Maptech digital charts
 

As of 2004, Maptech is only delivering BSB4 formated charts on CD's for most
of the popular regions. The charts are encrypted, require registration, and
not supported on older versions of Nobeltec's Navigation Suite software. I
ordered Region 6 and can't use it on my Nobeltec Version 4.1 software.
There are still some Maptech rev 3 chartkits in some dealers' stock. Does
anyone know if BSB rev 3 is supported on my navigation s/w? I hate to spend
the $399 for a s/w upgrade.

Thanks
Ray

Maptech digital charts
 

"Ray D" rayd at gis.net wrote:

As of 2004, Maptech is only delivering BSB4 formated charts on CD's for most
of the popular regions. The charts are encrypted, require registration, and
not supported on older versions of Nobeltec's Navigation Suite software. I
ordered Region 6 and can't use it on my Nobeltec Version 4.1 software.
There are still some Maptech rev 3 chartkits in some dealers' stock. Does
anyone know if BSB rev 3 is supported on my navigation s/w? I hate to spend
the $399 for a s/w upgrade.

Thanks
Ray

Try http://www.softcharts.com/ . You can buy compatible charts there in
preconfigured collections or roll your own. You can also purchase/download a
single chart to be sure their current format is compatible with your version
4.1. I have VNS 6.5 and won't be buying any more charts from either Maptech or
Nobeltec.

Maptech digital charts
 

"Ray D" rayd at gis.net wrote:

As of 2004, Maptech is only delivering BSB4 formated charts on CD's for most
of the popular regions. The charts are encrypted, require registration, and
not supported on older versions of Nobeltec's Navigation Suite software. I
ordered Region 6 and can't use it on my Nobeltec Version 4.1 software.
There are still some Maptech rev 3 chartkits in some dealers' stock. Does
anyone know if BSB rev 3 is supported on my navigation s/w? I hate to spend
the $399 for a s/w upgrade.

Thanks
Ray

Try http://www.softcharts.com/ . You can buy compatible charts there in
preconfigured collections or roll your own. You can also purchase/download a
single chart to be sure their current format is compatible with your version
4.1. I have VNS 6.5 and won't be buying any more charts from either Maptech or
Nobeltec.

Maptech digital charts
 

Try http://www.softcharts.com/ . You can buy compatible charts there in
preconfigured collections or roll your own. You can also
purchase/download a
single chart to be sure their current format is compatible with your
version
4.1. I have VNS 6.5 and won't be buying any more charts from either
Maptech or
Nobeltec.


Yuck. Awful stuff. Thanks but I'd rather have the real NOAA maps from
NOAA's partner (Maptech). I called Nobeltec and they will be supporting the
BSB v4.0 CD's - you just need to know the right person to ask. There are
plenty of other applications that support the new CD's too.

Maptech digital charts
 

Try http://www.softcharts.com/ . You can buy compatible charts there in
preconfigured collections or roll your own. You can also
purchase/download a
single chart to be sure their current format is compatible with your
version
4.1. I have VNS 6.5 and won't be buying any more charts from either
Maptech or
Nobeltec.


Yuck. Awful stuff. Thanks but I'd rather have the real NOAA maps from
NOAA's partner (Maptech). I called Nobeltec and they will be supporting the
BSB v4.0 CD's - you just need to know the right person to ask. There are
plenty of other applications that support the new CD's too.

Maptech digital charts
 

I got the same information but they didn't tell me when. I doubt if
Nobeltec would provide a patch for anything earlier than version 7.
It makes good marketing sense for Nobeltec to position their Passport Charts
over Maptech. They are offering a trade in discount for Maptech CD's over
the next couple of months.
The SoftChart stuff works and the resolution dosen't suck but I would like
to have the marine, currents, tides, places, coast pilot, etc. information
provided by Maptech.

...I called Nobeltec and they will be supporting the
BSB v4.0 CD's - you just need to know the right person to ask. There are
plenty of other applications that support the new CD's too.

Maptech digital charts
 

I got the same information but they didn't tell me when. I doubt if
Nobeltec would provide a patch for anything earlier than version 7.
It makes good marketing sense for Nobeltec to position their Passport Charts
over Maptech. They are offering a trade in discount for Maptech CD's over
the next couple of months.
The SoftChart stuff works and the resolution dosen't suck but I would like
to have the marine, currents, tides, places, coast pilot, etc. information
provided by Maptech.

...I called Nobeltec and they will be supporting the
BSB v4.0 CD's - you just need to know the right person to ask. There are
plenty of other applications that support the new CD's too.

