Steve Lusardi wrote:
Larry,
No, the chart source is only one issue in the certification process, it is
not getting through to me. The risks are still there and the more elements
involved, the greater the risk. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I for one
could not rely on any electronic display for critical navigation anywhere.
The basic limitations are there as well, like 100+ pixels per linear screen
inch at best, as opposed to 2400+ on a lithograph printer. In order to
express the detail, it is necessary to drill down and that info may or not
be there. When it is, that's all you see, the big picture is lost. If your
hobby is computers and networking, enjoy it, but do not rely on this
technology, it is not robust, it is not everywhere and it simply is not
ready for prime time.

So, are you claiming that anyone who uses a chartplotter is a danger to
himself and those around him? While I'm still not ready to give up on
paper, my new Garmin 545 (5 inch, hi res) was a joy to use during a
mostly fogbound Maine cruise last summer. The biggest change over my 10
year GPS is the speed at which it can zoom in/out.

OTOH, I've been playing with a low power Linux laptop with a GPS puck
running chart software, and while its fun, I've not been convinced it
can replace a dedicated machine.