iFly GPS Forum

So, there are times that I want to see the Airport RealView and other times that I want to see the Airport Diagram (if available).

But sometimes the iFly interface seems inconsistent.

For example, if I enable "Realview Images" on the Map Layer, I expect to always see a Realview image for all airports. But if I tap on KDVT and go to "Zoom to Airport RealView" from the QV>More Options>Airport Options menu, I get an Airport Diagram first. If I want to see the RealView, I have to go to Plates>Hide this Diagram. (I also get the Diagram first if I have AutoTaxi+ enabled, even if I have RealView enabled in Layers.)

While writing this, it occurred to me that perhaps the intent of enabling RealView on the Map Layers was to specifically control the map behavior when zooming in manually. (By a stretch gesture or by tapping the "+" button.) But when I try that on KDVT, I still get the Airport Diagram. (Albeit overlaid on the RealView in the background.)

Okay, perhaps it needs to be this way. I can kinda sorta see why, since the behavior is different for airports that don't have charted Airport Diagrams. (KPAN for example.) There, when I don't have RealView enabled, I get an iFly generated graphic of a runway with runway numbers.

But I get that graphic even when I tap "Zoom to Airport RealView" from the QV, which is not what I expect to get. I expect the RealView, even if I have RealView disabled in Layers.

Nothing jumps out at me right now as to how better to manage this feature. (My initial thought is that the "RealView Images" toggle should be deleted from the Map Layer page. Either that, or when "RealView" is toggled, then every reference to zooming in to RealView should say "RealView," but when untoggled, the text should change to "Zoom into Airport Diagram." That feels like the wrong way to address this.)
As a work around to be able to get to what I want more directly (until iFly comes with a brain reader), how about adding a "Zoom to Airport Diagram" item to the QV>More Options>Airport Options menu that always (and only) shows the Airport Diagram? And then changing its sister menu item "Zoom to RealView" to ONLY show the RealView. (Never the Airport Diagram.) It's straightforward to envision, but I mocked it up below anyway.

That doesn't address the inconsistency above in AutoTaxi+. As strange as might sound, there are times I prefer the RealView while taxiing. (Like when I got disoriented at a large uncontrolled airport and wanted to see some buildings to get oriented about where to taxi. (Like using Google street view.) )

Agreed (with Cobra).

RealView is a multi-faceted feature. Users can select to have or not have RealView by deselecting the item in advanced mode. Also, since they do not change that often, then bandwidth is only an issue at initial loading. We are actually gearing up to update the RealView images in the near future.

First, we wanted to offer a Satellite image to help pilots familiarize themselves with an unfamiliar airport, and to help them spot it from the air. Many times those small airport are hard to see, even though the GPS is directing you to it.

Secondly, was to add backup Satellite images for the AutoTaxi+ feature so that small, private airports would show you taxiing like with the Airport Diagram. This has become a much appreciated feature as we show grass and paved strips for the FAA survey airports that we have the endpoints for.

I hope this helps and we hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.