Maptech digital charts
 

You can download Coast Pilots for free at
http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/nsd/cpdownload.htm
Light Lists at
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/LightLists
Tides and Currents actually come from Nobeltec as part of VNS
The Softcharts are raster scanned copies of the NOAA charts, just like Maptech,
and should be identical for the same edition. They do use a different color
scheme, similar to the ECDIS colors in the Passport charts. I like being able
to define my own collection of charts I want to download and buying them at a
package discount-I bought a number of Mexico charts from Softcharts that way. I
haven't tried the Softcharts Photo Navigator charts that compete with the
Maptech photo overlays. I also have a set of the Passport Charts (Region 12)
and find so much data is missing that I don't use them at all for coastal
navigation. Very disappointed in them and would not buy again.
"Ray D" rayd at gis.net wrote:

I got the same information but they didn't tell me when. I doubt if
Nobeltec would provide a patch for anything earlier than version 7.
It makes good marketing sense for Nobeltec to position their Passport Charts
over Maptech. They are offering a trade in discount for Maptech CD's over
the next couple of months.
The SoftChart stuff works and the resolution dosen't suck but I would like
to have the marine, currents, tides, places, coast pilot, etc. information
provided by Maptech.

...I called Nobeltec and they will be supporting the
BSB v4.0 CD's - you just need to know the right person to ask. There are
plenty of other applications that support the new CD's too.

Maptech digital charts
 

You can download Coast Pilots for free at
http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/nsd/cpdownload.htm
Light Lists at
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/LightLists
Tides and Currents actually come from Nobeltec as part of VNS
The Softcharts are raster scanned copies of the NOAA charts, just like Maptech,
and should be identical for the same edition. They do use a different color
scheme, similar to the ECDIS colors in the Passport charts. I like being able
to define my own collection of charts I want to download and buying them at a
package discount-I bought a number of Mexico charts from Softcharts that way. I
haven't tried the Softcharts Photo Navigator charts that compete with the
Maptech photo overlays. I also have a set of the Passport Charts (Region 12)
and find so much data is missing that I don't use them at all for coastal
navigation. Very disappointed in them and would not buy again.
"Ray D" rayd at gis.net wrote:

I got the same information but they didn't tell me when. I doubt if
Nobeltec would provide a patch for anything earlier than version 7.
It makes good marketing sense for Nobeltec to position their Passport Charts
over Maptech. They are offering a trade in discount for Maptech CD's over
the next couple of months.
The SoftChart stuff works and the resolution dosen't suck but I would like
to have the marine, currents, tides, places, coast pilot, etc. information
provided by Maptech.

...I called Nobeltec and they will be supporting the
BSB v4.0 CD's - you just need to know the right person to ask. There are
plenty of other applications that support the new CD's too.

Maptech digital charts
 

I had posted on this board some time back how Notsonobletec was
putting the screws to us boaters buy making their own software
obsolete and expensive and forcing anyone using their stuff to have to
spend more and more money. The solution is simple. Stop using their
software. There is lots of good stuff out there that will not put you
through so much and works great. This approach is the only thing these
kind of companies understand. We pay enough for anything connected to
a boat.




"spdevel" wrote in message ...
Try http://www.softcharts.com/ . You can buy compatible charts there in
preconfigured collections or roll your own. You can also
purchase/download a
single chart to be sure their current format is compatible with your
version
4.1. I have VNS 6.5 and won't be buying any more charts from either
Maptech or
Nobeltec.


Yuck. Awful stuff. Thanks but I'd rather have the real NOAA maps from
NOAA's partner (Maptech). I called Nobeltec and they will be supporting the
BSB v4.0 CD's - you just need to know the right person to ask. There are
plenty of other applications that support the new CD's too.

Maptech digital charts
 

I had posted on this board some time back how Notsonobletec was
putting the screws to us boaters buy making their own software
obsolete and expensive and forcing anyone using their stuff to have to
spend more and more money. The solution is simple. Stop using their
software. There is lots of good stuff out there that will not put you
through so much and works great. This approach is the only thing these
kind of companies understand. We pay enough for anything connected to
a boat.




"spdevel" wrote in message ...
Try http://www.softcharts.com/ . You can buy compatible charts there in
preconfigured collections or roll your own. You can also
purchase/download a
single chart to be sure their current format is compatible with your
version
4.1. I have VNS 6.5 and won't be buying any more charts from either
Maptech or
Nobeltec.


Yuck. Awful stuff. Thanks but I'd rather have the real NOAA maps from
NOAA's partner (Maptech). I called Nobeltec and they will be supporting the
BSB v4.0 CD's - you just need to know the right person to ask. There are
plenty of other applications that support the new CD's too.

