

Route lines:

• White solid lines = Your planned route connecting each waypoint
• Yellow line = Active leg (from your position to next waypoint)
• Dotted line = GPS track trail (where you've been)

Airspace Visualization

IN-FLIGHT displays controlled airspace around airports for situational awareness:

Class B Airspace (Blue circles):

• Major airports (30nm radius typical)
• Two-ring display: lighter outer ring (surface-10,000'), darker inner core (surface-higher altitude)
• Example: KORD (Chicago O'Hare), KSFO (San Francisco)

Class C Airspace (Magenta circles):

• Medium airports (10nm radius typical)
• Two-ring display: lighter outer ring, darker inner core
• Example: KMDW (Chicago Midway), KBUR (Burbank)

Class D Airspace (Blue dashed circles):

• Towered airports (5nm radius typical)
• Single dashed ring
• Example: Most towered regional airports

What you see:

• Airspace renders automatically when airports are visible on map
• Scales with zoom level (appears/disappears based on view)
• Does NOT show altitude limits (2D representation only)

IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS:

• General approximations only - simplified circular representation
• NOT accurate boundaries - actual airspace has irregular shapes, cutouts, and shelves
• No altitude information - vertical limits not depicted
• For situational awareness ONLY - do NOT use for flight planning or navigation
• ✅ Always refer to current sectional charts for exact boundaries, altitudes, and operating requirements
• ✅ Use to get a general sense of nearby controlled airspace locations only

Airways and Fixes (Detailed Zoom Levels)

IN-FLIGHT displays the airway system and navigation fixes at closer zoom levels for enhanced situational awareness.

Airway Visualization:

• Solid grey lines = Low altitude airways (Victor, RNAV T, colored airways)
• Dashed grey lines = High altitude airways (Jet routes, Q-routes)
• Airways appear automatically at 50NM and 25NM zoom
• Opacity adjusts based on zoom: 60% at 50NM, 80% at 25NM

Fix Markers:

• Small triangles = Navigation fixes (intersections, waypoints)
• Appears at 25NM and 5NM zoom levels
• At 50NM and 25NM: Shows only reporting points + fixes that are part of airways
• At 5NM: Shows all fixes for detailed approach planning

Airway Filter (LOW/HIGH/ALL button):

• LOW: Shows only low altitude airways (Victor, RNAV T, colored airways)
  • Use for flights below FL180
  • Matches FAA Low Altitude Enroute charts
• HIGH: Shows only high altitude airways (Jet routes, Q-routes)
  • Use for flights at/above FL180
  • Matches FAA High Altitude Enroute charts
• ALL: Shows all airways regardless of altitude
  • Use for mixed altitude planning or complete airway structure

Progressive Detail by Zoom Level:

Zoom Mode	Airways	Fixes	Best For
ROUTE	Hidden	Hidden	Complete route overview
50NM	Shown (60%)	Hidden	Enroute strategic view with airway structure
25NM	Shown (80%)	Shown	Tactical navigation, airway + fix details
5NM	Hidden	Shown	Approach planning, fix-by-fix navigation

What you see:

• Airways connect navaids (VORs) and fixes to create the IFR route structure
• Airway names displayed on the line (may stack if multiple airways share segments)
• Fixes show navigation intersections you might reference in clearances
• All airways include both segment endpoints (navaids and fixes)

Why this is useful:

• "Cleared to KSFO via V244, direct KSBA" - See V244 airway on map
• "Hold at PORTE intersection" - Locate PORTE fix visually
• "Cross BRINY at or above 8000" - Find BRINY on the map
• Altitude planning - Toggle LOW/HIGH to see relevant airways for your cruise altitude

IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS:

• Situational awareness only - Airways shown for reference, not navigation
• No MEA/MOCA/altitude limits - Consult enroute charts for altitude restrictions
• Simplified representation - Airways may have complex routing not fully depicted
• Not all fixes shown - Only reporting points and airway fixes at 50NM/25NM zoom
• ✅ Always refer to current enroute charts for exact routing, altitudes, and restrictions
• ✅ Use IFR-certified GPS for actual airway navigation

GPS Position (When Enabled)

Your aircraft:

• Cyan triangle pointing in direction of travel
• Updates in real-time (every 1-5 seconds depending on device)
• Leaves a dotted trail showing your path

