(Although Raytech was not included in this test group, PS published a review of Raytech Navigation Suite Version 5.0 in the May 2005 issue, and an update on the current Version 6.0 will appear in a future issue.)Ĭompatibility with existing electronics is key when shopping for nav software. Raymarines Raytech software is normally matched up with Raymarine electronics. For example, Nobeltec-originally just a software vendor-now distributes hardware, and hardware-maker Furuno is closely aligned with MaxSea. This trend is most pronounced among high-end software products that often require equipment from a specific hardware maker to deliver their full potential. Marine navigation software is increasingly being integrated with sensors and other navigation electronics, such as chartplotters, radar, and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) receivers. Manufacturers of most of the premium real-time navigation software products reviewed in this article also provide their own inexpensive route planning software.
This distinguishes it from route planning software, which is often free or very inexpensive. Real-time navigation software accepts data from sensors and can send control information to an autopilot. For this review, as in the previous one, our evaluation focused on real-time nautical navigation software aimed at U.S.
#EXPLORER CHARTS MACENC FOR FREE#
The most notable change since our last test has been NOAAs recent release of a full set of vector charts that can be downloaded for free from the NOAA website, which greatly enhances the value of the programs that work with these charts. Its been nearly five years since Practical Sailor took an in-depth look at PC navigation software, and its high time that we revisited the subject.
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