How do I use the VFR map in Microsoft Flight Simulator?

In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, move the pointer to the top of the screen, open the in-flight toolbar and select VFR Map; on PC, V is the default shortcut. Pan and zoom as needed, then use the centre-on-aircraft control to resume tracking your position and any route loaded into the simulator.

The named VFR Map panel is chiefly associated with MSFS 2020. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 handles much of the equivalent mapping and flight-planning work through its Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). If 2024 has no separate VFR Map button, use the EFB map or flight-plan display instead. This also applies on PlayStation 5, where only MSFS 2024 is available. Our comparison of aircraft tracking in MSFS 2020 and 2024 explains the two interfaces.

How do I open the VFR Map in MSFS 2020?

Open the VFR Map after the flight has loaded by selecting it from the toolbar or using its assigned keyboard command.

1. Create or load a route: Build the route on the pre-flight World Map before selecting Fly if you want a route line on the panel. Our guide to building and loading an MSFS flight plan covers route types, waypoints, departures and arrivals.
2. Reveal the toolbar: Move the pointer to the top edge of the screen. With a controller, activate the toolbar cursor using the command assigned in the active control profile.
3. Select VFR Map: Choose the map icon. If it is hidden, check the toolbar’s panel or customisation options; our guide to finding and managing in-flight toolbar panels covers this interface in more detail.
4. Use the PC shortcut: Press V with the default keyboard bindings. A customised control profile may have a different assignment.
5. Position the panel: Drag its header and resize it so it does not obscure the instruments. Opening or arranging a toolbar panel does not pause the aircraft, so stabilise the aeroplane first.
6. Pan, zoom and re-centre: Drag the map to inspect another area and change the scale with its zoom controls. Panning normally stops automatic centring; select the aircraft or target-style control to resume following it.

What does the MSFS 2020 VFR Map show?

The VFR Map is a basic moving map showing the aircraft’s position, its simulator-level flight plan and useful geographical or navigation symbols.

• Aircraft marker: Your live position and direction of travel.
• Route line: The route loaded through the World Map or otherwise synchronised with the simulator.
• Airports and waypoints: References for monitoring progress and identifying possible diversions.
• Map background: Broad geographical context such as coastlines, towns and prominent surface features.

The visible labels depend on map scale. Zoom in if a small airport or waypoint appears to be missing; zoom out when you need the overall route. The panel is separate from the pre-flight World Map and monitors a route rather than creating or editing one.

Why is the VFR Map not showing my route or aircraft?

Most missing-route or missing-aircraft problems come from an absent simulator flight plan, a map panned away from the aeroplane, or avionics that are not synchronised with the toolbar panel.

• No route line: Confirm that a route was created or loaded before the flight. Starting at a runway or parking stand does not necessarily create a useful multi-leg plan. If no simulator-level plan exists, return to the main menu, create one and reload the flight.
• The aircraft is off-screen: Select the centre-on-aircraft or tracking control, then zoom out. This is usually accidental panning rather than a tracking fault.
• The FMS route and map differ: Some complex or add-on aircraft maintain an internal flight plan that does not fully synchronise with MSFS. Treat the aircraft’s active flight-plan page and navigation display as authoritative for the leg being flown.
• The V key does nothing: Open Controls Options, search for the VFR Map command and check the active control profile for a missing or conflicting assignment. Make sure a text-entry field is not capturing the keyboard.
• The toolbar icon is missing: Restore VFR Map through the toolbar’s panel options. In MSFS 2024, use the EFB map when no separate panel is supplied.
• The panel has stopped updating: Close and reopen it. If other toolbar panels are also unresponsive, reload the flight or restart the simulator rather than repeatedly editing the route.

Does the VFR Map control the GPS, autopilot or ATC?

No. The VFR Map displays navigation information but does not command the aircraft, edit the active leg or engage an autopilot mode.

For the autopilot to follow a route, that plan must be available to the aircraft’s avionics, the correct GPS or FMS navigation source must be selected, and the appropriate navigation mode must be engaged. Opening the map also does not file a plan or request an ATC clearance; the simulator’s ATC system works from the flight plan loaded into MSFS.

Can the VFR Map replace an aviation chart?

The VFR Map is useful for quick positional awareness, but it cannot replace cockpit navigation equipment or charts containing airspace, frequencies, terrain and procedure details.

A mistake we see constantly is treating the VFR Map as a complete VFR chart. Use proper chart information whenever terrain clearance, controlled airspace or procedure accuracy matters. If the compact panel is too limited, our guide to more capable moving-map and planning options for MSFS 2020 explains the available alternatives.