Spatial terrain displays: promises and potential pitfalls

Abstract

One of the conditions for a controlled flight into terrain to occur is that the pilot is unaware of the terrain until it is too late. The technology is available to provide the pilot with an artificial presentation of the surrounding terrain. The way this technology will be implemented determines whether it actually contributes to an increase in safety. This paper addresses the potential of terrain data presentation to increase safety, the dangers associated with unintended use, and the likelihood of unjustified, presentation induced confidence and confirmation bias.