How to Choose Your Best Online Marine Chartplotter

May 4, 2024

Marine chartplotters have long been indispensable tools for navigators, providing detailed mapping and positioning information that enhances safety and efficiency on water. Traditionally, these devices were standalone systems with integrated software and hardware. However, there has been a significant shift towards more flexible and accessible navigation solutions. This evolution has led to the rise of online marine chartplotter, which offer the advantages of being updated more frequently and are accessible on a variety of devices like smartphones and tablets. These online systems integrate seamlessly with GPS technology and cloud-based data, allowing sailors and boaters to plan routes and receive real-time updates about weather conditions, tides, and navigational hazards, revolutionizing how mariners interact with their navigation tools.

What Is Online Marine Chartplotter

Online marine chartplotters are advanced navigation aids that utilize the internet to provide real-time data for maritime use. These tools offer comprehensive functionalities:

Real-Time Mapping: Update sea charts dynamically to reflect new obstacles, navigational warnings, and changes in sea conditions.
Multi-Device Accessibility: Accessible via smartphones, tablets, and computers, unlike traditional units that require specific hardware.
Cloud Synchronization: Store waypoints, routes, and navigational data in the cloud for easy access across multiple devices.
Integration with Other Systems: Seamlessly integrate with onboard systems like AIS (Automatic Identification System) and radar.
User Collaboration: Share routes and sea conditions with other users in real-time, enhancing safety and community knowledge.
Advanced Route Planning: Utilize sophisticated algorithms to suggest the safest and most efficient routes based on current data.
Customizable Displays: Tailor the display of data to suit specific needs and preferences, adjusting overlays such as weather patterns, water depth, and more.
Enhanced Safety Features: Receive instant updates on weather warnings, depth alerts, and other critical safety information.
Cost-Effectiveness: Generally lower cost due to the lack of need for dedicated hardware and reduced update fees.

Comparison between Traditional Chartplotters and Online Versions

Before diving into the detailed comparison between traditional chartplotters and online marine chartplotters, it’s important to understand how these technologies have evolved to meet the needs of modern mariners. Traditional chartplotters have been the backbone of maritime navigation for decades, typically involving hardware installed on a vessel that uses GPS data to plot a course on a digital chart. However, as technology has advanced, so has the ability to integrate more dynamic, versatile, and cost-effective solutions into maritime navigation practices.

Feature	Traditional Chartplotter	Online Marine Chartplotter
Device Requirement	Requires dedicated hardware installed on the vessel.	Accessible on any device with internet access.
Data Updating	Manual updates through physical software or card updates.	Automatic updates in real-time via internet.
Cost	Higher initial cost for hardware and updates.	Lower or no initial cost, possible subscription fees.
User Interface	Fixed systems with limited update capability.	Highly customizable interfaces and display options.
Accessibility	Used only on the device installed on the vessel.	Access from anywhere, ideal for planning ashore.
Data Storage	Stores data locally on the device.	Uses cloud storage, accessible from any location.
Collaboration	Limited to shared use on the vessel.	Real-time sharing of data with a community.
Safety Features	Basic safety features depending on the model.	Advanced real-time safety updates and alerts.
Integration	Limited to compatible devices on the vessel.	Integrates with various online services and apps.

This table highlights the distinct advantages that online marine chartplotters have over traditional models, such as improved accessibility, real-time updates, and enhanced collaborative features, marking a significant shift in how navigational data is used and shared among maritime communities.

Top Features of Online Marine Chartplotter

Online marine chartplotters have revolutionized maritime navigation through a plethora of sophisticated features that enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience. Here are nine key features that set these systems apart:

Integration with GPS for Real-Time Positioning: Online marine chartplotters integrate seamlessly with GPS technology to provide real-time positioning. This crucial feature allows mariners to view their exact location on digital maritime charts, ensuring accurate and dependable navigation.
Customizable Views and Overlays: Users can customize their navigation interface with various overlays such as satellite imagery, terrain maps, and weather patterns. This flexibility helps in better understanding local geography and conditions, which is essential for planning safe maritime routes.
Advanced Route Planning Tools: These chartplotters come equipped with sophisticated tools for route planning that consider variables like weather conditions, tide schedules, and vessel specifics. Users can plot precise courses and waypoints, which are essential for long voyages or unfamiliar waters.
Multi-Device Availability: The flexibility of online marine chartplotters means they can be operated across various platforms, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets. This accessibility ensures that mariners can plan and modify their routes both onboard and from remote locations.
Automatic Updates: Unlike traditional systems that require manual updates, online marine chartplotters are updated automatically. This ensures that all navigational charts are current with the latest data, including temporary navigational aids, obstacle notices, and chart corrections.
Interactive Weather Overlays: Real-time weather data overlays provide information on wind, precipitation, and visibility directly on the navigation chart. This feature is vital for avoiding harsh weather and planning safer routes based on upcoming conditions.
Community-Shared Data: Many online marine chartplotters feature a community aspect where users can share reports on hazards, points of interest, and local knowledge. This crowdsourced data can significantly enhance situational awareness and contribute to safer navigation decisions.
AIS Integration: Automatic Identification System (AIS) integration allows mariners to see the positions and movements of nearby vessels equipped with AIS transponders. This feature is critical for collision avoidance and for monitoring vessel traffic in congested areas.
Cloud-Based Logbooks: Online marine chartplotters often offer cloud-based logbook functionality, allowing users to record and access logs of their voyages, including route details, weather conditions, and navigational notes. This digital record-keeping is invaluable for both personal record and regulatory compliance.

