PC Navigation Software
 

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like and
don't like about it.

Thanks!

Glenn.
s/v Seawing
www.seawing.net

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like and
don't like about it.

I've been using MapTech Off Shore Navigator for a long time and it is
a pretty good package. I'm hearing a lot of good things about
OziExplorer however and am thinking of giving it a try.

http://www.oziexplorer.com/

PC Navigation Software
 

I have used Fugawi with very limited experience. Take what follows for
for what it is worth.

When tooling around and with someone on the machine they are fine.

When trying to pick your way into a harbour, alone, at night, in fog,
they can take too much attention away from what is at hand. I turned
the damn thing off and concentrated on the radar. I also had a chart
plotter which I ended up constantly messing with.

Along with that you must remember that the charts are not always
accuratly alighed to lat/long. Nigel Calder explains far better than I
can but you can get 1/2 mile position "discrepencies". I have not
experienced it but have read of enough "events" to make me believe it.

However, I am getting ready to fuss with a different application that
may be of some interest.

Point 1. Fugawi lets you import images files, if you can geo-reference
the files then you can use them as "maps." I did this last year on a
road trip to Belize. Worked fine once I got the geo-reference right.

Point 2. Google Earth lets you download satillite images, with a
lat/long grid.

Point 3. Import Google Earth sat images into Fugawi and geo-reference
(calibrate.) Voile, drive/sail the photo.

No, they are not charts, but they should be able to give you confidence
that the charts are accurate and provide some additional info about what
the surrounding land looks like. I put some local area images on the
machine tonight and the laid right in over some saved track. You could
see where I drove up 95, went over a bridge, made my normal turns,
around the block and into my backyard. At least in Philly it appears to
be dead accurate.

I hope to cruise the south coast of Newfoundland this summer and there
are several interesting harbours I wish to visit that have well reported
"discrepencies" between chart and GPS lat/long. Hence my interest, to
validate my chart plotter when I can't see.

All that being said, its a cool toy. It may not be worth a damn on a
boat, alone, in the fog, at night.

Howard




Wayne.B wrote:

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:


I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like and
don't like about it.


I've been using MapTech Off Shore Navigator for a long time and it is
a pretty good package. I'm hearing a lot of good things about
OziExplorer however and am thinking of giving it a try.

http://www.oziexplorer.com/

PC Navigation Software
 

Yeah, I was looking at Ozi too. The attraction of MapTech for me was that
it seems to include a whole pile of charts...kinda seems like a buy the
charts and the software is free kinda thing. Just wanted to know if the
software was worth a damn. I love being out there but when in real thin
water I am busy plotting my position real often on paper with my trusty
pencil & utilizing my binoculars...don't plan on eliminating this but may
allow me to relax a little and do it less often...also very helpful in trip
planning. Thought I am concerned about power consumption with a computer
running all the time. We cruise for 5-6 months at a time and only stay in
marinas when s**t really hits the fan...so power is always an issue.

So, do you find MapTech relatively easy to use and pretty helpful for
navigating?

Glenn.

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but
thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like
and
don't like about it.

I've been using MapTech Off Shore Navigator for a long time and it is
a pretty good package. I'm hearing a lot of good things about
OziExplorer however and am thinking of giving it a try.

http://www.oziexplorer.com/

PC Navigation Software
 

Maptech = Coastal explorer

PC Navigation Software
 

John Glynn wrote:
I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but
thinking of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator
Pro by MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they
like and don't like about it.

Thanks!

Glenn.
s/v Seawing
www.seawing.net

If you have little time for learning, and want few functions other than the
basics, go with Maptech

But if you want a really highly-functional nav. system which can be
self-maintained and upgraded regularly, and you are patient with the
learning process, there is nothing to touch Oziexplorer.

BTW, I have used 3 or 4 different systems over the past 6-7 years, 2 of them
high grade vector systems, and Ozi is king.


Dennis.

PC Navigation Software
 

The only one I don't recall seeing in this thread is the one used by the
Coast Guard, the Cap'n.

What's the opinion on that program compared to the others which have been
getting lots of discussion?

