# Maps

NOVA's maps serve as a secondary reference for weather data in addition to the parameter overview and as a visual aid. The pilot/flight planner can:

* Compare the sources and verify the information
* Gain an almost real-time overview of weather conditions through radar and satellite data

For all [mission types](/nova/missions.md) in the [NOW](/nova/missions/results/now.md) and [AWARE](/nova/missions/results/aware.md) evaluations, the map appears on the right side. It displays flight locations, routes, the nearest airports and can overlay various weather conditions within a set time frame.

## Icons

[Flight locations](/nova/missions/types/local-flight.md) are displayed as blue waypoints, both in NOW and AWARE. When there are [multiple flight locations](/nova/missions/types/multi-location.md), they are numbered in sequence. [Routes](/nova/missions/types/route.md) are shown as green straight lines with matching-colored start and endpoints. Waypoints along a route are displayed in dark green. The nearest airports are also marked with an icon.

<table data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Single location</strong></td><td>Flight locations are displayed as a blue dot.</td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/JezoelanXSrin5b0oDme">/files/JezoelanXSrin5b0oDme</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Multiple locations</strong></td><td>Multiple flight locations are numbered in sequence. Selected locations will appear as big.</td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/m8lOtE6upxgkbjiIqu3q">/files/m8lOtE6upxgkbjiIqu3q</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Flight route with waypoint</strong></td><td>Flight routes are shown as green lines with a start and end point. Waypoints along a route are displayed in dark green.</td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/oJd721hiITaAuZVkVQpa">/files/oJd721hiITaAuZVkVQpa</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Takeoff location</strong></td><td>Starting point of a route.</td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/gtvI58JccX3rDUfTmYBT">/files/gtvI58JccX3rDUfTmYBT</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Landing location</strong></td><td>Endpoint of a route.</td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/tiplT5WXYxPzhsQmevRC">/files/tiplT5WXYxPzhsQmevRC</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Airport</strong></td><td>The nearest airports are marked with an icon and providing METAR/TAF information. Selected airports are displayed as dark.</td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/Sta0QeKESwhjzZbjhkXD">/files/Sta0QeKESwhjzZbjhkXD</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Timeline / Slider

The timeline at the bottom of the map allows weather conditions to be retrieved at various points in time. Selecting a specific time updates both the parameter overview values and the representation of weather conditions on the map. In [NOW](/nova/missions/results/now.md) and [AWARE](/nova/missions/results/aware.md), the timeline is accessible, but they differ in terms of the retrievable time frame.

NOVA Now is designed to provide current data for making decisions about whether a flight can take place at that moment. Therefore, it is limited to a time frame of -1 to +2 hours.

<figure><img src="/files/pfuMsaBjfQehiip0pHF8" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>NOW time window</p></figcaption></figure>

AWARE focuses on a 2-day period, therefore the slider extends to a 48-hour time frame.

<figure><img src="/files/VeZoABKISPex1s2K69FA" alt=""><figcaption><p>AWARE time window</p></figcaption></figure>

## Weather layers

Currently, six different layers are available: Radar, Total Cloud Cover, Temperature, Wind Barbs, Wind Speeds, and Precipitation.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Radar" %}

<figure><img src="/files/T3MhTAx2iGfyBtf3otSV" alt=""><figcaption><p>Radar view</p></figcaption></figure>

The weather radar displays precipitation areas globally. From this, the intensity, type, and movement of precipitation can be determined. Depending on the type of precipitation, there are different intensity scales ranging from low (left) to high (right) values:

<figure><img src="/files/BqENKUXJOsXBFr4q1EcJ" alt=""><figcaption><p><strong>Rain [dbz]</strong></p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/pTap1iYcr8g3RgF2Pm27" alt=""><figcaption><p><strong>Snow [dbz]</strong></p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/0Ychr2tVnfSwBUYdKwwo" alt=""><figcaption><p><strong>Ice [dbz]</strong></p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Total Cloud Cover" %}

<figure><img src="/files/J0lFcBQ6ORGBRXImUILz" alt=""><figcaption><p>Total cloud cover view</p></figcaption></figure>

This layer displays the cloud cover. White areas represent clouds. The wind particles indicate the wind direction and turbulence.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Temperatures" %}

<figure><img src="/files/PExaaGOapFI3S6uit9Sv" alt=""><figcaption><p>Temperature view</p></figcaption></figure>

The temperature layer provides a visual representation of global temperatures using a gradient color scale.

<figure><img src="/files/eI9WeRjpKfKSImyIzkVh" alt=""><figcaption><p>Temperatures <strong>[</strong>°F]</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Wind Barbs" %}

<figure><img src="/files/RPAyPnpPM5lVFLffh8Dp" alt=""><figcaption><p>Wind barb view</p></figcaption></figure>

The wind barb layer provides a detailed view of wind dynamics by displaying wind direction, speed, and turbulence through overlaid wind particles and wind barbs.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Wind Speeds" %}

<figure><img src="/files/uYDhIzCxoUV8r5YNAuXA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Wind speed view</p></figcaption></figure>

The wind speed is represented using a color scale, ranging from dark blue for light breezes to red for strong winds.

<figure><img src="/files/NrpC2UM85oCflwzhwTNN" alt=""><figcaption><p>Winds [mph]</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Precipitation" %}

<figure><img src="/files/mjdCfdj11xLGiDWO71yo" alt=""><figcaption><p>Precipitation view</p></figcaption></figure>

Precipitation from rainfall is depicted as light green areas.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Fullscreen map

Using the fullscreen function of the map, you can get a better visual overview of your mission. You can find it via the arrow icon in the upper right corner of the map window.

<figure><img src="/files/IGJHzKcuGS3ryU1OM6od" alt=""><figcaption><p>Fullscreen Icon</p></figcaption></figure>

Within the fullscreen view, you can switch between NOW and AWARE using the view tabs at the top center of the display.

<figure><img src="/files/fEbEnJV8FQve8x0m3GTN" alt=""><figcaption><p>View tabs</p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.unisphere.io/nova/missions/results/maps.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.