Using the Map
A practical guide to reading the interactive weather map and understanding what you see.
Overview
The interactive map is the heart of Flight Chop. It displays real-time aviation weather data from the same sources pilots and dispatchers use. You can toggle different layers on and off to focus on what matters most for your flight.
Each layer represents a different type of weather information. By understanding what each layer shows, you can quickly assess conditions along your route.
Map Layers
The map can display several types of weather data. Each layer uses a distinct color to help you quickly identify different hazard types:
PIREPs (Pilot Reports)
Real-time reports from pilots currently in the air. Each circle represents a location where a pilot reported conditions. The color indicates severity - green for smooth, yellow for light, orange for moderate, red for severe turbulence.
Domestic SIGMETs
Red polygons showing areas of significant weather hazards like severe turbulence, severe icing, or widespread thunderstorms. These are the most serious advisories.
G-AIRMETs
Orange polygons showing forecast areas of moderate turbulence, icing, or other conditions. These are less severe than SIGMETs but still notable. You can filter by forecast hour.
International SIGMETs
Purple polygons showing significant weather in international airspace. Important for transoceanic and international flights.
CWAs (Center Weather Advisories)
Green polygons from Air Route Traffic Control Centers. These are short-term advisories for developing conditions - valid for up to 2 hours.
Radar
BetaLive precipitation radar overlay showing current rain, snow, and storm activity. Useful for seeing actual weather patterns in real-time.
Layer Controls
Toggle Layers On/Off
Click the layer control panel to expand it
The layer controls panel at the top of the map lets you toggle each layer on or off. Each toggle shows the layer name and when data was last updated.
Quick Tips:
- Turbulence Only: Enable this filter to show only turbulence-related reports and advisories, hiding icing and other conditions.
- Refresh All: Click the refresh button to fetch the latest data for all enabled layers.
Interacting with the Map
Click on Markers
Click any PIREP circle to see detailed information about what the pilot reported, including altitude, aircraft type, turbulence intensity, and the raw PIREP text.
Click on Polygons
Click any colored polygon (SIGMET, G-AIRMET, or CWA) to see the full advisory details, including valid times, altitude range, and the hazard description.
Zoom and Pan
Use the scroll wheel or pinch gestures to zoom. Click and drag to move around the map. The zoom controls in the top-right also work.
Fullscreen Mode
Click the fullscreen button in the top-right corner of the map to expand it to fill your entire screen. Press Escape or click the button again to exit.
G-AIRMET Forecast Hours
G-AIRMETs include forecasts for multiple time periods. When the G-AIRMET layer is enabled, you can select which forecast hour to display:
Select the forecast hour that corresponds to when you will be flying. If your flight is in 4 hours, the +3h or +6h forecast will be most relevant.
Tips for Reading the Map
- Focus on your route: Mentally draw a line between your departure and arrival. Look for hazards along that corridor.
- Check altitude ranges: Click on advisories to see their altitude coverage. Hazards at FL350 may not affect a regional flight at FL250.
- PIREPs are most current: Pilot reports show actual conditions. Advisories are forecasts that may be more or less severe in practice.
- Less is sometimes more: If the map looks overwhelming, turn off some layers. Start with PIREPs and add layers as needed.
- Weather moves: Check the time on reports and advisories. Conditions from an hour ago may have shifted location.
Try the 3D Map
BetaExplore aviation weather in 3D with altitude filtering, vertical scale controls, and multiple camera angles.