Mapping software...
- Thread starter inkblue
- Start date
iggy]
GPS NavX was just given very high marks in PBR January 2007 edition. Cheap and easy to use. Unfortunately, for me at least, it is ONLY written for the MAC.
If I understand it correctly, you can couple the software to their their USB antenna / receiver and your computer becomes the GPS. In that you already own the computer...Can you say 15" flat screen GPS for under $300. YEAH BABY!!!
HTH
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2006
- RO Number
- 23118
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You can download "Bootcamp" free from the Apple site that will run Windows XP on your Mac. Then you can run all of the available software.
Sounds like a pain, but I haven't seen any Navigation/Chart software for the Mac in my internet travels. I'm sure something must exist out there though...
Sounds like a pain, but I haven't seen any Navigation/Chart software for the Mac in my internet travels. I'm sure something must exist out there though...
Sorry guys, this is what I used. Tried it again and it worked. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=marine+charting+software+for+the+mac
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2005
- RO Number
- 18131
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- 286
I use MACENC and GPSnavX the program is as good as it gets for the mac; and according to Powerboat Reports it is as good as you get for the PC at half the price. The support for the software is awesome. I often email them and get responses almost instantly; as well they are constantly on instant messenger for quick questions. The software is worth the cost at 3 or 4 times the value. I can not recommend it more highly for the mac.
I do al my route planning on a G4 powerbook that I can interface to my chart plotter to transfer way points and routes via a DB9 connecter. As well I can use the G$ as a chart plotter as well.
I do al my route planning on a G4 powerbook that I can interface to my chart plotter to transfer way points and routes via a DB9 connecter. As well I can use the G$ as a chart plotter as well.
I will also chime in on MacENC/GPSnav. I have used it for trip planning (I rent/charter boats, I don't own one right now) and seen it in play onboard, both as the main navigation system or to export to another plotter as noted N. Ivy. Really good and stable product. The fact that it readily imports and updates the free NOAA charts (and they have a low cost DVD with all charts to get you going) is a big plus.
I was VERY impressed by all the support I got when I was using the free demo version, and mostly complaining to them about all the things I didn't like about the Mac itself when we converted from Windows. Even though it had nothing to do with their product, they gave me a lot of helpful advice. I got the same on-the-spot response time noted above.
George
I was VERY impressed by all the support I got when I was using the free demo version, and mostly complaining to them about all the things I didn't like about the Mac itself when we converted from Windows. Even though it had nothing to do with their product, they gave me a lot of helpful advice. I got the same on-the-spot response time noted above.
George
I had meant to post a link to a very useful (non-commercial as far as I can see) forum on this subject/product, but somehow messed up. Here you go:
http://www.macsailing.net/bbs/
http://www.macsailing.net/bbs/
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2005
- RO Number
- 18131
- Messages
- 286
Larry, I have a DB9 connector that is wired into my chart plotter NMEA and there is a DB9 to USB adapter that allows me to connect my laptop. My chart plotter has the ability to import a file directly from the OS of the chart plotter (Standard Horizon C1000, I have heard that it also works with most major brands). The NMEA connector is set to one of the inputs on the chartplotter (I believe my fish finder); so when I want to import routes or marks I simply select the appropriate device (Fishfinder) and select import.
This is not a very good description but the process is very easy. If you are interested the fellas at MacENC walked me through the entire process and suggested all of the cables and adapters needed (the adapter was purchase at Compusa).
To further the support of from the publisher; it turned out that my chartplotter was looking for NEMA sentences in a slightly different format; within 24 hours a new version of the software was released to fully support the SH C1000.
As it turns out I like to do my charting on my PC with to many way points (Sandy Hook to Block Island is roughly 600 waypoints). I have found that the C1000 can only have routes with 20 or 50 points. This makes longer trips a pain. As I like to plot them as one trip; and I really need to break them down into much smaller legs.
The folks on http://www.macsailing.net/bbs/ are great. It is cool to see other Mac people looking to do the same boating related stuff. They have a lot of great solutions.
This is not a very good description but the process is very easy. If you are interested the fellas at MacENC walked me through the entire process and suggested all of the cables and adapters needed (the adapter was purchase at Compusa).
To further the support of from the publisher; it turned out that my chartplotter was looking for NEMA sentences in a slightly different format; within 24 hours a new version of the software was released to fully support the SH C1000.
As it turns out I like to do my charting on my PC with to many way points (Sandy Hook to Block Island is roughly 600 waypoints). I have found that the C1000 can only have routes with 20 or 50 points. This makes longer trips a pain. As I like to plot them as one trip; and I really need to break them down into much smaller legs.
The folks on http://www.macsailing.net/bbs/ are great. It is cool to see other Mac people looking to do the same boating related stuff. They have a lot of great solutions.