Charts for OpenCPN

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Plomong

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I'm studying the possibility of setting up an chart plotter PC based on OpenCPN.

So far:
- Software downloaded (V2.3.1) and manual.
- GPS via USB is OK: GlobalSat BU-353 at hand.
- AIS via USB is OK: NASA engine or COMAR engine. Not yet purchased.

- But charts ???
Which ones ???
From where to download them or purchase them ??

Ideally I would like a set to cover Scotland, Western UK, Ireland, West France and the Iberian Peninsula, with option for adding Westeern Med in the future.

Note: NOAA pilot charts would not be adequate -- I'm thinking of a complete set, not an overview.

Plomong
 
Plomong said:
I'm studying the possibility of setting up an chart plotter PC based on OpenCPN.

So far:
- Software downloaded (V2.3.1) and manual.
- GPS via USB is OK: GlobalSat BU-353 at hand.
- AIS via USB is OK: NASA engine or COMAR engine. Not yet purchased.

- But charts ???
Which ones ???
From where to download them or purchase them ??

Ideally I would like a set to cover Scotland, Western UK, Ireland, West France and the Iberian Peninsula, with option for adding Westeern Med in the future.

Note: NOAA pilot charts would not be adequate -- I'm thinking of a complete set, not an overview.

Plomong
Click to expand...

Most use CM93, downloaded via a torrent from the internet. There used to be a Russian site for that (CNFsoft), but that's closed now. Charts are reasonable accurate and up to date - though copyright is a bit uncertain!
 
I've got Open CPN with CM93 charts from 2008/9 (not sure which version they are), try as I mght I cannot get land data to show, which it does fine with MaxSea software. CM93 charts are supposed to be expensive not free...:rolleyes:
 
As I understand it the earlier version, CM93/2 (latest is CM93/3), is no longer supported by C-Map and other implementers have cartographically updated the original files to January 2010 and placed them on p2p sites . This, arguably, now moves them into the public domain, although it is certainly a grey area if one is sensitive about piracy.

The differences between versions is, I believe, only technical protocol changes to comply with S57 standards and not cartographic updates. It is easily possible to download the CM93/2 version, which works well with OpenCPN, by using a bit torrent client.
 
Barnac1e said:
As I understand it the earlier version, CM93/2 (latest is CM93/3), is no longer supported by C-Map and other implementers have cartographically updated the original files to January 2010 and placed them on p2p sites . This, arguably, now moves them into the public domain, although it is certainly a grey area if one is sensitive about piracy.

The differences between versions is, I believe, only technical protocol changes to comply with S57 standards and not cartographic updates. It is easily possible to download the CM93/2 version, which works well with OpenCPN, by using a bit torrent client.
Click to expand...
I was following this thread ok until the 'bit torrent client' which is a bit of jargon i don't understand. Could you explain please.
 
Barnac1e said:
As I understand it the earlier version, CM93/2 (latest is CM93/3), is no longer supported by C-Map and other implementers have cartographically updated the original files to January 2010 and placed them on p2p sites . This, arguably, now moves them into the public domain, although it is certainly a grey area if one is sensitive about piracy.
Click to expand...

I have read a lot claims on line that the CM93/2 chart data is now free from copyright. Is anyone able to confirm this and explain why and how that comes to be the case. I don't understand why the fact that c-map no longer support the file format combined with someone else (probably in breach of licence) editing the files causes the copyright/database rights to fall away. I'm not wanting to comment on rights and wrongs, just curious to know the position.
 
DavyMac said:
I have read a lot claims on line that the CM93/2 chart data is now free from copyright. Is anyone able to confirm this and explain why and how that comes to be the case. I don't understand why the fact that c-map no longer support the file format combined with someone else (probably in breach of licence) editing the files causes the copyright/database rights to fall away. I'm not wanting to comment on rights and wrongs, just curious to know the position.
Click to expand...
You are probably right - I did write that it was a grey area and I personally would think that to modify the original files was in breach of copyright (even if no longer supported) unless with permission, which is unlikely.

However, perhaps the subsequent copying of the modified files is technically not criminal - only the original copier and distributor would be liable. It would definitely be good to know, if there is a copyright lawyer out there.

Originally Posted by ghostlymoron
I was following this thread ok until the 'bit torrent client' which is a bit of jargon i don't understand. Could you explain please.
Click to expand...
From Wikipedia: "A BitTorrent client is a computer program that manages downloads and uploads using the BitTorrent protocol."

