Electronic Charts
SOB is compatible
with C-Map Electronic Charts - either from
the C-Map Chart Selector CD-ROM, or the chart cartridges (as used in
Plotters).
C-Map NT, NT+ or MAX charts can be used with SOB.
Note: SOB
is not compatible
with the CM93 or the MAX Pro charts.
|
SOB is compatible with NMEA-0183 devices
NMEA is the "language" that instruments use to "talk" to each other. See www.nmea.org NMEA Navigation instruments that can be used with SOB include:
Other company's
proprietary languages can be converted to NMEA with the use of an
accessory. For example: Raymarine's "Seatalk" language
converter is part #E85001; Navman's "Navbus" language
converts through the Repeater Unit; B&G bus data converts with
part #H1000-UNI, etc |
Computerised navigation requires four primary components:
Navigation
Software
DigiBOAT
provides this for Windows users as Software-On-Board (SOB).
SOB is free of charge for a 3 month (90 days) trial period, and
thereafter reverting to a free LITE version or pay to upgrade your copy
to
the Standard or Pro Licensed version.
Computerised
Charts
C-Map
Electronic Charts are the industry leader and are fully compliant with
SOB.
SOB will read MAX and NT/NT+ C-Map charts: NTonPC, MAXonPC, or Cartridge
(USBMM, USBCC, USBFP, PCMCIA) formats. SOB cannot read CM93
or Max Pro charts.
Computer
Any recent model
laptop or desktop with at least 128Mb RAM, running Windows™ 2000 or
newer operating system.
Positioning
Device (GPS)
Almost any GPS
manufactured since 1993 should work with SOB. The GPS must be NMEA 0183
compatible. Some older models may require data interface boxes which may
no longer be available. Any GPS manufactured in the past 5-10 years is
sure to be suitable, and apart from requiring a data cable (a standard
accessory), will be pre-configured to work with little or no setup.
Modern USB or Bluetooth connected GPS units are suitable for use with
SOB.
ECDIS -
Electronic Chart Display and Information System
ECDIS defines a complete computerised navigation solution including the
charts, computer hardware, GPS and required system features. These
complete solutions are built to specifications from official
international bodies such as SOLAS, IMO and IHO
and are
recognised as true replacements for paper charts and traditional
navigation methods. Simply installing a nav program and electronic
charts on your laptop does not comprise an ECDIS solution. Check with
your National maritime body whether this setup is a legal replacement
for paper charts in your country.
SOB Uses C-Map charts
C-MAP electronic charts are the choice of more than 50 chart plotter manufacturers worldwide. With 20 offices in 17 countries around the globe, C-MAP is a world leader in precision navigation serving the recreational marine, professional fishing, commercial shipping, military and aviation markets with advanced charts and charting systems.
In Feb 2007 C-Map worldwide was purchased by Jeppesen Marine, a subsidiary of Boeing.
More
information:
C-Map
USA
Jeppesen Marine
ENCs are vector format charts from official sources. Most Nations' ENCs are created by the government, or private companies contracted by the nation's Hydrography department.
Various international "Standards Bodies" control the quality and accuracy of ENCs. The underlying data format in digital vector charts is known as the S57 standard, with S52 an extra "Presentation Standard" for nautical S57 charts (S57 data is used for most modern vector maps, including terrestrial for instance). The S52 sets the standard for cartography symbols for displaying nautical objects such as lights, buoys, turbulence etc. So a combination of S57 and S52 data signify the chart as an ENC.
C-Map
electronic charts are created from official S57/S52 data making them
fully compliant with international chart standards. The S57 data is
converted to C-Map's encrypted format from all international chart data
suppliers, creating seamless and consistent global coverage. C-Map also
enhances the official data with improved chart object display and
additional features and information such as tides and tidal streams;
ports; marinas; aerial photographs; etc.
C-Map Links:
On-line Catalogue
Request the latest Chart Selector CD
UK Forum | USA Forum
Italy
(Head Sales Office)
Norway
(Commercial)
USA | UK
| Australia |
Japan |
Poland | Russia
As @ June 2009,
SOB supports the following C-Map chart
formats:
NT, NT+, and MAX charts.
The charts supported include all C-Map media types: CD charts,
C-Card, SD Card, FP (Furuno) cartridges, PPI cards.
SOB does not support the C-Map MAX Pro, or CM93, or CF85 C-Map chart formats
Refer to this FAQ Topic for information about getting and installing C-Map charts from the Selector CD.
We are investigating support of additional chart formats. If you have an interest in SOB becoming compatible with other charts, please indicate by submitting your choice(s):
