Hi. I use X-Plane 12, and I have a Navigraph subscription to keep my navdata updated to the latest AIRAC cycle. I also have a bunch of scenery that adds airports that aren't included in X-Plane by default (arctic/antarctic scenery, the "Prefab" airport pack, etc). Little Navmap correctly sees that I have AIRAC 2505, but I've also noticed that when I add scenery to X-Plane and then Scenery Library -> Update Scenery Library in LNM, the new airports appear in LNM too. So, my question is, as far as LNM is concerned, what is the difference between Navigraph navadata and scenery? Which data sources is LNM using to get what information?

15 minutes ago, chickennoodlesnoop said:

So, my question is, as far as LNM is concerned, what is the difference between Navigraph navadata and scenery? Which data sources is LNM using to get what information?

Basically airports are taken from the simulator to have the same runway, apron and taxiway layout as you see in the simulator. It would not make sense to use the real-world layout there if your airport in the simulator is outdated.

Navaids like waypoints are taken from the Navigraph database.

Details from here (https://www.littlenavmap.org/manuals/littlenavmap/release/latest/en/NAVDATA.html ) LNM will automatically switch to mode "Use Navigraph for Navaids and Procedures" if you have "select automatically" on (default). 

Quote

Use Navigraph for Navaids and Procedures

This mode blends navaids and other features from the Navigraph database with the simulator database. This affects the map display, all information windows and all search windows.

The following features are taken from the simulator database when using this mode:

• Airports (also Search dock window, tab Airport)

• Aprons

• Taxiways

• Parking positions

• Airport COM frequencies

The following features are taken from the Navigraph database:

• Navaids (waypoints/intersections, VOR, NDB, marker, ILS and more) which affects:

  • Search dock window, tab Navaid

  • Flight plan calculation

  • Route Description

  • MORA grid ( Show Minimum off-route Altitude Grid)

  • Airport MSA sectors ( Show MSA Sectors)

  • En-route holdings ( Show Holdings)

  • GLS/RNV glidepaths ( Show GLS/RNP Approach Paths)

  • Procedures (approaches, SIDs and STARs). This affects: Search dock window, tab Procedures and loading and display of procedures from flight plans.

• Airways

 

Of course you're free to use any other mode like simulator only or Navigraph only. Both have limitations.

Hope this helps.

Alex

This is exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you, and thank you for LNM!

2 hours ago, chickennoodlesnoop said:

This is exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you, and thank you for LNM!

You're welcome. 🙂

Alex

Hi @chickennoodlesnoop & Little Navmap users, SIMDATA Support Team here —

From what you described, Little Navmap is correctly picking up the AIRAC 2505 cycle from your navdata provider (e.g., Navigraph). However, scenery updates (especially from addons or Gateway airports) are separate and merged in their own layer.

If you’re looking to ensure that your navdata is as comprehensive as possible (especially with custom scenery), SIMDATA offers:

- Global coverage layered over any scenery-based changes or additions  
- Full ARINC 424‑compliant data with up-to-date waypoints, navaids, and procedures  

If you'd like to try a cycle and see how it interacts with your setup, just drop us an email at **[email protected]** and we can give you access and help out.  

— SIMDATA Support Team