There are many sites hosting files that are transferred with that protocol, as is usual for the CM93 set of files. They need a commensurate client program running in the partner computer to receive the download (and upload as part of the P2P procedure). The client application (there are many available) is first downloaded and installed on your computer, then it will be invoked when the peer-to-peer download is initiated. It enables very large files to be efficiently and quickly transferred.
Hope this helps.
 
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Plomong said:
But which version, CM93_2 or CM93_3 ????

Anyone using CM93_3 with OpenCPN ???

Plomong
Click to expand...

ed 2

ghostlymoron said:
I was following this thread ok until the 'bit torrent client' which is a bit of jargon i don't understand. Could you explain please.
Click to expand...

google "how to use bit torrents" there are some videos to show what and how to use client progs
 
DavyMac said:
I have read a lot claims on line that the CM93/2 chart data is now free from copyright. Is anyone able to confirm this and explain why and how that comes to be the case. I don't understand why the fact that c-map no longer support the file format combined with someone else (probably in breach of licence) editing the files causes the copyright/database rights to fall away. I'm not wanting to comment on rights and wrongs, just curious to know the position.
Click to expand...
CM93/2 charts are still the subject of copyright - both by C-Map and the UKHO who supplied C-Map with the original data for the lions' share of their charts.
As I understand it, the belief that CM93/2 charts are copyright-free was started by one 'pirate' claiming this on the CDs he was selling via Ebay. In the words of Christine Keeler, "Well, he would say that, wouldn't he."

C-Map still support the CM93/2 format for those organisations with whom they still hold long-term contracts, but not for the general public. (Which explains how copies of 2010 CM93/2 chart folios are 'floating around', despite not being on sale to thee and me for many years.)

BTW, it was the UKHO who caused the well-known 'Cnf.by.ru' site to be closed down, precisely because of the large amount of their copyrighted material being sourced from the Cnf links.
 
electrosys said:
As I understand it, the belief that CM93/2 charts are copyright-free was started by one 'pirate' claiming this on the CDs he was selling via Ebay. In the words of Christine Keeler, "Well, he would say that, wouldn't he."
Click to expand...
It was Christine Keeler's partner-in-crime Mandy Rice-Davis who uttered those immortal words. [/pedant mode] Yes, I'm old enough to remember the court case.

Thanks for the clarification.
 
idpnd said:
Have you got a link/source for this info? Thanks.
Click to expand...
My source is a well-connected Russian-English translator from Novosibirsk, Siberia, with whom I am currently working on a project which involves not dissimilar copyright issues.

Although a quick PBW search:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2780376 post #16
shows that some folk here are better informed than myself - maybe they have Russian friends too ?


And from a quick Web search (using Google's online translation): http://www.morehod.ru/forum/transas/cnf-seasoft-ssilki-t18633.html (30th December 2010)

"Selnes: Selnes wrote (a):
CNF.SeaSoft - PROJECT IS CLOSED - To make it mean? Lack of financial resources or a small number of visitors?"

Neither one nor the other. Attendance - 300 people per day, the financial resources required, because website on free hosting. The reason is simple - a claim of copyright holders. UK Hydrographic Office. This time from the UK Hydrographic Office. BA Publications ... Required to remove almost half of the files - all BA Publications, almost all the cards (charts), including C-Mar(sic), part of the program ...
"Yesterday," were claims from Transas removed everything related to their rights. UKHO ?. Today UKHO sends a claim. Well, taking away their files. More authors of books will bring a claim? The law is on their side. And what remains?
I do not see any prospects for the continuation of the project ...
 
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I don't suppose those with links that work could accidentally copy them to the odd PM box with a note of which torrent software works easily to us idiots?:)

I've tried Vuze (kept crashing) and BTsommat or other but neither worked for me, but I'm a bit of a sad dumbarse on these things. I'd ask the grandkids but they are in the USA....:mad:
 
I used to use Sea Clear with my scanned charts. Still have the system, but I now use openCPM with CM93 charts and it is fantastic. Before that I used, and had to store, about 50 kg of world wide charts.

They are now stored in an old olive oil drum in the attic. And I hopr they will remain there. Stone age stuff.
 
PM if required.

PM if required…. helping an “Old Salt” with installation and config tomorrow at 11:00 before fixing yet another outboard….. can someone give me a Gold Star…. haven’t had one of them since school…… a bag of chips will do! ;)
 
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