L8R

Skip, still rehabbing

--
Morgan 461 #2
SV Flying Pig KI4MPC
http://tinyurl.com/384p2 The vessel as Tehamana, as we bought her

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you
didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail
away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain
"Dennis Pogson" wrote in message
...
John Glynn wrote:
I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but
thinking of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator
Pro by MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they
like and don't like about it.

Thanks!

Glenn.
s/v Seawing
www.seawing.net

If you have little time for learning, and want few functions other than
the
basics, go with Maptech

But if you want a really highly-functional nav. system which can be
self-maintained and upgraded regularly, and you are patient with the
learning process, there is nothing to touch Oziexplorer.

BTW, I have used 3 or 4 different systems over the past 6-7 years, 2 of
them
high grade vector systems, and Ozi is king.


Dennis.

PC Navigation Software
 

All the NOAA charts are now free downloads. Both vector and raster.
BF

"John Glynn" wrote in message
news:ZUYAf.427979$ki.399265@pd7tw2no...
Yeah, I was looking at Ozi too. The attraction of MapTech for me was that
it seems to include a whole pile of charts...kinda seems like a buy the
charts and the software is free kinda thing. Just wanted to know if the
software was worth a damn. I love being out there but when in real thin
water I am busy plotting my position real often on paper with my trusty
pencil & utilizing my binoculars...don't plan on eliminating this but may
allow me to relax a little and do it less often...also very helpful in
trip
planning. Thought I am concerned about power consumption with a computer
running all the time. We cruise for 5-6 months at a time and only stay in
marinas when s**t really hits the fan...so power is always an issue.

So, do you find MapTech relatively easy to use and pretty helpful for
navigating?

Glenn.

"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but
thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro
by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like
and
don't like about it.

I've been using MapTech Off Shore Navigator for a long time and it is
a pretty good package. I'm hearing a lot of good things about
OziExplorer however and am thinking of giving it a try.

http://www.oziexplorer.com/

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 08:49:49 -0500, Skip Gundlach wrote:

The only one I don't recall seeing in this thread is the one used by the
Coast Guard, the Cap'n.

What's the opinion on that program compared to the others which have been
getting lots of discussion?

While limited in features compared to the Maptech bloatware, The Cap'n
works very well for what most people do and is very easy to use. I like
it, and recommend it. I use it as a backup when our Maptech stuff gets
screwed up, unfortunately often.

Matt O.

PC Navigation Software
 

Here is another to look at:
http://www.navsim.com/products/boatcruiser2/

Reads: bsb 1-4, nos/geo, geotiff,S57, CMAP MAX and displays AIS.

Saw it at the Seattle boat show. It was selling for $499 at Captains
Nautical. What made it intersting is that it comes with an unlock code for
one Cmap region. That can be Canadian . So for anyone who uses Canadian
waters thats about $330 worth of charts.

SaltAir

"John Glynn" wrote in message
news:22WAf.311283$2k.110578@pd7tw1no...
I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but
thinking of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like
and don't like about it.

Thanks!

Glenn.
s/v Seawing
www.seawing.net

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 +0000, John Glynn wrote:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but
thinking of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro
by MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like
and don't like about it.

I've used most of the PC based systems up to the latest generation, which
I haven't tried. They all have their good and bad points.

For the last 3 years I've been using Maptech's Pocket Navigator, which
runs on a PDA, with a companion program on a laptop. You can't use one
without the other. It works great though, the PDA being much faster and
easier to use, plus you can see the screen in direct sunlight. So far
this is my favorite.* The downside is you need a PDA with GPS, and a
power cord. (PDA batteries don't last long enough for continuous
operation.) So it's not a cheap setup, nor is it convenient for everyone.

Previously I had used every version of Maptech since 1.0 for DOS*. All of
these except 1.0 are slow, even on fast computers; very cumbersome to use,
and buggy. The problem is poor software design, and that raster charts
are too slow to load.

