An improved
system and method are disclosed for eliminating
pilot confusion in visualizing multiple categories of data, such as, for example,
weather data and
terrain data, simultaneously on an integrated, multi-color display. For example, an aircraft display
system is disclosed that includes a
processing unit, a
terrain database, a
weather data source, a visual display for displaying multi-color
weather data and
terrain data, and a control device for controlling the duration of the weather data being shown on the visual display. As an aircraft proceeds along a flight path, the
processing unit retrieves and / or receives weather data from the weather
data source and terrain data from the terrain
database. The
processing unit provides color renderings of the terrain data to the visual display. The processing unit determines a
time duration for the weather data from a setting of the control device (e.g., set by a
pilot), and provides color renderings of the weather data to the visual display for the selected
time duration. For example, the weather data sweep on the display can become narrower or wider depending on the
time duration selected. Also, for example, the
trailing edge of the weather data sweep can become more transparent and / or opaque as the sweep becomes narrower. Thus, the
pilot is allowed to control the length of time that the weather data is being displayed, which reduces and / or eliminates
confusion in visualizing the terrain data and weather data being displayed simultaneously on the integrated, multi-color display.