Maptech digital charts
 

As I recall, every time I have looked at the free charts there is a
disclaimer "not for navigation" on them. Is this because the resolution
and detai is not as high as the commercial charts or is it just
government. "CYA".

Regards, Ron

I don't recieve e-mail at this address because of spam. E-mail me
at crtsrATmsnDOTcom.

Maptech digital charts
 

As I recall, every time I have looked at the free charts there is a
disclaimer "not for navigation" on them. Is this because the resolution
and detai is not as high as the commercial charts or is it just
government. "CYA".

Regards, Ron

I don't recieve e-mail at this address because of spam. E-mail me
at crtsrATmsnDOTcom.

Maptech digital charts
 

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes. Im not quite sure just what one would
do with these non-navigational products, but perhaps they are suitable for
wrapping fish...

Maptech tends hide their disclaimer about what their products may be used for,
or what they are not useful for. Pretty sleazy way to do business.

Maptech digital charts
 

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes. Im not quite sure just what one would
do with these non-navigational products, but perhaps they are suitable for
wrapping fish...

Maptech tends hide their disclaimer about what their products may be used for,
or what they are not useful for. Pretty sleazy way to do business.

Maptech digital charts
 

On 15 Jan 2004 20:02:06 GMT, (Baybyter) wrote:

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes. Im not quite sure just what one would
do with these non-navigational products, but perhaps they are suitable for
wrapping fish...

Maptech tends hide their disclaimer about what their products may be used for,
or what they are not useful for. Pretty sleazy way to do business.

The disclaimer was easy to find.

I expect that this is the same type of disclaimer found in cruising
guides. Each chart and chartlet has a "not for navigation"
disclaimer.

If they are not for navigation, what are they for?

In a litigious world, this is standard fare.

There are legal requirements in Canada, and I expect other countries
as well, to carry the most recent editions of charts, updated by
Notices to Mariners. There are some exemptions.

Paper charts can be updated more easily that electronic charts.

This probably placed on the site on the advice of lawyers to limit
liability.

Jack

Maptech digital charts
 

On 15 Jan 2004 20:02:06 GMT, (Baybyter) wrote:

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes. Im not quite sure just what one would
do with these non-navigational products, but perhaps they are suitable for
wrapping fish...

Maptech tends hide their disclaimer about what their products may be used for,
or what they are not useful for. Pretty sleazy way to do business.

The disclaimer was easy to find.

I expect that this is the same type of disclaimer found in cruising
guides. Each chart and chartlet has a "not for navigation"
disclaimer.

If they are not for navigation, what are they for?

In a litigious world, this is standard fare.

There are legal requirements in Canada, and I expect other countries
as well, to carry the most recent editions of charts, updated by
Notices to Mariners. There are some exemptions.

Paper charts can be updated more easily that electronic charts.

This probably placed on the site on the advice of lawyers to limit
liability.

Jack

Maptech digital charts
 

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes.

Woah Nelly! I downloaded Maptech's Outdoor Navigator demo and got on the
server to download many charts. There was nothing warning me that they
CANNOT be used for navigation. There was a warning that told me it should
not be used as the sole source of navigation information. Of course you
shouldn't rely on any one thing.

Maptech has an exclusive agreement with NOAA. They are the only ones who
get the masters from NOAA. No one else does this. Everyone else just
rescans hardcopy charts. There is a large difference in quality. I've
tried them all and I wouldn't trust my boat to anything other than Maptech
charts.

If you like SoftCharts....by all means, use them. I just hope that our
paths never cross 'cause you're gonna be off course!

Maptech digital charts
 

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes.

Woah Nelly! I downloaded Maptech's Outdoor Navigator demo and got on the
server to download many charts. There was nothing warning me that they
CANNOT be used for navigation. There was a warning that told me it should
not be used as the sole source of navigation information. Of course you
shouldn't rely on any one thing.

Maptech has an exclusive agreement with NOAA. They are the only ones who
get the masters from NOAA. No one else does this. Everyone else just
rescans hardcopy charts. There is a large difference in quality. I've
tried them all and I wouldn't trust my boat to anything other than Maptech
charts.

If you like SoftCharts....by all means, use them. I just hope that our
paths never cross 'cause you're gonna be off course!

Maptech digital charts
 

"spdevel" wrote:

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes.

Woah Nelly! I downloaded Maptech's Outdoor Navigator demo and got on the
server to download many charts. There was nothing warning me that they
CANNOT be used for navigation. There was a warning that told me it should
not be used as the sole source of navigation information. Of course you
shouldn't rely on any one thing.

