A new method is introduced which allows an estimate of the movement of synoptic systems and of the synoptic scale vertical motion in a quite easy manner and without much expense. For this purpose the field of motion is divided into a quasi-stationary drift- or steering field and into the residual field of relative motion, which latter yields a more vivid picture of the motion associated with travelling disturbances on the synoptic scale. With the aid of some examples the use of the method for the purpose of nowcasting and for a better interpretation of the products of numerical weather forecasts is demonstrated.