A method for controlling a screen in a data processing system to generate displays that include portions of an underlying scene is disclosed. The method includes displaying on the screen a first displayed scene, detecting a long touch gesture, and displaying a second scene on the screen. The first displayed scene is characterized by a first magnification and a first offset relative to the underlying scene. The second displayed scene includes a different portion of the underlying scene and is characterized by a second magnification that is different from the first magnification. In one aspect of the invention, the second displayed scene is characterized by a second offset that is determined by the long touch gesture, and the second offset depends on the first displayed scene and the long touch gesture.