Importance

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Abstract

A navigation system includes a processor and bit-mapped earth surface map image data in a first data storage device accessed by the processor/, the processor displaying an image essentially filling a display area of a display screen and centered on any latitude and longitude supplied to the processor, the image having no discontinuities. The processor may receive latitude and longitude inputs from a user via a user input device, or from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver incorporated in the navigation system. The displayed map image may thus be centered at a desired longitude and latitude or at the longitude and latitude of the navigation system itself. The system may include a second data storage device for storing data from and providing data to the processor. Route information such as flight plan data may then be stored in the second data storage device. Information relating to the type of map system displayed and the scale at which it is displayed, to the currently displayed longitude and latitude, and other significant information is always displayed with the displayed map image. Other information is selectably displayed at a peripheral portion of the display area. Overlays may be selectably displayed over the bit-mapped map image display, with corresponding features appropriately aligned. Such overlays may include approach overlays instrument flight rules route charts, and current weather information.

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First Claim