1. A method for mapping gestures performed on a multi-touch surface to graphical user interface commands, the method comprising: detecting a plurality of contacts on the multi-touch surface; matching the detected plurality of contacts to distinct parts of a hand; determining a whole hand translation by the hand across the multi-touch surface from movement of the detected plurality of contacts; and generating a pan command in response to the whole hand translation on the multi-touch surface by taking into account movement of the detected plurality of contacts that are not matched to a palm part of the hand and ignoring movement of the detected plurality of contacts that are matched to a palm part of the hand.