OpenCPN

3.60

Information

Category:

Maps & Navigation

Price:

$ 9.95

Rank:

8

Rating:

3.60

Overview

OpenCPN is a comprehensive chart plotter and navigation application designed for both desktop and mobile platforms. This versatile app brings professional-grade marine navigation tools to your fingertips, making it an essential companion for sailors, fishermen, and maritime professionals.

The application supports multiple chart formats including BSB v3 raster charts, S57 vector charts, and CM93 charts with advanced display options. Its robust feature set includes integrated chart downloading, various display modes, and precise GPS support through device integration or networked sources. OpenCPN also offers sophisticated route planning capabilities with tidal support and AIS target tracking for enhanced situational awareness at sea.

Whether you're cruising, racing, or working on the water, OpenCPN provides the necessary tools for safer and more efficient navigation. The app's intuitive interface and customizable display options make it suitable for both recreational and professional marine applications.

Features

OpenCPN stands out with its extensive range of navigation features tailored for marine use. The application supports industry-standard chart formats such as BSB v3, S57, and CM93, ensuring compatibility with official nautical charts worldwide. Its IHO S52 compliant display engine provides accurate and standardized visualization of vector charts.

The app's navigation capabilities are equally impressive, offering multiple display modes including North-up, Course-up, and Chart-up views. Users can create detailed routes with waypoint navigation and benefit from advanced features like true/magnetic north orientation and autopilot output support. The built-in NMEA multiplexer handles complex data streams from various GPS devices, while the networked AIS system provides real-time vessel tracking and collision alerts.

Additional features include tide and current prediction, anchor watch alarms, GPX file support, and Google Maps integration. These capabilities, combined with customizable display themes and comprehensive documentation, make OpenCPN a powerful tool for both casual boaters and professional mariners.

Map accuracy

Map accuracy is a fundamental aspect of any navigation application, and OpenCPN excels in this area. The app supports various chart formats including BSB v3 raster charts, S57 vector charts, and CM93 vector charts with per-cell offset corrections. This ensures that users have access to highly detailed and precise maritime maps.

The application's IHO S52 compliant display of S57 vector charts guarantees standardized and accurate representation of navigational data. Additionally, the support for MBTiles chart overlays allows for enhanced map details and customizations tailored to specific needs. With integrated Chart Downloader functionality, users can easily obtain the latest charts directly within the app.

For those who require versatile viewing options, OpenCPN offers multiple display modes such as North-up, Course-up, and Chart-up. These modes provide flexibility in how maps are presented, ensuring optimal orientation based on user preference or situational requirements. The moving-map display mode further enhances usability by keeping the vessel centered as you navigate through different waters.

Route planning

Effective route planning is crucial for safe and efficient maritime navigation, and OpenCPN provides robust tools to assist with this task. Users can create detailed routes using waypoints and tracks, supported by GPX file input and output capabilities. This feature allows sailors to plan their journeys meticulously while also enabling easy sharing and modification of routes.

OpenCPN goes beyond basic routing by incorporating tidal support into its route planning system. By considering tides and currents at various locations, the app helps users optimize their travel paths for better performance and safety. Furthermore, the built-in great-circle routing ensures that long-distance voyages follow the shortest possible path over the Earth's surface.

In addition to traditional route planning, OpenCPN integrates advanced AIS input handling for networked navigation. Full target tracking and collision alerting systems enhance situational awareness, making it easier to avoid potential hazards during your voyage. Whether cruising, racing, fishing, or working professionally on the water, these comprehensive route planning features ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Pros

User-friendly interface

Comprehensive chart support

Advanced AIS features

Customizable display options

Active community support

Cons

Steep learning curve

High system requirements

Limited offline functionality

Complex setup process

Occasional performance issues

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