diff --git a/lib/OpenLayers/Control/OverviewMap.js b/lib/OpenLayers/Control/OverviewMap.js
index 31ae04d293..19259d6428 100644
--- a/lib/OpenLayers/Control/OverviewMap.js
+++ b/lib/OpenLayers/Control/OverviewMap.js
@@ -78,24 +78,33 @@ OpenLayers.Control.OverviewMap = OpenLayers.Class(OpenLayers.Control, {
     /**
      * APIProperty: minRatio
      * {Float} The ratio of the overview map resolution to the main map
-     * resolution at which to zoom farther out on the overview map.
+     *     resolution at which to zoom farther out on the overview map.
      */
     minRatio: 8,
 
     /**
      * APIProperty: maxRatio
      * {Float} The ratio of the overview map resolution to the main map
-     * resolution at which to zoom farther in on the overview map.
+     *     resolution at which to zoom farther in on the overview map.
      */
     maxRatio: 32,
     
     /**
      * APIProperty: mapOptions
      * {Object} An object containing any non-default properties to be sent to
-     * the overview map's map constructor.  These should include any non-default
-     * options that the main map was constructed with.
+     *     the overview map's map constructor.  These should include any
+     *     non-default options that the main map was constructed with.
      */
     mapOptions: null,
+
+    /**
+     * APIProperty: autoPan
+     * {Boolean} Always pan the overview map, so the extent marker remains in
+     *     the center.  Default is false.  If true, when you drag the extent
+     *     marker, the overview map will update itself so the marker returns
+     *     to the center.
+     */
+    autoPan: true,
     
     /**
      * Property: handlers
@@ -387,7 +396,7 @@ OpenLayers.Control.OverviewMap = OpenLayers.Class(OpenLayers.Control, {
             this.createMap();
         }
         
-        if(!this.isSuitableOverview()) {
+        if(this.autoPan || !this.isSuitableOverview()) {
             this.updateOverview();
         }