These features of online marine chartplotters not only provide substantial advancements over traditional chartplotter systems but also enhance the maritime navigation experience by making it more integrated, dynamic, and safe.

Advantages of Using Online Marine Chartplotter

Online marine chartplotters have become a pivotal tool in maritime navigation, offering numerous benefits over traditional models. These systems leverage the latest technology to provide comprehensive, real-time navigation assistance. Here are nine key advantages of using online marine chartplotters:

Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike traditional chartplotting equipment, online marine chartplotters often require lower upfront investments as they do not necessitate expensive hardware. Users can access sophisticated chartplotting capabilities often through free or subscription-based services, significantly reducing the overall cost.
Accessibility: Online chartplotters are accessible on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. This accessibility ensures that users can plan routes and access marine data from anywhere, not just while at the helm.
Ease of Updates: Traditional chartplotters require manual updates that can be both time-consuming and costly. In contrast, online marine chartplotters update automatically, ensuring mariners have access to the most current charts and navigational data without extra effort or cost.
Sharing and Community Features: One of the standout features of online chartplotters is their ability to connect users with a global community of boaters. Mariners can share routes, provide real-time feedback on maritime conditions, and exchange tips, enhancing safety and knowledge for all.
Real-Time Data Integration: Online chartplotters integrate real-time data such as weather updates, tidal information, and AIS (Automatic Identification System) feeds, providing a comprehensive view of conditions that affect navigation.
Cloud-Based Data Storage: Users can store all navigational data, including routes, waypoints, and logs, in the cloud. This not only ensures data safety and accessibility across all devices but also simplifies data management and backup.
Scalability and Customization: These platforms offer high levels of customization, allowing users to add or remove features based on their needs. As navigational and user requirements grow, online chartplotters can easily scale to incorporate additional functionalities without the need for hardware changes.
Enhanced Safety Features: Online chartplotters often include advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems, boundary alarms, and emergency information, which are constantly updated to aid in safe navigation.
Environmental Adaptability: They adapt quickly to environmental changes, with updates reflecting altered waterways, newly identified hazards, or construction areas, ensuring navigators have the latest information to make informed decisions.

These advantages make online marine chartplotters a superior choice for modern navigators, providing enhanced functionality, greater flexibility, and increased connectivity, all of which contribute to safer and more efficient maritime travel.

Popular Online Marine Chartplotter Apps

Free Nautical Charts App

The Free Nautical Charts App provides essential chartplotting capabilities without the associated costs, making it ideal for users who require basic navigational functions.

Features and Benefits:

No Cost Charts: Offers zero-cost access to a wide range of nautical charts globally.
Automatic Updates: Charts are automatically updated to reflect the latest navigational data and corrections.
Simple Interface: Designed with a user-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
Offline Access: Charts can be downloaded for offline use, which is crucial for areas with poor internet connectivity.
Route Planning: Includes tools for route creation and editing, with save and revisit options.
GPS Overlay: Allows users to overlay their GPS position onto charts, improving real-time navigational accuracy.

App Functionalities for iOS and Android Platforms

Chartplotter apps have tailored functionalities to harness the specific capabilities of iOS and Android devices, optimizing user experience across platforms.

Features and Benefits:

Optimized Performance: Each app is optimized for the respective operating system, ensuring smooth performance and stability.
Custom Notifications: Utilizes the native notification systems of iOS and Android to provide important navigational alerts.
Touch Interface Adaptation: Interfaces are designed to take advantage of the unique touch features of each platform.
Integration with Device Features: Seamlessly integrates with device features such as compass, gyroscope, and cameras for augmented reality.
Battery Efficiency: Apps are optimized to minimize battery drain on mobile devices, which is crucial for long trips.
User Account Integration: Supports integration with Apple or Google accounts for easy backup and synchronization of user data.

These online marine chartplotter apps have dramatically transformed how mariners navigate, offering tailored solutions that leverage the latest mobile technology to provide accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use navigation tools. Each app brings unique advantages to the table, catering to the diverse needs of the maritime community.

How to Choose the Right Online Marine Chartplotter

Selecting the appropriate online marine chartplotter requires thorough consideration of various factors to match your specific navigational needs. Understanding these elements can significantly enhance your safety and efficiency on the water. Below, I break down the critical aspects to consider when choosing an online marine chartplotter for different types of boating activities and needs.

