Color Temperature

Chine

Chock

Chainwheel

Cleat

Capstan

Chainstopper

Chartplotter

Compass

Cable Run

Catamaran

Capsize

Candela

Understanding the Benefits of a Chartplotter in Maritime Navigation

Defining the Chartplotter and Its Primary Use

A chartplotter is an electronic navigation system used extensively in the maritime industry. This advanced tool combines GPS data with an electronic navigational chart (ENC), assisting the mariner in plotting a course and tracking the movement of the boat relative to the surrounding maritime environment in real-time.

The primary difference between a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a chartplotter lies in their respective functions and capabilities. While both use satellite data for positioning, a GPS provides only numerical data – latitude, longitude, speed, and course. On the other hand, a chartplotter combines this GPS data with ENC, offering visual representation and detailed information of the maritime surroundings. This makes chartplotters more interactive and user-friendly, aiding in the minimization of navigational errors and the enhancement of safety at sea.

The need for a chartplotter on a boat depends on the type of boating and the extent of your maritime journeys. For complex routes, rough weather conditions, night navigation, or for those with limited navigational experience, a chartplotter can be invaluable. It provides a clear, graphical display of your boat’s position, helping you stay on course and alerting you about potential hazards or obstacles in your path such as sand bars, reefs, or other boats. However, for simple, inshore, daylight sailing in familiar waters, it might be less essential.

Technological advances have indeed made it possible to use smartphones as a makeshift chartplotter. Various applications can transform a phone into a basic chartplotter, providing GPS data and simpler versions of nautical charts. However, they should not be a primary tool for navigation due to factors like battery life, screen size and brightness, water and weather proofing limitations. Furthermore, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of information may not match that of a dedicated chartplotter.

To summarise, a chartplotter is an advanced maritime navigation tool that enhances the safety and efficiency of sea travel. By integrating GPS data and ENC, it provides a detailed, visually-rich representation of the surrounding maritime environment. Whether it's essential on your boat depends on various factors, yet its benefits in ensuring safer and more efficient navigation are undoubted. Though smartphones can function as a rudimentary chartplotter, they do not substitute for a dedicated device.

Chartplotter
Definition and Examples

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ChartplotterDefinition and Examples

Get the worlds most accurate marine weather forecasts.

Accurate marine forecasts for free.

Chartplotter
Definition and Examples