Softcharts is one well-established alternative.

Yep. It is an alternative. So is guessing where you are. I've checked
them all out too and you're wrong or else you work for SoftCharts and are
getting paid to push that nonsense propaganda.

Just think about it. Scanning a paper chart is wrought with paper
stretching and other inaccuracies (think about the slight angle rotation
caused by the scanner pulling the paper in). This doesn't happen when you
are the exclusive partner to NOAA like Maptech is.

I have nothing to gain by having others use their charts - like I said, go
buy them. I just couldn't sit by while I saw incorrect "facts" written on
this group.

By the way, I wish the new CD's weren't protected either. I can understand
that Maptech wants to stop others from stealing their products. To be
honest, it doesn't really effect me since I purchase the products I use
anyway. I guess if you're used to stealing your friends CD's, then this
must really **** ya off...

I have been using Maptech digital charts for over 10 years, and have added
selected SoftCharts as a useful supplement. I have no issue with SoftChart
charts, have used them extensively in the US and Mexico, and would be happy to
use them again. If you have any facts besides the warm feelings for Maptech
because they have the NOAA contract many of us would be interested-please point
out the which statements are incorrect and provide some correct "facts". How do
flatbed scanners stretch and rotate the images, for example. If you are
uncomfortable leaving Maptech, OK, but I fail to understand the basis for your
statements. Have you personally had bad experiences with specific SoftCharts?
CD protection is another issue, because of the inability to recover from a crash
that it causes. Nobeltec deals with this well over the phone, and offers a
"dongle" if you will be in a remote location. What does Maptech offer?
"spdevel" wrote:

Softcharts is one well-established alternative.

Yep. It is an alternative. So is guessing where you are. I've checked
them all out too and you're wrong or else you work for SoftCharts and are
getting paid to push that nonsense propaganda.

Just think about it. Scanning a paper chart is wrought with paper
stretching and other inaccuracies (think about the slight angle rotation
caused by the scanner pulling the paper in). This doesn't happen when you
are the exclusive partner to NOAA like Maptech is.

I have nothing to gain by having others use their charts - like I said, go
buy them. I just couldn't sit by while I saw incorrect "facts" written on
this group.

By the way, I wish the new CD's weren't protected either. I can understand
that Maptech wants to stop others from stealing their products. To be
honest, it doesn't really effect me since I purchase the products I use
anyway. I guess if you're used to stealing your friends CD's, then this
must really **** ya off...

I have been using Maptech digital charts for over 10 years, and have added
selected SoftCharts as a useful supplement.

Gee Ed, do you have a computer setup at the helm of your J40 so you'd know
actively where you were at a particular time while underway?

I have been using Maptech digital charts for over 10 years, and have added
selected SoftCharts as a useful supplement.

Gee Ed, do you have a computer setup at the helm of your J40 so you'd know
actively where you were at a particular time while underway?

I have been using Maptech digital charts for over 10 years, and have added
selected SoftCharts as a useful supplement. I have no issue with SoftChart
charts, have used them extensively in the US and Mexico, and would be happy to
use them again. If you have any facts besides the warm feelings for Maptech
because they have the NOAA contract many of us would be interested-please point
out the which statements are incorrect and provide some correct "facts". How do
flatbed scanners stretch and rotate the images, for example. If you are
uncomfortable leaving Maptech, OK, but I fail to understand the basis for your
statements. Have you personally had bad experiences with specific SoftCharts?
CD protection is another issue, because of the inability to recover from a crash
that it causes. Nobeltec deals with this well over the phone, and offers a
"dongle" if you will be in a remote location. What does Maptech offer?
"spdevel" wrote:

Softcharts is one well-established alternative.

Yep. It is an alternative. So is guessing where you are. I've checked
them all out too and you're wrong or else you work for SoftCharts and are
getting paid to push that nonsense propaganda.

Just think about it. Scanning a paper chart is wrought with paper
stretching and other inaccuracies (think about the slight angle rotation
caused by the scanner pulling the paper in). This doesn't happen when you
are the exclusive partner to NOAA like Maptech is.

I have nothing to gain by having others use their charts - like I said, go
buy them. I just couldn't sit by while I saw incorrect "facts" written on
this group.

By the way, I wish the new CD's weren't protected either. I can understand
that Maptech wants to stop others from stealing their products. To be
honest, it doesn't really effect me since I purchase the products I use
anyway. I guess if you're used to stealing your friends CD's, then this
must really **** ya off...

Spdevel, Sounds like who works for whom?????



"spdevel" wrote in message ...
Softcharts is one well-established alternative.

Yep. It is an alternative. So is guessing where you are. I've checked
them all out too and you're wrong or else you work for SoftCharts and are
getting paid to push that nonsense propaganda.

Just think about it. Scanning a paper chart is wrought with paper
stretching and other inaccuracies (think about the slight angle rotation
caused by the scanner pulling the paper in). This doesn't happen when you
are the exclusive partner to NOAA like Maptech is.

I have nothing to gain by having others use their charts - like I said, go
buy them. I just couldn't sit by while I saw incorrect "facts" written on
this group.

By the way, I wish the new CD's weren't protected either. I can understand
that Maptech wants to stop others from stealing their products. To be
honest, it doesn't really effect me since I purchase the products I use
anyway. I guess if you're used to stealing your friends CD's, then this
must really **** ya off...

Spdevel, Sounds like who works for whom?????


Geez, I suggested that you could buy whatever charts you want! I don't work
for anyone - I'm too busy cruising!

I think it is very interesting that the main debate I was having was with Ed
(sded). It turns out that he has a J40 which is a great sailboat. But most
sailors don't keep their PC right in front of them, watching their progress
over a digital chart as they are moving. On your Mariner 40, Chuck, do you
have your PC out at the helm?

I'm a motorboat cruiser. My normal setup is a heads-up display of exactly
where I am, watching every movement of my little cursor across the screen.
I've watched the accuracy in real time with SoftCharts, Maptech, C-Map, and
some Passport charts from friend's boats. There just isn't a comparison,
sorry, no matter who you work for.

Your mileage may vary. Go ahead and buy whatever you want though!

Isn't it interesting that "sded" and "Chuck Baier" are right in there in the
debate until I point out that they don't use a laptop at their helm! From
then on....poof...nothing.

It just goes to show that you need to watch out about the information that
you get on these newgroups. A lot of people do a lot of talking without
knowing crap about what they are talking about...

Yes, thanks.

I hadn't been following this thread, but thanks to your post I went back to read
the others. Now I know there's a good alternative to the Maptech monopoly at:
http://www.softcharts.com/

Thanks again.

"spdevel" wrote in message
...
Isn't it interesting that "sded" and "Chuck Baier" are right in there in the
debate until I point out that they don't use a laptop at their helm! From
then on....poof...nothing.

It just goes to show that you need to watch out about the information that
you get on these newgroups. A lot of people do a lot of talking without
knowing crap about what they are talking about...

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
Yes, thanks.


Oh please! A 36' catamaran? Yeah, like you're an MVP for digital charts
too...all you sailors like to talk the talk but don't know **** about what's
real. It doesn't even look like you get out much Jeff. Too busy making
wise cracks on newgroups? Maybe you should go back to Lotus...