Apparatus and method for setting a waypoint

A method for setting a waypoint for an aircraft, the method comprising:

• positioning a first movable cursor on a first image displayed on an electronic display in response to command signals from a cursor control device, wherein the movement of the first movable cursor is confined to a region of the first image that depicts a three-dimensional conformal view of a terrain in front of the aircraft;
• displaying a first visual indicator that extends upwardly from the first movable cursor to a desired position on the first image in response to command signals from an altitude control;
• and
• associating a latitude and a longitude with the position of the first movable cursor and an altitude value with the position of the first visual indicator.

An aircraft display system for setting a waypoint for a vehicle, the aircraft display system comprising:

• a cursor control device;
• an altitude control;
• at least one electronic display for displaying:
• a first image comprising a three-dimensional conformal view of a portion of a terrain in front of the vehicle;
• a first movable cursor positioned on the terrain of the first image;
• and
• a first visual indicator that extends upwardly from the first movable cursor;
• and
• a processor coupled to the cursor control device, the altitude control, and the at least one electronic display and configured to:
• position the first movable cursor on the terrain in response to command signals from the cursor control device;
• determine a latitude and a longitude for the first movable cursor based on the position of the first movable cursor on the terrain;
• position the first visual indicator above the first movable cursor in response to command signals from the altitude control;
• determine an altitude value based on the position of the first visual indicator;
• and
• set the waypoint comprising the latitude and the longitude for the first movable cursor and the altitude value for the first visual indicator.