Chart Plotting software

[woody001]

Hi,

I would like to buy some chart plotting software to run on my laptop.

Any on recommend any?

I am looking at maptech, this seems pretty good.

I would like to plan passage plans, upload routes/waypoint to my gps, tracking etc etc

Thanks guys,

Simon

 

[bobgosling]

Have you considered the RYA chartplotter ?

Very good value for money though quite basic.

At £40 you can't really go wrong and could upgrade it later.

Go to http://www.rya.org.uk/shop/cds/

 

[steve28]

have a look at the chart software on the maptech site, they have a free fully working version of their chart navigator software. all you need is the charts !.

heres the link:

http://www.maptech.com/support/doc.cfm?docid=172&plid=39&CFID=8437&CFTOKEN=13486839

 

[fireball]

Yer - but that software does not link to your GPS for live tracking....

The Offshore Nav lite - that does show your position does not give you a historic track

Offshore Nav - the full pay4 version - does ....

 

[bendyone]

Look at Seaclear works well and its free

 

[Goodge]

Seaclear.

What charts do you use with it ?

Don't suppose anybody does free charts as well ?


Then we would all be happy !

 

[woody001]

Re: Seaclear.

already had a look at seaclear and thought it was well, a bit 90's!

 

[Guest]

Waste of a good 40 quid ... RYA no ...

for a ton - you can have Seapro Lite with full UK coverage

similar for Maptech Lite with folio of choice

or freeware Seaclear ..... shareware Ozi-Explorer, Win GPS etc. etc.

Join Gps Navigator group and get sound advice from users and also suppliers ... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

Honestly there are many packages out there and the local chandlers are not best at this ... and all have favourite bias on what they use ... the group is over 1400 members worldwide and we take simple / hard/ silly / high tech questions equally without trouble ....

Me I use Seaclear on PC and pass-thru to PDA to Ozi-Explorer ...... works a treat ...... PC in cabin out of harms way giving the Big Picture, PDA in hand in cockpit giving me instant reference ....

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Guest]

90\'s ????

You serious ???? It was the FIRST to plot AIS..... it has extended Com ports to cater for USB piggybacks ..... has least cluttered display of most .... gives excellent upload / download from GPS etc.

Blimey .... first time I heard that one !!!! Hey Olle ... hear what he said about your software !!!

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[wiggy]

SeaClear is great now with AIS data if using AIS receiver such as NASA engine

 

[woody001]

Re: 90\'s ????

Iam afraid it is, not to even mention documentation.

Have you seen there site? http://www.sping.com/seaclear/ thats 90's as well!

sorry, but it is.

 

[Guest]

But it does a bloody good job !!

And FREE !!

Blimey - there's no pleasing some !! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[SteveGorst]

Re: But it does a bloody good job !!

Thanks for the link, I have just inherited an early 2000's laptop and I don't want to spend a fortune on software, or anything if poss. I haven't used this programme yet but I suspect the 90's comment could be about the packaging not it's accuracy or functionality. The website is obviously designed by a programmer not a graphic designer. But then I wouldn't want a graphic designer writing my navigation software!!

 

[BlueChip]

One big advantage of some PC plotters, but not all, is that they do the tidal vector calculations for you. If your boat speed changes - you can instantly replot the CTS.
I use PC Plotter http://www.pcmaritime.co.uk/ with Arcs raster charts - its a great product and very easy to use.
Personally I much prefer raster to vector charts, just cannot get used to charts where information displayed depends on the zoom level. For instance on C-Map the Portland tidal race info is only visible when you zoom in, if you were planning a passage you could come seriously unstuck and as far as I can see bearing lines such as the Portsmouth swatchway and St Vaast leading lights are not shown at all on C-Map vector charts

 

[qetoo]

I have used Fugawi 3 for several years now and am very happy with it. It comes from Northport Systems in Ontario, Canada. I think it is the best by for the price, $99 USD. Their website is:

http://www.fugawi.com/docs/navframe.html

I have posted a display of my laptop screen and the wiring to the GPS at:

http://carlten.tripod.com/Navigation/navigation.html

I have also posted a comparison of different charting applications at:

http://carlten.tripod.com/Charting/charting.html

I have described how I use Fugawi 3 at:

http://www.geocities.com/ctenning/electronic_charts/fugawi3.html

I really enjoy the benefits of using charts on the laptop, even though I still carry paper charts. But I hardly ever take out the paper charts any more.