Accuracy indicator:

• Blue circle around aircraft symbol
• Radius = horizontal GPS accuracy
• Smaller circle = better accuracy
• Typical: 5-25 meter radius in clear conditions

Navigation Panel (Bottom of Screen)

Top row (large text):

• WPT: Next waypoint identifier (where you're going)
• HDG: Required magnetic heading to fly
• DIST: Distance remaining to next waypoint (NM)
• ETE: Estimated time en route (minutes)

Bottom row (small text):

• GS: GPS ground speed (knots)
• ETA: Estimated time of arrival at waypoint (Zulu time)
• H-ACC: Horizontal GPS accuracy (±meters)
• V-ACC: Vertical GPS accuracy (±meters)

This is your primary reference during GPS-guided flight. Glance down for heading, distance, and ETE.

Enabling GPS

First Time Setup

1. Click MAP tab
2. Browser prompts: "Allow location access?"
3. Click Allow (required for GPS tracking)
4. GPS status changes to "ACTIVE" (green)
5. Your position appears as cyan triangle

Permissions are saved—you won't need to grant them again on subsequent flights.

GPS Status Indicators

CHECKING... (Yellow)

• Browser is requesting permission or initializing
• Wait a few seconds

ACTIVE (Green)

• GPS successfully tracking
• Position updating in real-time
• Ready to navigate

DENIED (Red)

• You clicked "Block" on permission prompt
• Fix: Click lock icon in address bar → Location → Allow → Refresh page

UNAVAILABLE (Red)

• Device doesn't have GPS (desktop without WiFi positioning)
• Browser doesn't support Geolocation API (unlikely)
• Use GPS-enabled device (phone/tablet with cellular)

GPS Accuracy: What to Expect

Excellent (±5-12 meters):

• Clear sky view
• Good satellite geometry
• Tablet with cellular GPS (even without SIM)

Good (±15-30 meters):

• Some obstruction (clouds, light tree cover)
• Phone GPS in cockpit
• Sufficient for enroute navigation

Marginal (±50-100 meters):

• Heavy clouds, urban areas, or tree cover
• WiFi-only positioning on ground
• Don't rely on this for terminal navigation

Poor (±100+ meters):

• Buildings, hangars, heavy obstruction
• Desktop computer with WiFi positioning
• Not usable for navigation

In-flight: GPS accuracy is typically excellent (±10-20m) with clear sky view. Much better than on the ground.

Zoom Controls

Located at top-right of map.

Preset Zoom Modes

ROUTE (default):

• Shows entire route from departure to destination
• Frames only the route waypoints (current GPS position may be outside view)
• Good for: Pre-flight planning, overall route awareness, consistent route overview
• Use when: Checking the big picture or viewing the complete flight plan

DEST:

• Zooms to destination airport area
• Shows: Arrival waypoints, local navaids, airport
• Auto-shows airways/fixes when within 50nm of destination
• Good for: Approach planning, reviewing STAR
• Use when: Within 50nm of destination

50NM:

• Medium-range view: 50 nautical mile radius around your aircraft
• Shows: Airways (60% opacity), upcoming waypoints, route ahead
• Fixes hidden (cleaner view)
• Good for: Enroute navigation, airway structure awareness
• Use this for most of your flight

25NM:

• Close-range view: 25 nautical mile radius
• Shows: Airways (80% opacity) AND fixes (reporting points + airway fixes)
• Good for: Terminal area, tactical navigation with airway/fix details
• Use when: Approaching airport or navigating complex airspace

5NM:

• Approach view: 5 nautical mile radius
• Shows: All fixes (100% opacity), no airways
• Good for: Approach planning, fix-by-fix navigation, holding patterns
• Use when: Final approach or complex terminal procedures

Airway Filter Button (LOW/HIGH/ALL)

Located: Next to zoom controls

Cycles through:

1. LOW - Shows only low altitude airways (Victor, RNAV T, colored airways)
2. HIGH - Shows only high altitude airways (Jet routes, Q-routes)
3. ALL - Shows all airways

When to use:

• Below FL180: Use LOW filter to match your Low Altitude Enroute chart
• At/Above FL180: Use HIGH filter to match your High Altitude Enroute chart
• Mixed altitude planning: Use ALL to see complete airway network

Visual distinction:

• Low altitude airways = Solid lines
• High altitude airways = Dashed lines

Manual Zoom (+ and − Buttons)

+ button: Zoom in for more detail − button: Zoom out for wider view

Tip: After manual zoom, clicking any preset (ROUTE/DEST/50NM/25NM/5NM) returns to standard views.

