Chart Software

[Red Monster]

Okay, I don't have a fancy Chart Plotter, but I was wondering about digital charts that I could load onto my computer. Do I need a fancy chart plotter to get this sort of software? It would be cool to be able to zoom in on certain areas on my computer and perhaps even create a printout of a specific area. Could I do this with the right software?

Thanks

 

[rendraW]

Opencpn is free but you need to download the charts elsewhere (BSB or KAP from nobeltec etc) and the program itself is pretty limited. You can also find Nobeltec 7 in a pirated version, but it takes some serious know-how to get it to work on most computers (it needs windows XP service pack 1 only). The best option IMO is navionics for a smartphone or tablet. $15 and pretty good charts. There is also another free navigation app that you can load charts into called Marine Navigator lite.

All you need for opencpn and nobeltec is a usb GPS antenna, they are pretty cheap. Navionics works on your built-in GPS in the smartphone.

 

[GLG]

This might be what you are looking for
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/gis-sig/maps-cartes-eng.htm
Have not used the site for many years so can't really help you.
Others may be of help
GLG

 

[wstcoaster]

i took my laptop to my local eltronic dealer and got him to load a nobeltec system in it; very good and i can make charts of my fevorite fishing spots way no charge

 

[cuttlefish]

I find Mapster slow, cumbersome and hard to navigate. It doesn't have any hydrographic data that I have seen. and I have never looked for a print out option so don't know if it is possible but can't see why anyone would want to.

Nobeltec for my laptop cost ~$500.00 and has been great. Zoom in anywhere. Add marks, make routes, etc. It has the printout option and I can make pdf files to send to others. Came with charts for US but no Canadian charts. Charts from CHS are expensive. $500.00 for the west coast.

Navionics for my IPad cost $55.00 and has all the charts you could possibly want for Canada and US. Bad Elf GPS ($100.00) plugs in to the IPad and your good to go anywhere. No print out option though.

 

[Red Monster]

What about this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NAUTICAL-CH..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item565055ad73&vxp=mtr

 

[cuttlefish]

What about this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NAUTICAL-CH..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item565055ad73&vxp=mtr

Could hurt to give it a try at that price. Still, you get what you pay for...let us know what you think of it.