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Recommended navigation charts / software for Windows ??

Old 01-04-2008, 09:33 PM
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Default Recommended navigation charts / software for Windows ??

When on the water I use a large screen Garmin chart plotter to navigate with. Sometimes when at home, I would like to plan a trip or even just look at or refer to a chart.

Who uses their home computer or laptop to view charts and who's product do you recommend ? Any idea of the cost of these programs ? Will use mostly for Florida waters / Bahamas and the Great Lakes.

Bob
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Old 01-04-2008, 09:47 PM
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you can use your GPS in combination with google earth, can be look in your computer, plan trips , see where you been and your speed
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Old 01-05-2008, 07:30 AM
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I use MapSource by Garmin. View the same at home as you would on the plotter. Charts are reasonably priced too for all areas.
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Old 01-05-2008, 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Mirage 36
I use MapSource by Garmin. View the same at home as you would on the plotter. Charts are reasonably priced too for all areas.
Thanks. I will investigate that. I find the Garmin to be user friendly so that is worth looking into.

BTB
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Old 01-05-2008, 09:59 AM
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I use the Mapsource also. I create the routes on my computer and then download to the Garmin. Also if you have others with a Garmin going on the same trip with you, it is easy to download to theirs also
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Old 01-05-2008, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by kr1276
I use the Mapsource also. I create the routes on my computer and then download to the Garmin. Also if you have others with a Garmin going on the same trip with you, it is easy to download to theirs also
I have Garmin's Mapsource version 6.13.6. There is a map included in the software, but I don't see channel markers or buoys.

I'd like to create routes and then download to the gps.

Do you have to load a chart separately to show the markers?
Thanks,
Steve
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Old 01-05-2008, 10:24 AM
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Navionics also has an adapter to connect their chart to a PC. I have one and it does work.
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Old 01-05-2008, 10:37 AM
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I just got a Earth NC plus setup...

google.earth friendly

VERY easy to use

extremely good customer friendly staff

some of the landscape topography is outdated, but you get monthly chart/nav updates by email that are VERY accurate, which is all you really care about anyways.

I highly, highly recommend it....

JH
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Old 01-05-2008, 12:14 PM
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Yes you have to open the maps to get the detail.
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Old 01-05-2008, 12:21 PM
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True, that's how Garmin / Map Source makes their money; you have to pay to get maps un-locked. But I think it's worth it. Especially when planning trips and routes. Their Lake Michigan maps are very accurate and the computer interface makes it a no-brainer!
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