Nobletech was better, but it had two problems that drove me nuts. One,
you can't adjust the size of the boat icon, so when you zoom out you
can't see it anymore. Two, if your computer crashes while Nobletec is
running, you have to completely wipe Nobletec off your drive and reinstall
the program from scratch. Other than that it's pretty good. I believe
Nobletec is the #1 selling PC nav program.

For a less expensive setup that's simple and easy to use, it's hard to
beat The Cap'n. It's the closest thing to Maptech 1.0 for DOS.*

I have not tried any of the new vector chart programs, which should be a
big improvement for many reasons. There's one caveat with vector charts
though: when you zoom way in, it may be hard to know when you're at the
limit of the chart's resolution. Raster charts are simply images of paper
charts, where you can see the limit of resolution, and/or you get a
pixelated image when you zoom in too far.

*Maptech 1.0 for DOS is still the best designed, easiest to use program
ever, but charts and support are no longer available.

I hope competition among the new players in this field will improve the
breed. Until now, Maptech's monopoly on chart publishing has stifled
innovation, resulting in a lot of poor software. With a new chart format
that's open and free, it will be interesting to see what happens.

Matt O.

PC Navigation Software
 

I'm not sure what you mean about the boat icon in Nobeltec. I have used
most versions and never noticed this problem. I'm on 8.0 now and checked it
out. While you can't adjust the boat icon size, it doesn't shrink as you
zoom out either so it remains the same size no matter what the zoom level.


"Matt O'Toole" wrote in message
g...
On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 +0000, John Glynn wrote:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but
thinking of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro
by MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like
and don't like about it.

I've used most of the PC based systems up to the latest generation, which
I haven't tried. They all have their good and bad points.

For the last 3 years I've been using Maptech's Pocket Navigator, which
runs on a PDA, with a companion program on a laptop. You can't use one
without the other. It works great though, the PDA being much faster and
easier to use, plus you can see the screen in direct sunlight. So far
this is my favorite.* The downside is you need a PDA with GPS, and a
power cord. (PDA batteries don't last long enough for continuous
operation.) So it's not a cheap setup, nor is it convenient for everyone.

Previously I had used every version of Maptech since 1.0 for DOS*. All of
these except 1.0 are slow, even on fast computers; very cumbersome to use,
and buggy. The problem is poor software design, and that raster charts
are too slow to load.

Nobletech was better, but it had two problems that drove me nuts. One,
you can't adjust the size of the boat icon, so when you zoom out you
can't see it anymore. Two, if your computer crashes while Nobletec is
running, you have to completely wipe Nobletec off your drive and reinstall
the program from scratch. Other than that it's pretty good. I believe
Nobletec is the #1 selling PC nav program.

For a less expensive setup that's simple and easy to use, it's hard to
beat The Cap'n. It's the closest thing to Maptech 1.0 for DOS.*

I have not tried any of the new vector chart programs, which should be a
big improvement for many reasons. There's one caveat with vector charts
though: when you zoom way in, it may be hard to know when you're at the
limit of the chart's resolution. Raster charts are simply images of paper
charts, where you can see the limit of resolution, and/or you get a
pixelated image when you zoom in too far.

*Maptech 1.0 for DOS is still the best designed, easiest to use program
ever, but charts and support are no longer available.

I hope competition among the new players in this field will improve the
breed. Until now, Maptech's monopoly on chart publishing has stifled
innovation, resulting in a lot of poor software. With a new chart format
that's open and free, it will be interesting to see what happens.

Matt O.

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 11:14:13 -0800, johnhh wrote:

I'm not sure what you mean about the boat icon in Nobeltec. I have used
most versions and never noticed this problem. I'm on 8.0 now and checked
it out. While you can't adjust the boat icon size, it doesn't shrink as
you zoom out either so it remains the same size no matter what the zoom
level.

I think you're right. I knew there was something about the non-adjustable
size of the boat icon that bothered me, but it was actually the opposite
of what I just wrote. It was really a pain sometimes, like when passing
close to something on a large scale chart, or poking into tight spots.
It's not always practical to be switching between higher and lower
resolution charts.

I don't remember which Nobletec version I used last, but I'm thinking 6.0.

