Garmin Introduces Graphical NOTAMs Overlay and New Weather Features to Enhance SmartCharts and Garmin Pilot
Garmin today unveiled a significant enhancement to SmartCharts, the dynamic aviation charting solution integrated within the Garmin Pilot™ app. This new capability, called the Graphical NOTAMs overlay, is designed to make it easier for pilots to visualize critical airport information directly on their charts. By translating NOTAM data—traditionally text-heavy and sometimes difficult to interpret quickly—into clear, color-coded graphics, Garmin continues its effort to streamline preflight planning and in-flight decision-making.
A Visual Approach to NOTAM Awareness
NOTAMs, or Notices to Air Missions, are essential safety advisories that alert pilots to temporary or changing conditions affecting runways, taxiways, ramps, and other airport operations. Historically, pilots have had to read through long text entries to decipher which surfaces were open, closed, or restricted. Garmin’s latest update dramatically simplifies this process.
When the new Graphical NOTAMs overlay is switched “On,” SmartCharts will display active closures directly on the airport diagram. Runways, taxiways, and ramp areas that are closed will appear in red, offering an immediately recognizable warning. Closed runways will also feature the standard visual cue of a yellow X on each end to clearly reinforce their status.
For surfaces that are only conditionally closed, SmartCharts uses yellow shading instead of red. This indicates that the pilot must examine the NOTAM text in greater detail to determine the nature, timing, or limitations of the closure. By visually separating fully closed surfaces from conditionally restricted ones, the system helps pilots prioritize their attention and reduces the chance of misinterpreting time-sensitive information.
Time-Based Closures and FICON Data Integrated Directly on Charts
One of the most impactful aspects of the update is the addition of refined labeling elements that convey even more operational details. When a runway closure is time-based, SmartCharts will display a clock icon within the runway label. This provides a quick, intuitive reminder that the restriction applies only at certain hours, prompting pilots to verify the specifics before departure or approach.
The overlay also brings FICON (Field Condition) codes into the chart view. FICON codes describe runway contamination levels—such as snow, slush, standing water, or ice—and help pilots assess runway braking performance and landing considerations. SmartCharts will show these codes directly inside the runway label, eliminating the need to switch back and forth between diagrams and text-based reports.
The FICON numbers are color-coded, with the color determined by the lowest value in the NOTAM. Since lower numbers generally indicate more challenging or hazardous surface conditions, this provides a powerful at-a-glance assessment tool. In situations where a NOTAM references FICON but does not include a code, SmartCharts will display the word “FICON” in the runway label to alert the pilot that an additional inspection of the NOTAM text is necessary.
Together, these visual enhancements transform how pilots interact with airport data, making SmartCharts an even more intuitive planning and situational awareness tool.
New Weather Insight: Storm Tops in Garmin Pilot
Alongside the charting improvements, Garmin has introduced another valuable feature to the Garmin Pilot mobile app: Storm Tops. This addition brings weather situational awareness a step further by giving pilots access to vertical intensity data for storm systems.
Storm Tops allow pilots to see how tall convective cells are and assess their severity. By showing the height and strength of individual storm structures, the feature assists pilots in deciding whether to navigate around, through, or potentially over developing weather. This information is especially critical during cross-country flights, IFR operations, and times when weather is rapidly changing.
The Storm Tops feature has already been available on Garmin Pilot Web, and its inclusion in the mobile app ensures that pilots have consistent access to the same advanced weather intelligence regardless of platform. This integration reinforces Garmin’s commitment to delivering cohesive, reliable weather data for all stages of flight planning and execution.
SmartCharts Availability and Garmin’s Commitment to Innovation
SmartCharts, including the new Graphical NOTAMs overlay, is available as part of the Garmin Pilot Premium subscription for users in the United States and the Bahamas. The subscription provides access to a wide range of advanced flight-planning tools, dynamic charts, and navigation features designed to support both recreational and professional aviation users.
Garmin’s introduction of these new capabilities is the latest example of the company’s long-standing dedication to elevating aviation safety and usability. For decades, Garmin has played a transformative role in the avionics market, supplying innovative solutions across multiple aviation segments—including general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carriers.
The company’s achievements include numerous industry-first technologies and a suite of trusted tools that have become integral to modern cockpit operations. One of Garmin’s most celebrated innovations is Garmin Autoland, the world’s first certified autonomous system capable of activating during an emergency to fully control and land an aircraft without pilot intervention. This groundbreaking technology earned Garmin the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy, recognizing its exceptional contribution to aviation safety and advancement.
Advancing Charting and Situational Awareness for Today’s Pilots
The launch of Graphical NOTAMs within SmartCharts represents another step forward in Garmin’s mission to simplify and enhance the flying experience. By bridging the gap between text-based NOTAMs and real-time operational awareness, Garmin is helping pilots reduce workload, improve accuracy, and increase confidence in both preflight planning and in-flight decision-making.
Whether a pilot is preparing for a night flight into a busy airport, evaluating runway conditions following winter weather, or navigating convective activity using the new Storm Tops feature, these upgrades ensure they have clearer, more accessible information exactly when they need it. With each update, Garmin continues to reinforce its reputation for designing aviation tools that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply practical for real-world flying.
Source Link:https://www.garmin.com/