Auto-Waypoint Advancement

The magic feature: IN-FLIGHT automatically advances to the next waypoint when you pass abeam the current one.

How It Works

Trigger distance: Within 2 nautical miles of next waypoint

What happens:

1. Device vibrates (mobile devices) - two short pulses
2. TTS announces waypoint passage (if audio enabled)
3. Navigation panel updates to next leg
4. Yellow line re-draws to new active waypoint
5. Guidance (HDG/DIST/ETE) updates automatically

Why this matters: You don't have to manually click "NEXT" during the flight. IN-FLIGHT does it for you, just like an FMS.

Manual Waypoint Control

PREV button (◄):

• Go back to previous waypoint
• Use if: You passed a waypoint early and want to re-sequence
• Or: ATC vectors you backwards in the route

NEXT button (►):

• Skip to next waypoint
• Use if: ATC says "proceed direct to [waypoint]" that's ahead in route
• Or: You want to skip a waypoint

Important: Auto-advancement overrides manual selection. If you manually advance, but you're still 50nm away, it will keep that waypoint until you get within 2nm.

Voice Announcements (TTS)

When you pass within 2nm of a waypoint, IN-FLIGHT announces:

Example announcement:

"Approaching K O R D. Next waypoint B S R, heading 1 4 1, distance 97 nautical miles, E T E 47 minutes."

What's included:

• Current waypoint (spelled out letter by letter)
• Next waypoint (spelled out)
• Magnetic heading (digit by digit with leading zeros)
• Distance in nautical miles
• ETE if wind correction is enabled

Heading callout format:

• 90° → "zero nine zero"
• 270° → "two seven zero"
• 5° → "zero zero five"

This matches standard aviation phraseology for clarity.

Volume: Uses system TTS at maximum volume. Adjust device volume before flight.

Voice: Uses default system voice. No customization currently available.

To disable: Mute device volume or turn off TTS in browser settings. (Future: UI toggle planned)

Haptic Feedback (Vibration)

When it triggers: Waypoint passage (within 2nm)

Pattern: Two short vibrations (100ms each), separated by 50ms pause

Devices:

• ✅ Works on mobile phones/tablets
• ❌ Desktop browsers don't support vibration API

Why it's useful: Alerts you to waypoint passage without looking at the screen. Great for single-pilot IFR when head-down configuring avionics.

One-Tap Diversions

Scenario: Weather ahead, fuel concern, emergency, or just want to land early.

How to Divert

1. Click any airport on the map (cyan circle)
2. Popup appears with airport info
3. Click "DCT" button in popup
4. Navigation updates instantly:
   • Yellow line points to diversion airport
   • HDG shows magnetic heading to airport
   • DIST shows direct distance
   • ETE updates based on current GS

IN-FLIGHT automatically:

• Calculates direct great-circle route to airport
• Updates fuel remaining (if fuel planning enabled)
• Shows new ETA

To cancel diversion:

• Click NEXT or PREV to return to planned route
• Or go to ROUTE tab and recalculate

Practical use: You're flying KSFO→KLAS, encounter headwinds stronger than planned, fuel is tight. Click KBIH (Bishop Airport, en route) and divert. Instant new heading and fuel estimate.

Reading GPS Data

Ground Speed (GS)

What it is: Actual speed over the ground from GPS

How it's calculated: Position change over time (very accurate when moving)

Typical values:

• 0-5 knots when stationary (GPS jitter)
• 80-150 knots for light GA aircraft in cruise
• Updates every 1-5 seconds

Use it to:

• Compare against planned GS from navlog
• Calculate actual ETE: (Distance ÷ GS) × 60
• Verify winds aloft accuracy

Example: Navlog says 120kt GS, but GPS shows 105kt → stronger headwind than forecast. Recalculate ETE and fuel.