Matt O.

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 14:04:16 -0500, Matt O'Toole
wrote:

For the last 3 years I've been using Maptech's Pocket Navigator, which
runs on a PDA, with a companion program on a laptop. You can't use one
without the other. It works great though, the PDA being much faster and
easier to use, plus you can see the screen in direct sunlight. So far
this is my favorite.

Pocket Navigator = old and crippled version of Memory Map Navigator.

MM has an upgrade program where all you pay is the difference between
what Maptech charges for Pocket Nav and what they charge for Memory
Map Navigator or the Pro version. The Pro version even has support
for AIS display on the PocktPC.

http://www.memory-map.com/software_upgrade.htm can give you the cost
to upgrade to MMN or MMP. This is probably the cheapest route.

Upgrading will probably be cheapest way to get MM, but FYI for anyone
else buying new: The cheapest retailer for the Pro version that I
have found is the Canadian http://www.maptown.com. They have the Pro
version for US$173 (vs $225 retail) for the retail boxed version
delivered to the US. They also have the retail box version of MM
Navigator for $111 delivered to the US, but it's cheaper to just buy a
license from http://www.memory-map.com and download the software.

Why Memory Map is not more well known i beyond me. It is written by
an active sailor and cruiser and it is by far the most intuitive and
easy to use chart plotting software out there IMHO, and it is blazing
fast, like no other bar none.

--
BRENT - The Usenet typo king. :)

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 04:25:29 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

Yeah, I was looking at Ozi too. The attraction of MapTech for me was that
it seems to include a whole pile of charts...kinda seems like a buy the
charts and the software is free kinda thing.

As all the US charts are now free direct from the NOAA, I see no
reason to be stuck with a Maptech product. All of Maptech's charting
software is just licensed versions of other companies' products. In
most cases, stripped down to some degree (especially to lock you into
Maptech map products) or more expensive than buying the "the real
thing" direct from the licensor and skipping Maptech's version.

--
BRENT - The Usenet typo king. :)

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like and
don't like about it.

I've been quite happy with Fugawi ENC V3, using it primarily as an
interactive electronic chart plotter, without taking advantage of the
route planning features. It's just not so convenient in close quarters
to have the chart plot down on the nav station, so far from the wheel.

I would love to have a daylight visible and weather proof display at
the wheel, but there doesn't seem to be a matching product. The
computer side is too dim and fragile, while the chart plotters all
seem to use proprietary charting, with no way to easily take advantage
of the NOAA freebies. Anybody have a suggestion to put the free charts
into my cockpit?

Thanks,

Ryk

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 17:39:53 -0500, Ryk
wrote:

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like and
don't like about it.

I've been quite happy with Fugawi ENC V3, using it primarily as an
interactive electronic chart plotter, without taking advantage of the
route planning features. It's just not so convenient in close quarters
to have the chart plot down on the nav station, so far from the wheel.

I would love to have a daylight visible and weather proof display at
the wheel, but there doesn't seem to be a matching product. The
computer side is too dim and fragile, while the chart plotters all
seem to use proprietary charting, with no way to easily take advantage
of the NOAA freebies. Anybody have a suggestion to put the free charts
into my cockpit?

Like you, I refuse to be dependant upon proprietary chart formats
(with outdated data) sold at premium prices by the hardware
manufactures. Why can't a company come out with a inexpensive LCD
screen that uses reflective technology vs the common transmissive
technology. PDAs have used this feature for a long time on their
small screens to cure the problems caused by trying to power an energy
hungry back light to fight the sun. For now, I see the PDA as the
only economical choice, in terms of both money and electrical energy
demands.

So, buy PDA and run Fugawi's PDA software that came with your ENC
software for free. PDA screens are daylight viewable. Stick the PDA
in an otterbox waterproof (to 100 feet) case.

I don't know if Fugawi's PDA software is VGA compatible, but it's a
critical feature IMO, with the ability to show four times as much
chart on the screen vs a QVGA displays of lesser PDAs. Memory-Maps's
PDA software is VGA compatible for sure.

