A visual display for use by a user for navigation and
obstacle avoidance. A typical user employs the invention in operating a vehicle. The user may be located in the vehicle but will more typically be remotely located. The display may include a conventional video feed. A visual arch metaphor is also provided. If used in conjunction with a video feed, the arch metaphor preferably extends from the left side of the video, over the top of the video, and on to the right side of the video. A
ranging device mounted on the vehicle collects
ranging data around the vehicle. As an example, the
ranging device might collect 180 degrees of ranging data extending from the vehicle's left side, across the vehicle's front, and over to the vehicle's right side. The ranging data is then correlated to a predefined
color scale. The ranging data is also correlated to a position on the arch metaphor.