What visual indicators may help pilots identify their position on a chart?

Visual landmarks, roads, and prominent terrain features are crucial for pilots when identifying their position on a chart. These elements are prominent and easily recognizable from the air, allowing pilots to cross-reference their visual observations with their navigation charts. For instance, a pilot may see a distinctive mountain range or a major river which they can then use to confirm their location relative to the mapped features. This practice is commonly used in visual flight rules (VFR) flying, where pilots rely on visual cues rather than solely on instruments or navigation aids.

Other choices, such as radar systems and air traffic control signals, rely on electronic means of navigation and detection, and while useful, they do not provide the same immediate visual context that landmarks and terrain do. Computer simulations also do not reflect real-world conditions and are not used while flying to identify position in actual flight scenarios. Thus, visual landmarks are the most direct and practical indicators pilots use to orient themselves in flight.