If you have a NMEA multiplexor, get a $70 "AIRcable"
serial-to-bluetooth adaptor on it, and now walk around your boat with
all your nav data-- even laying in your bunk! Memory-Map Pro will
even show AIS targets on the PDA.

This option is the most energy efficient and least expensive of all
the solutions.

--
BRENT - The Usenet typo king. :)

PC Navigation Software
 

1. a very expensive daylight viewable monitor.
2. a Panasonic PDWD remote wireless waterproof display display. These look
pretty nice, but I've never seen on in action. They cost around $1800
3. I have ordered a Fujitsu tablet PC with 10" sunlight viewable monitor
and an OtterBox water proof case that lets you use it in the rain. I will
connect it to the GPS and other instruments through a NMEA Bluetooth
multiplexer. We'll see how it all works out.


"Ryk" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 01:10:22 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but
thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like
and
don't like about it.

I've been quite happy with Fugawi ENC V3, using it primarily as an
interactive electronic chart plotter, without taking advantage of the
route planning features. It's just not so convenient in close quarters
to have the chart plot down on the nav station, so far from the wheel.

I would love to have a daylight visible and weather proof display at
the wheel, but there doesn't seem to be a matching product. The
computer side is too dim and fragile, while the chart plotters all
seem to use proprietary charting, with no way to easily take advantage
of the NOAA freebies. Anybody have a suggestion to put the free charts
into my cockpit?

Thanks,

Ryk

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 04:25:29 GMT, "John Glynn"
wrote:

So, do you find MapTech relatively easy to use and pretty helpful for
navigating?

It absolutely is helpful since I haven't relied on paper charts for
years and that takes in many thousands of miles over the entire east
coast. And yes, I have an extra laptop for backup just in case.

Ease of use is hard to judge once you are experienced with a piece of
software. There is definitely a learning curve but it is not too
steep. I have it installed on my desktop at home and am constantly
using it for trip planning and such, and that is a good way to learn
as well.

It is very easy to export routes, waypoints and tracks from one
computer to another which is quite useful.

Let me know if you have specific questions about how do do something
and I'll try to help.

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 13:36:04 -0800, Brent Geery
wrote:

As all the US charts are now free direct from the NOAA, I see no
reason to be stuck with a Maptech product.

Maptech OSN works just fine with the new free BSB charts.

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 08:49:49 -0500, "Skip Gundlach" skipgundlach at
gmail dotcom wrote:

The only one I don't recall seeing in this thread is the one used by the
Coast Guard, the Cap'n.

What's the opinion on that program compared to the others which have been
getting lots of discussion?

In my opinion for what it's worth, it is overpriced and over hyped.

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 14:04:16 -0500, Matt O'Toole
wrote:

Previously I had used every version of Maptech since 1.0 for DOS*. All of
these except 1.0 are slow, even on fast computers; very cumbersome to use,
and buggy.

Most of the bugs seem to be gone in version 5. I have no issues with
speed running on 500 mhz Pentium 3s which are not exactly state of the
art.

It is important to shut down unused software like virus checkers, fire
walls, anti spyware, and other memory hogs not needed for navigation.

PC Navigation Software
 

On Sun, 22 Jan 2006 22:25:31 -0500, Howard wrote:


All that being said, its a cool toy. It may not be worth a damn on a
boat, alone, in the fog, at night.

Very good observations, and since the introduction of Google Earth and
similar services a few months back, I have puzzled over how I could
use it on the boat G.

I think you have to use every tool available to you in the run-up to a
passagemaking or to the transiting of an unknown-to-you landfall or
harbour. These devices are excellent for planning one's approach, but
even in the "live GPS position" mode, they are practically static
compared to the eyes, ears and yes, nose of the practiced sailor. Two
potential problems exist with electronic navigation:

1) With the new expensive, full-colour plotters, you are a little icon
in a video game. This can be isolating you from the dynamic
environment around you. Seamanship isn't a video game, but video games
can aid seamanship.

