I spent a little time on the NOAA chart this am. It is actually very easy to
download a series of charts and/or updates. Once you get to the RNC
downloading page, you can sort all the charts in the order they were
issued/updated.

For example, I just downloaded all the updates in December 2005 to the
charts I am interested in (PNW)...and they get packaged in a zip file for
downloading. No need to download chart by chart -

And the files can be read by the free SeaClearII chart reader/GPS tracker
software.... a great solution that completely avoids any commercial,
expensive solutions...

Highly recommended!

Cheers
cvj
wrote in message
oups.com...
cvj,

So far it looks like NOAA has posted updates to several charts on their
site, allowing you to just download updates for selected charts, rather
than the entire file. I've not tried it yet, but i assume it will work
well.

i just ordered the whole NOAA collection of ENC and RNC files on DVD at
http://www.chartsdvd.com, so i'll need to figure out updates. i figured
it was better than downloading them one by one.

It also looks like NOAA will not be using maptech format down the road.
They mention tiff files on their site, rather than maptech bsb format.
should be interesting.


cvj wrote:
Does anyone know if the free charts on the MAPTECH will be updated on a
yearly basis...or is it a one time deal based on their past contractual
relationship with NOAA, which ended in November 2005?

I understand that NOAA will update their free charts on a regular basis
(yearly?)...but I would imagine that MAPTECH will charge for any further
updates.

Anyone know?

cvj