steverow
Well-Known Member
Following on from a previous thead on updates to Maptech Offshore Navigator, I have been in touch with Maptech USA, who have told me that a release of the new Chart Navigator Pro, currently only available in the US, is happening for the UK and Germany although there are no exact dates set yet.
This software which is licensed by Maptech from Rose Point systems..ie is not a maptech developement... is a duel fuel..Raster and Vector System, and has all usual plotter features, with the addition of ARPA and AIS display directly on the chart. It also features "Virtual Instruments" which can be assigned to most if not all usual marine functions.
Now this is where the problems start, because in the USA all Raster and Vector S57 charts are now free with the program...because they are free to download from the NOAA site, and come on a number of DVD's
As anybody knows, to try and compile a cruising area from S57 charts bought in Europe is going to cost an arm and a leg.
According to Maptech it will be up to the European Distributors..(in the UK "EVO"),
what charts are packaged with the product..if any.
They have not said whether the chart engine will be rebuilt to accept common charts in Europe like C-mapNT or Transas Folios.
It will certainly run Maptech BSB charts..but these again are free in the US as BSB 3.0 files, not encrypted BSB4's that Maptech distributes in Europe.
So if it is to be a success in the UK then probably a deal with the Admiralty will have to be struck over cheaper S57's for the Leisure market...this cannot be beyond Maptech as they are already a partner with UKHO.
Anyway from what I have seen and discussed with American users so far it is a good product with some innovative ideas...so I'm looking forward to it's release.
Unfortunately there will be no more major upgrades for Offshore Navigator according to maptech.
Price from Maptech in US is $499..and from Rose Point for much the same product $399...Just a guess but I would think probably a price over here of £249..without charts..but I may be wrong..
Hope this is useful to maptech users.
Steve.
This software which is licensed by Maptech from Rose Point systems..ie is not a maptech developement... is a duel fuel..Raster and Vector System, and has all usual plotter features, with the addition of ARPA and AIS display directly on the chart. It also features "Virtual Instruments" which can be assigned to most if not all usual marine functions.
Now this is where the problems start, because in the USA all Raster and Vector S57 charts are now free with the program...because they are free to download from the NOAA site, and come on a number of DVD's
As anybody knows, to try and compile a cruising area from S57 charts bought in Europe is going to cost an arm and a leg.
According to Maptech it will be up to the European Distributors..(in the UK "EVO"),
what charts are packaged with the product..if any.
They have not said whether the chart engine will be rebuilt to accept common charts in Europe like C-mapNT or Transas Folios.
It will certainly run Maptech BSB charts..but these again are free in the US as BSB 3.0 files, not encrypted BSB4's that Maptech distributes in Europe.
So if it is to be a success in the UK then probably a deal with the Admiralty will have to be struck over cheaper S57's for the Leisure market...this cannot be beyond Maptech as they are already a partner with UKHO.
Anyway from what I have seen and discussed with American users so far it is a good product with some innovative ideas...so I'm looking forward to it's release.
Unfortunately there will be no more major upgrades for Offshore Navigator according to maptech.
Price from Maptech in US is $499..and from Rose Point for much the same product $399...Just a guess but I would think probably a price over here of £249..without charts..but I may be wrong..
Hope this is useful to maptech users.
Steve.
