Definition
Electronic chart systems are cockpit display systems that present aeronautical charts -- such as approach plates, departure procedures, en route charts, and airport diagrams -- in digital form on a screen rather than on paper. They typically allow the pilot to select, zoom, and page through charts, and may overlay the aircraft's own position on the chart using GPS data.
Plain English
A digital replacement for paper charts. Instead of flipping through a book of approach plates and maps, the pilot views them on a screen, often with the aircraft's position shown on the chart.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of modern instrument cockpits, flight displays, portable devices, and digital chart use during instrument flying.
Why Pilots Care
They deliver current information, reduce the need to carry and manage paper, and support better situational awareness during flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an electronic chart system is just a picture of a paper chart on a screen. In aviation, it is a chart display system that may include current data, selectable charts, and aircraft-position features depending on the equipment.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the approach, she pulled up the ILS chart on the electronic chart system and briefed the minimums from the screen.
Example Sentence 2
Updates to temporary flight restrictions appeared on the electronic chart system while en route.