Most of the flight display and control programs use Google maps or Apple maps to display map info and as best I can tell the dataset is limited to 2D info with the exception of 3D objects like buildings. To get much better navigation performance with better obstacle avoidance capability the system should know something about the topography and if the apps had actual 3D awareness you might be able to fly a terrain following route at, say, 200AGL so that no matter what the elevation of the terrain is the copter would know to avoid hitting the ground.
So, where do we stand as far as true 3D maps are concerned? One of the problems with the current system is that the rules regarding 400 feet elevation limits presume the copter is flying within relatively flat terrain and when the route includes terrain much lower than the takeoff point the copter could easily be more or even much more than the 400 foot limit. I think most pilots have an awareness of this, but many others either don't grasp that concept or pretend as though they don't. Having true 3D map data would make it possible for the controller to keep the pilot aware of changing terrain height and to permit the pilot to adjust elevation accordingly. It would also make using 3D waypoints a much safer way to plot and fly a waypoint route.
Brian
So, where do we stand as far as true 3D maps are concerned? One of the problems with the current system is that the rules regarding 400 feet elevation limits presume the copter is flying within relatively flat terrain and when the route includes terrain much lower than the takeoff point the copter could easily be more or even much more than the 400 foot limit. I think most pilots have an awareness of this, but many others either don't grasp that concept or pretend as though they don't. Having true 3D map data would make it possible for the controller to keep the pilot aware of changing terrain height and to permit the pilot to adjust elevation accordingly. It would also make using 3D waypoints a much safer way to plot and fly a waypoint route.
Brian