2) Electronic charts are out of date a day after you get them. Nothing
beats a live, self-interested and therefore motivated human on the
foredeck (using family band radio to the helm if you want to get all
technological) keeping a watch in fog, signalling with a horn and
LISTENING. I have heard of at least one case when sailboats in fog at
night collided because both were converging on the same navigational
aid...thanks to the marvels of GPS/chartplotting. Keeping a watch may
have avoided this.

I have noticed that I can occasionally guess who is using
chartplotting by the behaviour of their boats near navigational aids
or off landmarks following a depth contour. You are the skipper. The
technology informs, but being indifferent to the outcome, it cannot be
responsible.

R.

PC Navigation Software
 

John Glynn a écrit:

I'm sort of used to navigating with paper charts and a pencil...but thinking
of moving a little higher-tech.

Been looking at PC Navigation Software. Looked at Chart Navigator Pro by
MapTech, the Ozi one, Fugawi and others.

I sure would appreciate users input on what they use, and what they like and
don't like about it.

I used ScanNav (http://www.scannav.com/GB/home.html) from the very
begining of the development of this software (7 years ago).
Now this is a complete program (it reads all usual raster map formats
*and* the free US maps in the S57 vector format in a seamless way).
You can get it for less than $300 (including tidal currents and weather
forecast additionnal modules and frequent free updates).
Considering the numerous functionnalities of ScanNav, the only programs
I have tried who can beat the Scannav's quality/price ratio are free
softwares such as SeaClear.

An important point : the program itself is very light and you can use it
easily in an old and cheap laptop dedicated to your boat. This is what I
do.

--
Peio

PC Navigation Software
 

Yeah, that's why I turned if off. It would be embarassing to run into a
cliff while looking down the companion way at a video game. Going into
Ship Harbour I could hear the surf of the 8-foot swell - over the motor.
But I couldn't see the front of the cockpit.

BTW, I also read your reply asking about a cockpit screen reminded me
that one day I could see the fog condensing on my arm hair and the water
was running down the rigging. Just fog. I had to keep three pairs of
glasses just to see the damn compas let alone some computer screen. I
rigged the radar so I was mounted to the middle washboard and that way
kept it out of the worst of the wet but it filled up the companionway.

I don't know about you but I spend 6 to 8 hours a day on a computer
already. At 54 my arms shurnk enough that I can't read a headline at
full arms length. Sucks to be old but beats the only option.

Howard

rhys wrote:

On Sun, 22 Jan 2006 22:25:31 -0500, Howard wrote:


All that being said, its a cool toy. It may not be worth a damn on a
boat, alone, in the fog, at night.


Very good observations, and since the introduction of Google Earth and
similar services a few months back, I have puzzled over how I could
use it on the boat G.

I think you have to use every tool available to you in the run-up to a
passagemaking or to the transiting of an unknown-to-you landfall or
harbour. These devices are excellent for planning one's approach, but
even in the "live GPS position" mode, they are practically static
compared to the eyes, ears and yes, nose of the practiced sailor. Two
potential problems exist with electronic navigation:

1) With the new expensive, full-colour plotters, you are a little icon
in a video game. This can be isolating you from the dynamic
environment around you. Seamanship isn't a video game, but video games
can aid seamanship.

2) Electronic charts are out of date a day after you get them. Nothing
beats a live, self-interested and therefore motivated human on the
foredeck (using family band radio to the helm if you want to get all
technological) keeping a watch in fog, signalling with a horn and
LISTENING. I have heard of at least one case when sailboats in fog at
night collided because both were converging on the same navigational
aid...thanks to the marvels of GPS/chartplotting. Keeping a watch may
have avoided this.

I have noticed that I can occasionally guess who is using
chartplotting by the behaviour of their boats near navigational aids
or off landmarks following a depth contour. You are the skipper. The
technology informs, but being indifferent to the outcome, it cannot be
responsible.

R.

PC Navigation Software
 

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 13:02:39 -0800, Brent Geery wrote:

On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 14:04:16 -0500, Matt O'Toole
wrote:

For the last 3 years I've been using Maptech's Pocket Navigator, which
runs on a PDA, with a companion program on a laptop. You can't use one
without the other. It works great though, the PDA being much faster and
easier to use, plus you can see the screen in direct sunlight. So far
this is my favorite.

