Definition
A computer-generated, three-dimensional display of the outside world shown on a cockpit screen, built from a terrain and obstacle database combined with the aircraft's GPS position, attitude, and altitude. SVS presents a forward-looking view of terrain, obstacles, runways, and the surrounding environment regardless of actual visibility, allowing the pilot to see a representation of the world even when flying in cloud or at night.
Plain English
A screen in the cockpit that shows the pilot a clear, computer-drawn picture of the ground, hills, and runway ahead, even when they cannot see anything out the window.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying, especially on modern cockpit displays during approaches, departures, night flight, and low-visibility conditions.
Derivation
Synthetic comes from the Greek synthetos, meaning 'put together' or 'composed.' The view is not real in the sense of being seen through the window — it is assembled by the computer from stored terrain data and live position information. That is why it is called synthetic rather than actual vision.
Why Pilots Care
SVS improves situational awareness and reduces the risk of controlled flight into terrain when visual references are unavailable.
Analogy
SVS is like a three-dimensional moving map of the outside world, shaped to look like the view ahead of the aircraft. Unlike a camera, it is built from stored data and the aircraft’s measured location.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “synthetic vision” means the system can actually see through clouds, fog, or darkness. It is a computer-built picture based on stored data and aircraft position.
Example Sentence 1
Flying the approach in low cloud, the pilot cross-checked the SVS display and could clearly see the ridge to the north of the airport.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach, the SVS depicted the runway environment clearly even though the actual runway remained hidden in fog.