Free Software - Navigation

[idpnd]

I'm surprised OpenCPN has not had any mentions here - it's a free of charge, free software navigation system that is under development but apparently fully usable. Features of the most recent version, 1.3.0, include CM93 vector charts, AIS support and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn - OpenCPN project page at Sourceforge

http://bigdumboat.com/cpnindex.html - Lead developer's homepage



Enjoy!!

[Nick]

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This looks amazing - worked instantly with the CM93 charts I already had on the PC. Here's a screenshot of Claymore's favourite place:



I've put a link on the BlueMoment Downloads page.

[Mark]

You can export waypoints and routes to a gpx file and upload to google earth as well.

It's not current but for example:
http://tinyurl.com/yhsujqa" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DaveS]

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This looks amazing - worked instantly with the CM93 charts I already had on the PC. Here's a screenshot of Claymore's favourite place:

Nick, any details on availability / prices for CM93 charts?

Incidentally, I've yet to find that 10m depth NE of the Cleit. My depth gadget always reads much less - sometimes worryingly so...

[Silkie]

I clicked through to the Cruisers Forum thread to see what I could learn but now my brain hurts a lot.

[Telo]

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This looks amazing - worked instantly with the CM93 charts I already had on the PC. Here's a screenshot of Claymore's favourite place:

So where's the best spot for a causeway? Any quantity surveyors here?

[Booby Trapper]

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This looks amazing - worked instantly with the CM93 charts I already had on the PC. Here's a screenshot of Claymore's favourite place:

Nick, any details on availability / prices for CM93 charts?

Incidentally, I've yet to find that 10m depth NE of the Cleit. My depth gadget always reads much less - sometimes worryingly so...

Dave
If you know someone that has the charts it will cost you the price of a blank CD. Or a pint

[sahona]

Nudge nudge

[sahona]

need to take a long look at this.
Had a 'trip' to Wreck bay and was disappointed to see the buoys don't show up until the scale is too close for comfort.
Will persevere though. Possibly more later.

[Booby Trapper]

need to take a long look at this.
Had a 'trip' to Wreck bay and was disappointed to see the buoys don't show up until the scale is too close for comfort.
Will persevere though. Possibly more later.

Would that be a "virtual trip" ?
Not sure how this software works I know it uses CM93 charts but they don't look the same as when you run them on something like CMAPECS. They seem to have a lot of detail missing when using Opencpn such as angle of attack when approaching Millport Pier.
However I do like the route planner on Opencpn

[Silkie]

Regarding detail, I note that there is no sign of the CCC perch on Cleit Rock in Nick's screenshot although there is a strange black dot on the southern end.

[sahona]

I went to Shard's portrayal of Claymore's rock using CMAP (not CMAPECS) and CPN side by side, split screen.
CPN drops the detail too quickly as you back off (zoom out) and there is no tide data - or it didn't work for me in Seil Sound, which is the nearest diamond shown on CMap.
I like the zoom and drag functions on CPN, and the options offered on right click, but, as I have a plotter on board for these functions, I think I will stick with CMap for armchair planning/drooling.
The jaggy bits are noted by both presentations, but the depth contours in Cuan have ????? on the 2 metre and nothing on the 5meter lines (CPN) I expect the new prog isn't so greedy for CPU mips as CMap, so maybe it will suit people with an older laptop aboard.
Maybe if I had soundcard software for AIS input, and a working USB GPS dongle I could connect the wee ham radio to display the one ship that transmits within my range every year...

P.S. I would post pictures of the two for comparison but need guidance - right click (to copy/paste) does other things on CMAPS and CPN. Bring back system360!
PP.S The OP has a different toolbar displayed - anyone found it yet?

[sahona]

Regarding detail, I note that there is no sign of the CCC perch on Cleit Rock in Nick's screenshot although there is a strange black dot on the southern end.

It zooms to a sort of trig point triangle on both presentations, I suppose that infers a man made erection of some sort, so I'd expect to see a beacon/perch or the remains thereof. That's all down to CM93 rather than the prog.

[Booby Trapper]

PP.S The OP has a different toolbar displayed - anyone found it yet?

That is the tool bar from an older version, 1.3.2 I think we are now on 1.3.6

[Nick]

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There does seem to be a bit less detail than with CMAPECS but the program is much less flaky - you do not have to run it in compatibility mode 256 colours, and I am optimistic that it will not crash as often. It is much less resource hungry and IMO much more suitable for real-time navigational use on board. I think it is going to be a primary navigation tool if we go to Norway this year, running on a Panasonic Toughbook.

It has other advantages too - like being legal for a start, and able to run other types of charts including S57 UKHGO charts and BSB raster charts.