Factors to Consider Based on Navigation Needs

When deciding on an online marine chartplotter, the aim is to find a system that not only fits your type of boating but also enhances your navigational capabilities. Here are the essential factors to weigh:

Type of Boating: Different activities such as leisure cruising, competitive sailing, and commercial fishing require different functionalities from a chartplotter.
Geographic Coverage: The chartplotter should offer detailed and accurate charts for areas you frequently navigate.
Ease of Use: An intuitive user interface reduces the learning curve and enhances your ability to quickly access necessary features.
Integration Capabilities: Ability to integrate with existing marine electronics is crucial for a streamlined navigational experience.
Update Frequency: Navigation data should be current and reflect the latest changes in maritime environments.
Mobile Accessibility: A chartplotter that is accessible across various devices ensures you can plan and navigate from anywhere.
Reliability: The system should consistently provide accurate and dependable data.
Customization Options: Customizable settings allow you to tailor the system to your specific preferences and requirements.
Safety Features: Advanced safety options such as route alerts, proximity alarms, and SOS signals are vital for emergency situations.

Comparison of Chart Detail and Update Frequency

Choosing the right chartplotter also involves understanding the technical specifications and update logistics. Here’s what to consider in the details and frequency of chart updates:

Resolution of Charts: Detailed charts help in navigating through tight spots and avoiding hazards.
Depth of Coverage: Especially important for anglers and divers, depth accuracy can be a crucial feature.
Frequency of Updates: Charts should be updated regularly to ensure all navigational information is current, reflecting any changes in sea markers or hazards.
Scope of Geographic Data: Comprehensive coverage, including lesser-known areas, adds value to your chartplotter.
Quality of Sonar Integration: Important for depth finding and fish locating, high-quality sonar integration can define the utility of a chartplotter.
Weather Updates: Integrated real-time weather tracking helps in making informed decisions during changing conditions.
Community Input: User-generated updates and alerts can provide additional real-time navigational insights.
Cost of Updates: Analyze whether the updates are included or require a separate subscription, which could affect long-term costs.
Historical Data Availability: Access to historical navigation data for review and planning can be beneficial for frequent routes or learning purposes.

By meticulously assessing these factors and specifications, you can select an online marine chartplotter that not only meets your specific needs but also enhances your overall maritime navigation experience.

Enhancing Your Navigation with Additional Tools in Online Marine Chartplotter

Integrating an online marine chartplotter with additional navigation tools can significantly enhance your maritime navigation capabilities. The flexibility and functionality of these systems can be expanded through the addition of various complementary tools and features. Here’s how you can optimize your navigation experience by making the most out of these integrations and tools.

Integration of Marine Chartplotters with Other Navigation Tools

Integrating your online marine chartplotter with other navigation tools can transform your navigational practices, making them more precise and informative:

AIS (Automatic Identification System): Integrates real-time vessel tracking information, enhancing situational awareness and collision avoidance.
Radar Overlay: Superimposes radar data onto the chartplotter map, providing a comprehensive view of the surroundings, even in poor visibility conditions.
GPS Integration: Ensures exact positioning which enhances the chartplotter’s accuracy and reliability.
Fish Finders and Sonar Systems: Combines depth and fish finder technology with chart plotting for targeted fishing and seabed mapping.
Autopilot Systems: Connects the chartplotter with the vessel’s autopilot system, allowing for automated navigation along a predetermined route.
VHF Radio Integration: Links digital selective calling (DSC) from the VHF radio to display distress signals or other communications directly on the chartplotter screen.
Wind and Speed Instruments: Feeds data into the chartplotter to assist in route planning and performance sailing based on current wind conditions and speed data.
Engine Monitoring Systems: Displays engine data such as fuel levels, temperature, and performance metrics, allowing for a centralized view of both navigation and engine status.

Complementary Tools for Online Marine Chartplotters

Enhancing your online marine chartplotter with additional tools can provide a more detailed understanding of marine environments:

Weather Overlays: Shows real-time weather data, including wind speeds, temperatures, and storm predictions, directly on the navigation screen.
Marine Traffic Layers: Displays the locations and movements of other vessels in real time, essential for navigating busy waterways.
Depth Contours: Provides detailed seabed profiles which help in avoiding underwater hazards and in identifying potential anchorage spots.
Satellite Imagery: Offers high-resolution images of coastlines and ports, aiding in precise docking and undocking maneuvers.
Tide and Current Information: Integrates tide tables and current flow data to aid in planning optimal departure times and routes.
Sailing Calculators: Tools for calculating optimal sailing angles and distances based on wind and current conditions.
Logbook Functionality: Digital log keeping for recording trip data, maintenance logs, and other relevant navigational notes.
Routing Assistance: Advanced routing algorithms suggest the safest and most fuel-efficient routes based on your vessel’s characteristics and current conditions.
Night Vision Modes: Enhances visibility on the chartplotter screen during nighttime operations, protecting the navigator’s night vision.

By leveraging these integrations and complementary tools within your online marine chartplotter, you can significantly improve the safety, efficiency, and enjoyment of your maritime adventures. These enhancements bring modern technology to traditional navigation, providing you with a comprehensive toolkit for tackling any challenges you might encounter on the open water.