Horizontal Accuracy (H-ACC)

What it is: GPS position uncertainty (error radius)

Good values:

• ±5-10m: Excellent (differential GPS, WAAS)
• ±10-25m: Good (standard GPS, clear sky)
• ±25-50m: Acceptable for enroute navigation

Marginal values:

• ±50-100m: Use with caution (some obstruction)
• ±100m+: Don't rely on this for navigation

Factors:

• Satellite count (more satellites = better accuracy)
• Satellite geometry (spread out = better)
• Atmospheric conditions
• Obstructions (buildings, trees, clouds)

In-flight: Typically ±10-20m in cruise. Much better than on the ground.

Vertical Accuracy (V-ACC)

What it is: GPS altitude uncertainty

Typical values:

• ±10-30m in flight (acceptable)
• ±50m+ on ground (poor satellite geometry)

IMPORTANT WARNING:

• GPS altitude is NOT approved for vertical navigation
• Use your barometric altimeter for altitude
• GPS altitude is MSL (not pressure altitude)
• Good for terrain awareness, not for flying assigned altitudes

Practical Use During Flight

Pre-Flight (On the Ground)

1. ✅ Load route in ROUTE tab, hit COMPUTE
2. ✅ Go to MAP tab, grant GPS permission
3. ✅ Wait for GPS lock (H-ACC < 30m)
4. ✅ Verify your position shows correctly on map
5. ✅ Set zoom to 50NM
6. ✅ Check first waypoint shows in navigation panel

Takeoff and Departure

1. ✅ Keep iPad/tablet mounted and visible
2. ✅ Glance at HDG after takeoff—should match departure heading
3. ✅ Monitor yellow line to first waypoint
4. ✅ If flying SID, watch waypoint advancement

Tip: If you're getting vectors from departure, use NEXT button to skip SID waypoints manually.

Enroute

Best settings:

• Zoom: 50NM
• Monitor: HDG, DIST, ETE
• Glance interval: Every 5-10 minutes (don't fixate)

What to watch:

• Cross-track error: How far off the route line you are
  • Deviation visible as offset from white route line
  • Adjust heading to get back on course
• Upcoming waypoints: See them approaching on map
• Heading changes: Anticipate turns at waypoints

Workflow:

1. Fly assigned heading from ATC or navlog MH
2. Glance at map to confirm tracking
3. Note next waypoint distance
4. When waypoint announcement plays, acknowledge mentally
5. Check new heading for next leg
6. Adjust heading indicator to new HDG

Terminal Area and Approach

Best settings:

• Zoom: 25NM or DEST
• Reference: Airport position relative to you
• Monitor: Pattern entry, local waypoints

What to watch:

• Airport location (cyan circle)
• Approach course alignment
• Local navaids if flying VOR/ILS approach

Switching to approach mode:

1. At 10-20nm from airport, zoom to DEST
2. Reference airport diagram for pattern entry
3. Use GPS for situational awareness only
4. Fly approach per ATC instructions or published procedure

Landing and Taxi

GPS continues tracking on the ground:

• Shows taxi movement on airport
• Useful for unfamiliar airports (which taxiway am I on?)
• Not a substitute for airport diagram

Troubleshooting

"GPS Permission Denied"

Fix for Chrome/Edge:

1. Click lock icon left of URL
2. Location → Allow
3. Refresh page

Fix for Firefox:

1. Click info icon (i) left of URL
2. Permissions → Location → Allow
3. Refresh page

Fix for Safari (iOS):

1. iOS Settings → Safari → Location Services
2. Set to "Ask" or "Allow"
3. Close and reopen IN-FLIGHT

"GPS Not Updating" or Stuck Position

Possible causes:

• Phone in airplane mode with WiFi on (GPS disabled)
• Heavy cloud cover or cockpit obstruction
• Device GPS hardware issue

Fixes:

1. Toggle airplane mode OFF (enable cellular), then back ON
   • This re-enables GPS on iOS devices
2. Wait 30-60 seconds for satellite acquisition
3. Move device to window for clear sky view
4. Restart browser/app

iOS airplane mode tip: Airplane mode disables GPS. You need cellular enabled (even without SIM) for GPS to work. Turn on airplane mode, then manually re-enable WiFi AND Bluetooth, but cellular stays off (legal in US cockpits).

