Patent ID: 7408552

Claim:
A system for conveying aircraft altitude to a human observer, the system comprising: a processor continuously receiving latitude, longitude, and altitude information relating to an aircraft, the altitude information including information enabling determination of a numeric value for an altitude for the aircraft, wherein the processor determines, based on the numeric value of the altitude information, a shape for an icon representing the aircraft, wherein the shape is associated with at least a distinct numeric altitude range and is the sole displayed indicator of the numeric value of the altitude of the aircraft; and a display in operable communication with the processor, the display providing a two-dimensional planar view and having a first axis representing latitude and a second axis representing longitude, wherein the processor directs the display to present the icon at a position on the display indicative of the latitude and longitude of the aircraft, wherein the shape of the displayed icon is the sole displayed indicator of information indicating at least a numeric range for the altitude of the aircraft, and wherein the processor directs the display to change the shape of the icon in response to receiving a change in the altitude information.