Pocket Navigator = old and crippled version of Memory Map Navigator.

What's so much better about MM Navigator?

MM has an upgrade program where all you pay is the difference between
what Maptech charges for Pocket Nav and what they charge for Memory Map
Navigator or the Pro version. The Pro version even has support for AIS
display on the PocktPC.

http://www.memory-map.com/software_upgrade.htm can give you the cost to
upgrade to MMN or MMP. This is probably the cheapest route.

Upgrading will probably be cheapest way to get MM, but FYI for anyone
else buying new: The cheapest retailer for the Pro version that I have
found is the Canadian http://www.maptown.com. They have the Pro version
for US$173 (vs $225 retail) for the retail boxed version delivered to
the US. They also have the retail box version of MM Navigator for $111
delivered to the US, but it's cheaper to just buy a license from
http://www.memory-map.com and download the software.

Don't forget you need a PDA with add-on GPS too, so if you don't have
either you should look for a bundle. We got ours from Maptech themselves,
everything for like $600.

Why Memory Map is not more well known i beyond me. It is written by an
active sailor and cruiser and it is by far the most intuitive and easy
to use chart plotting software out there IMHO, and it is blazing fast,
like no other bar none.

I feel the same way about Pocket Navigator compared to the other stuff
I've used, but if you say MM Navigator is that much better it's worth a
try.

Designing for the PDA is probably similar to what designers faced when
developing the original Maptech for DOS. Limited resources enforces
design discipline. The later Maptech stuff looks like someone just
threw together a bunch of VB or Delphi widgets and called it a day.

Matt O.

PC Navigation Software
 

Pocket Navigator = old and crippled version of Memory Map Navigator.

What's so much better about MM Navigator?

http://www.gpspassion.com/en/software/mmv4/mm_v4f.htm has a review
covering version 4 of PN and MMN (and the extra features of MMP.) MMN
is up to v5.

Here is a quick summary from the above link:
"The Maptech version doesn't allow all the various map types, 3D view,
Sync Views, and prior to V4 didn't contain the enhanced overlay manager
on the PocketPC, allowing you to list marks, routes, etc, in tabular
form (which is a nice feature). And of course, no printing or support
for creating and calibrating your own maps."

And the professional version adds the following features in addition to
the standard version:
- CSV (comma separated value) and ESRI Shapefile format. CSV is good
for managing data using a spreadsheet. and Shapefiles are widely used
for distributing geographic data.
- Support for large format printers, Tabloid (11" x 17" and larger)
inkjet printers
- Hi-res display for Pocket PC using Second Sight wearable display.
- Adds support for the free PocketAIS plugin. AIS target display on
both Pocket PC and desktop.

There are further features in the new v5 as well. See
www.memory-map.com.

MM has an upgrade program where all you pay is the difference between

what Maptech charges for Pocket Nav and what they charge for Memory Map
Navigator or the Pro version. The Pro version even has support for AIS
display on the PocktPC.
http://www.memory-map.com/software_upgrade.htm can give you the cost to
upgrade to MMN or MMP. This is probably the cheapest route.
Upgrading will probably be cheapest way to get MM, but FYI for anyone
else buying new: The cheapest retailer for the Pro version that I have
found is the Canadian http://www.maptown.com. They have the Pro version
for US$173 (vs $225 retail) for the retail boxed version delivered to
the US. They also have the retail box version of MM Navigator for $111
delivered to the US, but it's cheaper to just buy a license from
http://www.memory-map.com and download the software.

Don't forget you need a PDA with add-on GPS too, so if you don't have
either you should look for a bundle. We got ours from Maptech themselves,
everything for like $600.

Sure, but I assume you have that already. :)

Is that a VGA screen on the Maptech PDA? I've spent:

$170 Memory-Map Pro
$330 Dell Axim X51v 624Mhz VGA PDA new on e-Bay
$140 OtterBox 3600 w/ Through-the-Box Connection Pod
$20 Power dongle on e-Bay

So $660 total, but that includes a top-of-the-line PDA, MM Pro, and
deluxe waterproof case. Not bad for an extra 10%.

