Garmin revolutionizes aviation charting with SmartCharts

Garmin announced SmartCharts, a dynamic aviation charting solution that will provide pilots with a simplified and intuitive experience by producing clear and relevant data to depict a chart tailored for their specific flight operation. Initially available in the Garmin Pilot app, SmartCharts serves as the primary charting tool and allows pilots to view simplified terminal procedures, including instrument approach procedures (IAP), departure procedure (DP), standard terminal arrival (STAR) and airport diagrams.

SmartCharts was developed from the ground up by collecting and digitizing data from global sources to create a consistent, standardized and scalable charting solution. Garmin utilized that data to build the clearest possible picture of information needed to successfully fly charted procedures via a new charting user interface. This interface, coupled with the digital data, allows SmartCharts procedures to automatically adjust and scale as the pilot zooms and pans within the chart, similar to Garmin's data-driven maps across its entire product line. This data also allows SmartCharts to highlight details and notes that could be easily overlooked and lost on traditional charts, reducing the potential for error. 

The ability to scale the chart creates a clearer picture of the information needed to fly instrument procedures. The digitized data also allows for adjustments to minima – such as minima height adjustments due to NOTAMs, alternate minimums, etc. – to be automatically calculated, minimizing mental math needed by pilots. This data is also used to create new Brief tabs, which show optimized briefing information presented when pilots need it during procedure reviews.