Maptech has an exclusive agreement with NOAA. They are the only ones who
get the masters from NOAA. No one else does this. Everyone else just
rescans hardcopy charts. There is a large difference in quality. I've
tried them all and I wouldn't trust my boat to anything other than Maptech
charts.

If you like SoftCharts....by all means, use them. I just hope that our
paths never cross 'cause you're gonna be off course!

Because of the exclusive partnership between Maptech and NOAA for BSB chart
material (access to the vellums or raw NOAA data), Maptech digital charts are
certified for Navigation by NOAA as stated on their website. Scanning the paper
charts also produces excellent digital charts, as shown by Softcharts (and
others) I have, in fact, compared Softcharts and BSB charts side by side in VNS
and have been unable to see any real differences. They use the same photo
charts, BTW, so it is easy to compare positions of landmarks/seamarks.
Certainly you are free to believe Maptech is somehow significantly superior
(just read their ads!), but Softcharts is certainly competent to scan charts and
produce accurate digital files from them-their customer base and comments say
that is true, and comparison of individual charts supports it. Softcharts
provides accurate charts, excellent customer service and reasonable individual
chart prices in spite of Maptech propaganda. I don't see a "not for navigation"
disclaimer on Softcharts either-their site says they are "especially enhanced
for marine navigational use." Maptech has made a business decision to
incorporate format changes and registration processes which cause compatibility
and mobility issues, and many of their customers and partners are resisting.
Softcharts is one well-established alternative.

Maptech digital charts
 

"spdevel" wrote:

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes.

Woah Nelly! I downloaded Maptech's Outdoor Navigator demo and got on the
server to download many charts. There was nothing warning me that they
CANNOT be used for navigation. There was a warning that told me it should
not be used as the sole source of navigation information. Of course you
shouldn't rely on any one thing.

Maptech has an exclusive agreement with NOAA. They are the only ones who
get the masters from NOAA. No one else does this. Everyone else just
rescans hardcopy charts. There is a large difference in quality. I've
tried them all and I wouldn't trust my boat to anything other than Maptech
charts.

If you like SoftCharts....by all means, use them. I just hope that our
paths never cross 'cause you're gonna be off course!

Because of the exclusive partnership between Maptech and NOAA for BSB chart
material (access to the vellums or raw NOAA data), Maptech digital charts are
certified for Navigation by NOAA as stated on their website. Scanning the paper
charts also produces excellent digital charts, as shown by Softcharts (and
others) I have, in fact, compared Softcharts and BSB charts side by side in VNS
and have been unable to see any real differences. They use the same photo
charts, BTW, so it is easy to compare positions of landmarks/seamarks.
Certainly you are free to believe Maptech is somehow significantly superior
(just read their ads!), but Softcharts is certainly competent to scan charts and
produce accurate digital files from them-their customer base and comments say
that is true, and comparison of individual charts supports it. Softcharts
provides accurate charts, excellent customer service and reasonable individual
chart prices in spite of Maptech propaganda. I don't see a "not for navigation"
disclaimer on Softcharts either-their site says they are "especially enhanced
for marine navigational use." Maptech has made a business decision to
incorporate format changes and registration processes which cause compatibility
and mobility issues, and many of their customers and partners are resisting.
Softcharts is one well-established alternative.

Maptech digital charts
 

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...

Maptech digital charts
 

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...

Maptech digital charts
 

On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 13:04:49 -0500 (EST), (Ron Thornton)
wrote:

As I recall, every time I have looked at the free charts there is a
disclaimer "not for navigation" on them. Is this because the resolution
and detai is not as high as the commercial charts or is it just
government. "CYA".

Yes.:)

Even though they say not for navigation, they are pretty good for trip
planning. I take the free digital charts and use oziexplorer and
gpsmapper to create my own little maps, POIs and waypoints for my eTrex.

Steve

Maptech digital charts
 

On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 13:04:49 -0500 (EST), (Ron Thornton)
wrote:

As I recall, every time I have looked at the free charts there is a
disclaimer "not for navigation" on them. Is this because the resolution
and detai is not as high as the commercial charts or is it just
government. "CYA".

Yes.:)

Even though they say not for navigation, they are pretty good for trip
planning. I take the free digital charts and use oziexplorer and
gpsmapper to create my own little maps, POIs and waypoints for my eTrex.

Steve

Maptech digital charts
 

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...

Maptech digital charts
 

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...

Maptech digital charts
 

On 15 Jan 2004 20:02:06 GMT, (Baybyter) wrote:

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes. Im not quite sure just what one would
do with these non-navigational products, but perhaps they are suitable for
wrapping fish...

