A spatial data search method, system and apparatus for identifying
particular data of significance around a reference vector through the
spatial data. The method involves determining a reference vector within a
spatial region for which spatial data exists, loading a portion of the
spatial data including the data around the reference vector into a memory
buffer, and searching the spatial data in a prioritized order. The method,
system and apparatus have particular utility in searching geographic data
for a terrain awareness and warning system ("TAWS") and display in an
aircraft. Embodiments of the present invention provide advantages over
existing sequential and radial search methods, significantly reducing the
processing and calculations required and providing faster alerts to
pilots.
