October 2nd, 2009 | 
Author: Utilization Of Electronic Marine Charts And Software For Navigation
Digital marine charts and software are electronic chart displays that are helpful for safe and welldirected navigation in coastal and offshore waters. They have several advantages over traditional paper charts in that the equivalent of many paper charts at a variety of scales may be stored on a single cartridge or disc. Most electronic charts can be integrated with GPS receivers allowing the current position of a vessel a plot of the vessels progress along a route and the relationship of the vessel to any charted features to be displayed on the chart. It becomes easy to understand the boats position relative to hazards like land masses and shoals as well as the boats intended course and destination. The position of the boat as shown on the chart is as current as the last position fix from the GPS. When utilizing GPSenhanced electronic charts boaters are able to concentrate on maintaining a safe watch from the helm rather than spending a lot of time plotting positions on a paper chart.
There are three primary methods of displaying electronic charts and which is the best solution is dependent on factors such as budget available space desired chart format and size of the boat.
Dedicated GPS Chartplotters:
GPS chartplotters are available from a variety of manufacturers such as Garmin Lowrance Raymarine Furuno Sitex and others and feature highresolution LCD displays in waterresistant housings. Most chartplotters are compatible with only one electronic chart format so a detailed comparison of both chartplotter hardware and electronic chart systems from different manufacturers is advisable before a purchase decision is made.
Combination Chartplotters:
Many boats dont have the space or the budget for a dedicated display for every instrument function radar fishing sonar chart navigation etc.. Combination chartplotters from Garmin Lowrance Raymarine Furuno and others allow the boater to display multiple functions on a single display keeping space requirements and cost within reason.
Laptop or Desktop Computers:
There are now a number of very good PC chart programs available that display navigational chart information as well as the boats position from a GPS receiver allowing any PC to be utilized as a fullyfunctional marine navigation system. All that is required are a navigational software package with appropriate regional charts a GPS receiver and a laptop or desktop computer. Many software packages also include route planning tools as well.
There are many companies that sell marine electronics such as chartplotters combination displays and the array of electronic charts and navigational software they utilize. One of these companies is MarineTech North America a leading marine electronics and boating supplies retailer. MarineTechNA specializes in the latest marine electronics and accessories and offers over 9300 marine products at discount prices on their easytouse website. MarineTechNAs experienced staff can help boaters sort through the huge variety of GPS chartplotters and associated electronic charts and software to select the best combination to fit any boating style and budget.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp; Marine chart and software is available in MarineTechNA. They also offer automotive and handheld GPS.
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