Maptech tends hide their disclaimer about what their products may be used for,
or what they are not useful for. Pretty sleazy way to do business.

Lots of things, including GPS receivers, come up with such a lawyerly
disclaimer. I think it would be hard to wrap a fish in a GPS receiver,
although I admit I have never tried. :-)


Rodney Myrvaagnes Opionated old geezer

Faith-based economics: It's deja voodoo all over again

Maptech digital charts
 

On 15 Jan 2004 20:02:06 GMT, (Baybyter) wrote:

Be aware that a number of Maptech products, including their online server,
CANNOT be used for navigation purposes. Im not quite sure just what one would
do with these non-navigational products, but perhaps they are suitable for
wrapping fish...

Maptech tends hide their disclaimer about what their products may be used for,
or what they are not useful for. Pretty sleazy way to do business.

Lots of things, including GPS receivers, come up with such a lawyerly
disclaimer. I think it would be hard to wrap a fish in a GPS receiver,
although I admit I have never tried. :-)


Rodney Myrvaagnes Opionated old geezer

Faith-based economics: It's deja voodoo all over again

Maptech digital charts
 

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?

Maptech digital charts
 

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?

Maptech digital charts
 

The disclaimer was easy to find. BRBR

Disclaimer was buried on page 30 of the Embassy Guide. Ought to be on the
front cover....

Maptech digital charts
 

The disclaimer was easy to find. BRBR

Disclaimer was buried on page 30 of the Embassy Guide. Ought to be on the
front cover....

Maptech digital charts
 

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...

Maptech digital charts
 

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...

Maptech digital charts
 

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!

Maptech digital charts
 

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!

Maptech digital charts
 

On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 13:04:49 -0500 (EST), (Ron Thornton) wrote:

As I recall, every time I have looked at the free charts there is a
disclaimer "not for navigation" on them. Is this because the resolution
and detai is not as high as the commercial charts or is it just
government. "CYA".

Regards, Ron

it's resolution, which triggers the CYA

When NOAA started researching going digital they determined
254 dpi as the minimum resolution to capture the smallest critical
detail of their charts and is / was the resolution the digital raster
charts are delivered at.

the online versions are about 85 dp and as such do not meet their
minimum use standards. maptech puts them there to help you id the
chart you want to pay them for, while plenty of people use them for
overall planning and cruising.

btw: approx : 1 pixel on a 1:40,000 at is about 13.7 ft for 254 dpi
scan on a 85dpi each pixel is 41 ft in size.

for real CYA , if I remember correctly from the CRADA, Maptech is
protected by the US Gov't the same as the Gov't charts
they are an aid to navigation and the prudent mariner watches where
he's going (as they say on every chart)

before they had the CRADA, BSB/Maptech scanned the paper charts just
like everyone else. The bid they won got them access to the color
separations which they scan at 3x the delivered resolution.

Now they split between the color separations and digital data.
I haven't kept up with the ratio ...

disclaimer: most of this is from memory from the CRADA and NOAA
followups and explanations of the precess, so buyer beware on trusting
any number data

- Ed
got talc ?
Drysuit talc & bags http://www.underwaterusa.com

Maptech digital charts
 

On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 13:04:49 -0500 (EST), (Ron Thornton) wrote:

As I recall, every time I have looked at the free charts there is a
disclaimer "not for navigation" on them. Is this because the resolution
and detai is not as high as the commercial charts or is it just
government. "CYA".

Regards, Ron

it's resolution, which triggers the CYA

When NOAA started researching going digital they determined
254 dpi as the minimum resolution to capture the smallest critical
detail of their charts and is / was the resolution the digital raster
charts are delivered at.

the online versions are about 85 dp and as such do not meet their
minimum use standards. maptech puts them there to help you id the
chart you want to pay them for, while plenty of people use them for
overall planning and cruising.

btw: approx : 1 pixel on a 1:40,000 at is about 13.7 ft for 254 dpi
scan on a 85dpi each pixel is 41 ft in size.

for real CYA , if I remember correctly from the CRADA, Maptech is
protected by the US Gov't the same as the Gov't charts
they are an aid to navigation and the prudent mariner watches where
he's going (as they say on every chart)

before they had the CRADA, BSB/Maptech scanned the paper charts just
like everyone else. The bid they won got them access to the color
separations which they scan at 3x the delivered resolution.

Now they split between the color separations and digital data.
I haven't kept up with the ratio ...

disclaimer: most of this is from memory from the CRADA and NOAA
followups and explanations of the precess, so buyer beware on trusting
any number data

- Ed
got talc ?
Drysuit talc & bags http://www.underwaterusa.com

Maptech digital charts
 

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...