Chart Plot on a PC?

[jam39vw995]

I remember a number of years ago working on a computer that was on a fishing vessel. The Nootka Mariner.<br />It had a computer (PC) running software that the GPS plugged into and charted the position of the ship etc. in relation to the chart.<br /><br />Is this something that is still available? I have a small portable GPS that has a serial (?) output and I have a laptop. Yes, I could purchase a newer GPS with chartplot but that's expensive.<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />Jeff

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: Chart Plot on a PC?

I found something called MapTech;<br />www.maptech.com<br />and something else called Bluechart.<br /><br />Any comments on either would be helpful.<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />Jeff

 

[airman]

Re: Chart Plot on a PC?

Nobeltec will do exactly what you want. Not a cheap program but it will do way more than a chartplotter GPS. Also you get a much bigger screen. They used to have a demo sample downloadable from nobeltec.com.

 

[JB]

Re: Chart Plot on a PC?

If you happen to have a Garmin GPS, Garmin's Mapsource program and it's enhancements will do what you want.<br /><br />I use a Garmin and have Mapsource on my PC. I could use a laptop as a larger, faster and more sophisticated hi-res color display for my unit.

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: Chart Plot on a PC?

Thanks for the replies.<br /><br />I found both of the products you mentioned.<br /><br />This has put me on the right track, but it looks like I need to do some more research first.<br /><br />jam

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Chart Plot on a PC?

If your looking for something a little more affordable have a look at Fugawi at www.fugawi.com<br /><br />I use it with a Lowrance 212 GPS and a Dell laptop. Works excellent for my basic needs.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Chart Plot on a PC?

I've done exactly what JB said with the garmin and laptop. Works great and it's cheap and real simple. Just need to get a serial plug and off you go in color on the laptop. Great on trips where it's hard to see the little display. You can get the serial plugs off E-Bay for a song.

 

[bruoff]

Re: Chart Plot on a PC?

For $44.95 you can get the software and charts for your area. Try www.worldwidewaypoints.com <br />They even have a downloadable trial version. Maptech is great, but around $400-700 with all charts. You may have been on a boat running P-Sea Windplot; it's a great, but very expensive, (for my budget), $700 plus the charts. I run the $44 one on a Tosiba PI and an old Apleco. Works real cool. Weather is gettin' about right to get the boats out. Was about 80 today and expecting around 60 tonight.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Chart Plot on a PC?

Several GPS units will work as receiver for a pc. Both Microsoft AutoRoute and other maps accepts this input and put yor location right on the screen.<br />MapSource and BlueChart (Garmin's land/sea maps) are cleverly copyrighted but indeed allows you to do a lot of plannig, routes, wypoints etc. and up- or download to and from the unit. Even if your unit is not drawing maps (like Garmin's II plus), you can transfer routes etc. to it. While using it as receiver you'll suffer no restrictions as the map drawing and all is done by the pc. The unit only receives the satellite signal.<br /><br />There are some freeware maps around too, but functionality isn't granted.<br /><br />This Google search result shows a zillion