Provided is a method for controlling a surgical navigation system. A detection unit for detecting system control inputs made by a user is associated with a surgical navigation system, the navigation system is controlled in accordance with the control inputs, and user gestures are used as said control inputs. A gesture or a initiating user gesture defines a virtual volume surrounding the initiating gesture's limits, and further predetermined gestures made in the virtual volume are recognized as a control input. Also provided is a control system for a surgical navigation system. The navigation system is associated with a detection unit for detecting system control inputs made by a user, the navigation system is controlled in accordance with the control inputs, and the detection unit includes a gesture detection system for detecting user gestures.