GPS Chart Plotters
7th February 2006
allow you to navigate with the aid of an electronic chart. Chart plotters have a display unit and an antenna with which to track the GPS signal. The signal is then relayed to the display unit, which will show your vessel on the chart. In addition to this the display with show all chart information surrounding the vessel including: water depth, buoys, obstructions, and land masses. Chart Plotters also have other nice features. You can zoom in and out, create waypoints, and more.
Over the last several years, we have seen great improvement in functionality and price. A few advantages to GPS chart plotters are: You can now display charts covering hundreds of miles of coastline. With a GPS chart plotter, you can also better understand your boat’s position relative to any hazards. In relation to price, one can buy fixed-mount GPS systems which can display charts for around $500.
Popular types of GPS chart plotters include:
Dedicated GPS Chart Displays - These products house high-resolution LCD displays in water tight enclosures. These devices display only GPS/chart information.
Combination Electronic Displays – If you are like most boat owners, helm space is at a premium. Many manufacturers such as, Furuno, Garmin, Lowrance, Raytheon, and Si-Tex, make systems that allow you to display two or more functions (chart plotter, sonar, etc.) on a single display.
Laptop and Desktop Computers – Companies such as Nobeltec, Nautical Software and Maptech allow boaters the ability to display chart information on their laptops.
When it comes to chart data you have a few options:
Memory Cards - These range in price from $75-$400. Navionics and C-MAP provide offshore charts, while Garmin, C-MAP, and Lowrance supply inland charts.
CD-ROM Vector Charts - Garmin, Magellan, and Lowrance GPS receivers give you the ability to download map data from a CD.
CD-ROM Raster Charts - Raster charts are simply a scan of paper charts made into electronic format. Maptech has developed a library of over 1000 charts.
Most GPS units today can also interface with your other onboard electronics. For instance your plotters can be connected to an autopilot, you can send GPS data to a radar or fish finder, or send distress signals to a VHF radio.
If you are considering buying a GPS chart plotter, we recommend you discuss this with fellow boaters to see what features they like and dislike of the various models they own. You can also ask detailed questions on the various boating forums found on the internet.
You can also find tremendous savings for these units on the internet.