Abstract: A system for providing a pilot with a visual depiction of a terrain includes, but is not limited to, a data storage unit for storing terrain data, a position determination unit for determining a position of an aircraft, a near to eye display unit worn by the pilot for displaying visual images and for determining a view direction of the pilot. A processing unit is communicatively connected to the data storage unit, to the position determination unit and to the near to eye display unit. The processing unit controls the near to eye display unit to display a three dimensional representation of a viewed terrain region that includes a depiction of the terrain overlaying the terrain within the viewed terrain region and is graphically differentiated to correspond with an altitude of the terrain within the viewed terrain region. The depiction of the terrain is at least partially transparent.