For additional safety, the terrain system incorporates Garmin’s WireAware™ wire obstacle information. For wire obstacles such as power lines present in the obstacle database, the system shows these on the maps as well as the Synthetic Vision display; see the WireAware portion of the Flight Instruments section for more information about Synthetic Vision displays of power lines. TAWS can also issue warnings for potential impact with wire obstacles.

WireAware database information mainly includes Hazardous Obstacle Transmission (HOT) power lines which are typically high voltage transmission lines depicted on VFR Sectional charts, and are considered of special interest to fixed-wing pilots. These include power lines which may span rivers, valleys, canyons, or be in close proximity to airports/heliports.

It is important to note the obstacle database does not contain all power lines. In fact, WireAware database coverage is mostly limited to HOT power lines, such as the especially tall transmission lines and their associated support structures. It does not typically have information for the more prevalent smaller utility poles or lines, such as those found in residential areas. Furthermore, WireAware obstacle database coverage exists mainly in the United States; with limited coverage in portions of Canada and Mexico. In addition, the height of the wire obstacles is commonly estimated and should not be relied upon for maneuvering decisions.