Electronic Maps/Displays
For electronic maps used in multipurpose displays and navigation systems is there any agreement on the underlying standards for resolution/coordinate system; update frequency (56 days?); how to tell whether the current or what map data is loaded in the system and how this information relates to the software and airworthiness of the aircraft. In the olden days or with much more basic aircraft we used some paper charts and a book of approach plates. Now that it has all been mechanized itis hard to know what the standard is and what works best. When you add in data links that will have the capability to send huge amounts of data up to the aircraft the operating environment in the cockpit could get very different. Looking at what manufacturers are touting as benefits such as continuous update of weather information (but the surface obs is only every hour unless it is a special) I get the impression that nobody is really putting themselves in the pilot's position to think this stuff through. Maybe a third crew member will be needed up front as data manager/flight engineer. Can surf the web in his spare time and chat on PPRUNE.
Next question will only be about world hunger, much easier to answer.