How do I use the VFR map in MSFS 2020?

In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, open VFR Map from the in-flight toolbar, then use it to track your aircraft, inspect nearby airports and follow the route loaded into the active flight plan. Pan and zoom as required; if the aircraft moves off-screen, use the centre-on-aircraft control to resume following it.

How do you open and use the VFR map?

1. Load or create a flight plan: Build the route on the World Map before selecting Fly. Our guide to the MSFS World Map flight planner explains VFR route types, waypoints and altitude planning.
2. Open the in-flight toolbar: On PC, move the pointer to the top of the screen and select VFR Map. With the default keyboard bindings, V toggles the panel. If that key does nothing, search for VFR Map in Controls Options and check the active control profile.
3. Position the panel: Drag and resize it so it does not obscure the instruments. Opening a toolbar panel does not pause the aircraft, so stabilise the aeroplane or engage a suitable autopilot mode before rearranging it.
4. Pan and zoom: Zoom in for airport and waypoint detail or out for the overall route. Dragging the map normally stops it following the aircraft.
5. Re-centre the aircraft: Select the aircraft or target-style centring control to bring your position back into view and resume tracking.

What does the MSFS 2020 VFR map show?

The panel is a basic moving map showing your aircraft’s position, the simulator-level flight plan and useful geographical or navigation symbols. The exact labels visible depend on map scale, so zoom in if a small airport or waypoint appears to be missing.

• Aircraft marker: Your live position and direction of travel.
• Route line: The plan loaded through the World Map or otherwise synchronised with the simulator.
• Waypoints and airports: Visual references for monitoring progress and identifying diversion options.
• Map background: Broad geographical context for following coastlines, towns and other prominent features.

The VFR map is separate from the pre-flight World Map. It is mainly a position-monitoring panel, not a full route editor.

Why is the flight-plan route not showing?

A missing route usually means no simulator-level flight plan was loaded, the map is centred elsewhere, or the aircraft’s custom avionics are not synchronised with the MSFS flight plan.

• No plan was created: Starting from a runway or parking stand does not necessarily create a useful multi-leg route. Return to the main menu, create or load the plan, and start the flight again.
• The map was panned away: Use the centre-on-aircraft control, then zoom out until the complete route fits on screen.
• The route exists only in the FMS: Some complex or add-on aircraft maintain an internal flight plan that does not fully synchronise with the toolbar map. Use the aircraft’s navigation display as the authoritative source in that case.
• The panel has stopped updating: Close and reopen VFR Map. If the problem persists, reload the flight rather than repeatedly editing the route in a stalled panel.

Can the VFR map replace an aviation chart?

No. The MSFS 2020 VFR map is useful for situational awareness, but it is not a substitute for detailed chart information, terrain-clearance planning or a proper review of controlled airspace and procedures.

For a larger moving map with richer terrain, airspace and waypoint-planning tools, see our explanation of planning and tracking flights with Little Navmap. Keep the in-game panel available as a quick reference, especially when flying with one monitor.

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

The VFR map displays navigation information; it does not command the aircraft. For an autopilot to follow the route, the plan must also be present in the aircraft’s avionics, the correct GPS or FMS navigation source must be selected, and the appropriate navigation mode must be engaged.

Likewise, opening the map does not file a plan or request a clearance. The simulator’s ATC system works from the flight plan loaded into MSFS, and our guide to using MSFS ATC with a flight plan covers the relevant radio and clearance workflow.