Inaccurate Position (Shows Wrong Location)

Causes:

• WiFi positioning instead of GPS (desktop/tablet without cellular)
• Device calibration needed
• GPS hasn't fully locked yet

Fixes:

1. Check H-ACC value—wait until it's < 50m
2. Use device with cellular GPS (phone or cellular iPad)
3. Test with Maps app to verify device GPS works
4. Calibrate compass (iOS: Settings → Privacy → Location → System Services → Compass Calibration)

No Voice Announcements

Causes:

• Device muted
• TTS not supported in browser
• Volume too low

Fixes:

1. Check device volume (side buttons)
2. Check mute switch (iOS devices)
3. Test TTS: Open browser console, type speechSynthesis.speak(new SpeechSynthesisUtterance("test"))
4. Use Chrome or Safari (best TTS support)

No Vibration on Waypoint Passage

Expected behavior:

• Desktop browsers: No vibration (not supported)
• iOS Safari: Limited vibration support
• Android Chrome: Full vibration support

Fixes:

1. Confirm device is mobile (desktop can't vibrate)
2. Check device vibration enabled in system settings
3. Some browsers block vibration—try Chrome on Android

Tips for Effective Use

Battery Management

GPS is power-hungry. Expect 2-4 hours on a typical tablet battery.

Solutions:

• Use external power in cockpit (USB charger, cigarette lighter adapter)
• Lower screen brightness (50-70% is readable in most conditions)
• Close other apps
• Enable low-power mode (iOS) before flight

Recommended: Always have external power. Don't rely on battery for long flights.

Screen Visibility

Bright sun: Increase brightness to 80-100% Night flight: Decrease brightness to 20-30%, enable dark mode (future feature) Tablet mounting: Use kneeboard or yoke mount for easy viewing

Backup Navigation

Never rely solely on IN-FLIGHT GPS:

• ✅ Have paper charts or certified EFB (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot)
• ✅ Know how to navigate with VORs and pilotage
• ✅ Monitor panel-mounted GPS (if equipped)
• ✅ File flight plans with ATC for IFR

IN-FLIGHT is a backup tool, not primary navigation.

Cross-Check with Other Instruments

Compare IN-FLIGHT GPS with:

• Panel GPS: Position, ground speed, track
• DME: Distance to VORs
• ADF/VOR bearings: Radial accuracy
• Heading indicator: Required heading vs. actual

Discrepancies? Trust certified instruments. Use IN-FLIGHT for situational awareness.

Advanced Scenarios

ATC Vectors Off Route

Scenario: ATC says "turn left heading 270, vectors for traffic."

How to handle:

1. Fly assigned heading (270)
2. Watch map—you'll deviate from white route line
3. Keep navigation panel visible for next waypoint awareness
4. When ATC says "resume own navigation," turn to HDG shown in panel
5. Rejoin route line

IN-FLIGHT continues showing:

• Distance/bearing to next waypoint
• Updated ETE
• Your track trail (dotted line) showing vectors

Direct-To Clearance

Scenario: ATC says "proceed direct KBIH."

If KBIH is on your route:

1. Click NEXT button until KBIH appears as active waypoint
2. Turn to new HDG shown in navigation panel
3. IN-FLIGHT updates guidance automatically

If KBIH is NOT on your route:

1. Click KBIH airport on map
2. Click DCT button in popup
3. Turn to new HDG
4. Or manually add to route in ROUTE tab for full navlog update

Lost Communication (Nordo)

If you lose comms and need to navigate via last clearance:

1. Reference your last ATC clearance
2. Use MAP for situational awareness
3. Follow filed route (white line on map)
4. Squawk 7600
5. Continue as filed to destination

IN-FLIGHT shows your planned route even if off course. Use it to rejoin.

Practice Approaches

Scenario: Flying practice approaches under VFR.

1. Load approach waypoints in ROUTE tab (if you've entered them)
2. MAP shows your position relative to approach course
3. Use for situational awareness, not primary guidance
4. Fly approach per published procedure/ATC vectors

Not a substitute for approach plates.

What's Next?

After using the GPS moving map:

• STATS Tab - Monitor fuel consumption, flight time, and track recording
• DATA Tab - Export GPS tracks, manage database, review past flights

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Ready to navigate? Enable GPS, set zoom to 50NM, and start your flight!