Why Memory Map is not more well known i beyond me. It is written by an
active sailor and cruiser and it is by far the most intuitive and easy
to use chart plotting software out there IMHO, and it is blazing fast,
like no other bar none.

I feel the same way about Pocket Navigator compared to the other stuff
I've used, but if you say MM Navigator is that much better it's worth a
try.

They have a 10 day demo of MMN, but I could not get the demo for MMP to
activate its extra features.

Designing for the PDA is probably similar to what designers faced when
developing the original Maptech for DOS. Limited resources enforces
design discipline. The later Maptech stuff looks like someone just
threw together a bunch of VB or Delphi widgets and called it a day.

You're right. Richard, the guy behind MM, has a background in
intergrated systems.

PC Navigation Software
 

On Thu, 26 Jan 2006 02:39:35 -0800, bgeery wrote:

Pocket Navigator = old and crippled version of Memory Map Navigator.

What's so much better about MM Navigator?

http://www.gpspassion.com/en/software/mmv4/mm_v4f.htm has a review
covering version 4 of PN and MMN (and the extra features of MMP.) MMN
is up to v5.

Here is a quick summary from the above link: "The Maptech version
doesn't allow all the various map types, 3D view, Sync Views, and prior
to V4 didn't contain the enhanced overlay manager on the PocketPC,
allowing you to list marks, routes, etc, in tabular form (which is a
nice feature). And of course, no printing or support for creating and
calibrating your own maps."

And the professional version adds the following features in addition to
the standard version:
- CSV (comma separated value) and ESRI Shapefile format. CSV is good for
managing data using a spreadsheet. and Shapefiles are widely used for
distributing geographic data.
- Support for large format printers, Tabloid (11" x 17" and larger)
inkjet printers
- Hi-res display for Pocket PC using Second Sight wearable display. -
Adds support for the free PocketAIS plugin. AIS target display on both
Pocket PC and desktop.

There are further features in the new v5 as well. See
www.memory-map.com.

I'm sure all that stuff is neat, but I probably wouldn't use any of it.
I'm not being flip, just realistic. Thanks for the report though, and
I'll check out the review.

Is that a VGA screen on the Maptech PDA? I've spent:

$170 Memory-Map Pro
$330 Dell Axim X51v 624Mhz VGA PDA new on e-Bay $140 OtterBox 3600 w/
Through-the-Box Connection Pod $20 Power dongle on e-Bay

So $660 total, but that includes a top-of-the-line PDA, MM Pro, and
deluxe waterproof case. Not bad for an extra 10%.

We got the iPaq PDA, a sleeve GPS, and the Maptech software, bundled for
$600. This was ~3 years ago. Hardware prices have probably come
down since.

The bundle was supposed to include a Navman sleeve GPS, but came with a
nearly identical Transplant instead. I guess Maptech was out of Navmans
that day. That's fine, but we had a heck of a time trying to get support
from Maptech or Navman. Maptech basically blew us off, despite being
Maptech customer #3 of all time -- 20+ years -- and having bought every
version since. Navman were very nice, but perplexed as to why the unit we
had didn't resemble any of theirs!

Since then, I've had to replace the GPS -- strangely, with a Transplant
CF model that plugs into the original sleeve GPS. So I have a GPS plugged
into a dead GPS, plugged into (or onto) the PDA. It's a stupid
arrangement, but the only practical solution. The Transplant
people were great, after we finally figured out we were their customer,
not Navman's. They got a replacement to us in Canada within a couple of
days.

We're no longer too happy with Maptech, either their products or the
company. I do not want to give them any more money. I love how
they tell us to "just go to their website" -- when we're on a frickin' boat!

So folks, there's your Maptech feedback.

Note -- I'm glad we still have, and know how to use, paper charts.

They have a 10 day demo of MMN, but I could not get the demo for MMP to
activate its extra features.

I'll probably give it a go. Thanks for the tip.

Matt O.