Sectional chart

Abstract: : Geographic orientation performances of four groups of pilots were measured under conditions of simulated, VFR flight. The first group used a full-color standard Sectional chart. The second group used a graytone version. The third group used a black-and-white line version. The fourth group used a blank version. Pilots who used the achromatic graytone and line charts performed significantly poorer than pilots who used color charts, but better than pilots using blank charts. The main reasons for the inferiority of the achromatic charts were: (1) categories of topographic information were difficult to differentiate; (2) reliance on natural landmarks had to be abandoned in favor of reliance on cultural landmarks; (3) pilots had to spend too much time studying the charts during flight; and (4) the vertical development of terrain was poorly portrayed. It was concluded that navigation display systems which lack color capability cannot effectively employ existing color-coded aeronautical charts. Specially designed achromatic graphics will be required for such systems. (Author)