Cheers

 

[MrFish]

You could look at Software on Board - uses C-Map charts, and is free, with a discount off the chart costs. Comes with some demo charts, so try it out. Australian, I think.
www.digiboat.com.au Software on Board will find it.
Cheers
Ian

 

[markdj]

We use Meridian Seatrak which uses ARCS raster charts. very detailed, sooo easy and intuitive to use, there is a free download from their site.

http://www.rcds.co.uk/

Well worth considering...

 

[trouville]

Looked at the RYA plotter,but seems to be only useable for very very limited areas No info what so ever??from the sellor Not inexpensive at all !!

Map tech cant do anything with no zoom very difficult to find the area needed-very expensive !

Sea clear first need to buy the charts then a $1000 scanner if your careful it may be accurate!

There isent anything under $1200+

Ive read the GPS forum but realy theres nothing there!! no real info nor systems it seems to be for those that have and understand a system--very expensive to begin with.Also its very very difficult to get in to read the posts!!! everythings blocked when you get there-take ages to open the system and nothing in the posts when you get there!!

Sorry but i dont think much of electrnic charts, nor yeoman plotters @ $700 a time !!!

 

[wicked]

Just looked at the Meridian Chartware SHOREtrac literature. It says this particular product isn't designed for use on a boat as it has no GPS interface, but it is ideal for planning trips from home. If that's the case then I wonder why they include the Man Overboard function in the product! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Guest]

In defence .... reply to Trouville

I would not normally consider replying to such a post - but I find this one needs a response.

The RYA Plotter was a cooperation between UK Hydrographic Office and the RYA to produce a 'starter' package of Chart plotting. It was amalgamated into the RYA Training courses and has therefore become popular. It is true that it is seriously limited and the charts supplied with it are time-limited to expire at year end. The coverage of charts is subject to your choice of folio.

Maptech have a similar price level system (we are looking at the up to US $200 level), and it is certainly a good system with only the tides having a date limit. I would not dismiss so easily as you seem to do.

Seaclear is able to read many different chart formats in addition to scanned. I certainly do not use or own a special or expensive scanner .... mine is a standard Mustek EP1200 ... available in any cheaper PC shop or store for less than US $100 - in fact there are much better models available now for less money.

If you wish to have something that is so comprehensive as I know you were pushing for - of course it will be expensive, but you yourself admitted that you a) didn't want to spend time installing a package, b) didn't have time to learn how to use it, c) wanted free charts .... need I go on ??

As to your comments about the GPS Group - 1450+ members worldwide and increasing evry day cannot be so wrong ....
If you had taken the effort to talk / communicate with others in the group failrly and constructively - instead of in the antagonistic way you did ... you would have received overwhelming supportg not only from users - but also from the software providers as well. It is a group set-up specially for those of all levels of expertise or novice in matters of GPS etc.

I am sorry that no-one can help you - I tried for a length - but was then advised by direct private e-mail that you were winding up the group and not serious - that others were fed up with your attitude and posts ..... I still have not restricted or moderated your posting / membership of the group - even though many asked me to remove you.

Be fair to others who enjoy their chosen hobby - be more willing to try and make an effort .... expect everthing for free and without any effort on your part and of course others will despair and ignore you.

Interestiung to know what you really want out of it .. are you ready to make that effort ?? Or continue on blind.

I APLOLOGISE TO ALL OTHER FORUM USERS FOR THIS POST AND TO KIM ESPECIALLY WHO WILL MOST LIKELY REMOVE THIS - BUT I HAVE TO REPLY HAVING TRIED TO HELP THIS PERSON FOR SIGNIFICANT PERIOD. I DO NOT EXPECT TO THEN HAVE MY EFFORTS RIDICULED.