A marine sonar display device comprises a display, a sonar element, a multi axis sensor, a memory element, and a processing element. The display presents sonar images. The sonar element generates a sonar beam. The multi axis sensor determines an orientation and a tilt of the sonar element and present a sensor signal indicating the orientation and the tilt. The processing element is in communication with the display, the sonar element, the multi axis sensor, and the memory element. The processing element further determines an operating mode of the marine sonar display device, wherein the operating mode varying according to the orientation and the tilt of the sonar element.
