It's a lateral track to be followed when cleared to "Join the RNAV Visual approach rwy xy". The prefix on jepp plates will be "V" and / or "S".
These visual RNAV approaches have been designed not only to facilitate traffic flow, as track miles will be identical for each aircraft / approach and as transitions from STARs, but also to reduce noise, aid energy management and reduce fuel burn.
It is my understanding that some visual RNAV approaches will have published vertical profiles but other restrictions can and will be issued by ATC and these need to be complied with.
There are quite a few documents published about this if you search on google.
CP
Edit:
And you will be cleared and eventually handed over to tower only after reporting airport in sight.
Last edited by CaptainProp; 27th Oct 2013 at 17:28.