Garmin Introduces Innovative Graphical NOTAMs Overlay Feature
Aviation technology pioneer, Garmin, has unveiled a significant safety enhancement to its Garmin Pilot app. This comes with the introduction of a new Graphical NOTAMs overlay for SmartCharts. Launched on November 20, 2025, this feature equips pilots with an intuitive visual representation of runway, taxiway, and ramp closures directly on airport diagrams.
The innovative overlay system employs color-coded indicators for effortless identification. The color scheme is as follows:
- Red – Represents closed runways, taxiways, and ramps, with yellow X marks at each end of closed runways.
- Yellow – Indicates conditionally closed facilities, requiring pilots to review NOTAM text for specific closure details.
- Clock Symbol – Used in the runway label to signify time-based closures.
- Field Condition (FICON) codes – These appear directly on runway labels.
According to Garmin’s announcement, “The Graphical NOTAMs overlay, when selected ‘On,’ will depict active runway, taxiway, and ramp closures, as well as conditional closures.” This enhancement addresses a critical safety need in general aviation. It makes traditionally text-heavy NOTAM information more accessible and immediately visible to pilots during flight planning and taxi operations. This feature is a part of the broader industry trend towards digitizing and simplifying aviation safety information presentation.
Source: Garmin Newsroom