Marine charts is one of the most important navigational tools today that tremendously improved the way sailors safely navigate the ships toward its destinations. Global Positioning System gives very important data that are relevant to maritime navigation.

As a result of the availability of numerous navigational devices and equipments like marine chartplotters, more ships today are now able to reach its destinations safely and with much lesser travel time; compared to those who are cruising without any Global Positioning System devices. GPS equipped devices can give important information; allowing the people at the helm of the ship to easily navigate through various weather conditions.

Moreover, naval officers and captains can now safely change their navigation based on the data provided by the GPS; as well as sea traffic as seen from the charts. Hence, it also significantly reduce the incidences of sea mishap caused by other boats, icebergs, and other obstructions at the sea. This is highly essential during gloomy weathers and during night time when the visibility is very limited; allowing vessels to still safely navigate even under poor or zero visibility.

Marine chartplotters supply vital information at the helm of the ship; such as the current location of the ship, topography, speed, and so much more. This system is also widely used by fishermen through their fish finder equipments; giving them crucial information on best fishing areas to target. Consequently, their fishing performance is significantly improved; thereby increasing their income from every fishing voyage they make. Depending on the devices use, it can even project three-dimensional images of the location of the vessel and the surrounding environment for easier comprehension of the data; thereby increasing navigational efficiency.

Therefore, sea travelling today are now safer considering that most ships and boats are now fully equipped with marine GPS that provide ship captains and nautical crews at the helms of the ships more accurate information and data that are highly useful in safely navigating the ship towards its destination; regardless of the weather condition.

Technorati Tags: global positioning system, marine charts, marine gps, maritime navigation, navigational devices, navigational tools, three dimensional images

The technological innovation has evolved into such an advancement that could amaze all of us. There’s no doubt that we’ve to catch up with the entire issues that we are going to not be trapped in the old planet. Thus, we now have to willing in investing our time and, of course, our dollars due to the fact there is generally trade-off for everything.

Use Marine GPS Systems to Share Information

Even so, we have now to be clever in picking our investment. We must choose the correct product or service that may give us so quite a few helps in our day-to-day existence. This way, we are able to still catch up on this sophisticated planet even though in the exact same time we have a so much eased lifestyle. One solution that will fit this great description is Garmin GPSMAP 62S.

Garmin GPS Map Used As A Marine GPS System

This GPSMAP 62S is the newest series for the famous line of Garmin’s outdoor GPS. The form as well as the measurement is created comparable on the preferred GPSMAP 60CSx as that one is completely matching together with the users. There is certainly a complete set that can be included in this set. Basically it consists of the unit, a quick commence guide, a caribiner clip, and also USB cable that may give this product or service the desired connectivity.

This series is perfectly created in helping us getting through the pathway. Beside its attractive color screen, this GPSMAP 62S also equipped the merchandise with a barometric altimeter and electronic tri-axial compass, microSD card slot, wireless transfer of data. This way, we do not need to worry once we carry this wonderful gadget out under the sunny beautiful day as the whole features are made to ease our life.

For one thing, apart from its suited features to the latest technology developed by Garmin in its older brother, Garmin has done several advanced approach in designing this GPSMAP 62S. The improvements are carried out in most of areas, such as the physical features. The buttons is nicely attached to the casing. It’s also effortless too to move while using ribbon style menu. Obviously, the sensation is a lot more enjoyable than the predecessor. In fact, it is very comfortable for us to use this GPSMAP 62S. The measurement is so adorable, in particular when combined together with the light weight – only 9.2 ounces!

Then, we can also operate this navigator with so much efficiency. By only using the appropriate battery, for example, this product can achieve such a long battery everyday living – as much as 20 hours. Not to mention the features when we operate the tracking software inside. We are helped with all the elevation page that could permit us to come across a particular point. Then, all we should know is just by pressing enter to see exactly on the map where the location is at. There’s no other way we are able to delight in that great feature if not with GPSMAP 62S.

Completely, this navigator may be the only navigator that deserves our investment amongst the handheld marine GPS systems. Not only mainly because it has a excellent look but also supported with all the very best functions that we will never be disappointed with. This Garmin GPSMAP 62S is just perfect for everyone.

Read More

• How to chose from the Marine GPS systems on the market
• 6 Important features to consider when selecting marine GPS systems

Related articles by Zemanta

Technorati Tags: garmin, garminGPSMap 62, marine GPS systems

Do You Require Marine GPS Navigation Systems If You Don’t Go Out On the High Seas?

Just looking around your local boatyard you will see that many boaties do not believe they need marine GPS systems because they don’t go out around the open ocean. Yet they are just the individuals who might get probably the most advantage from such a system.

Where are most of the boating hazards?

…well of course they’re close to land

Knowing exactly where those hazards are could be of great help. Therefore it appears clear that most recreational boaters ought to have marine GPS systems, because they would be put to excellent use and enhance boating security. As with any global positioning system, your marine GPS systems and chart plotters need a compass and charts stored in the memory.

Concerning activities around the water, you’ll find these fundamental choices:  handheld GPS navigation systems, a marine GPS systems, combined GPS navigation chart plotters and computers attached to GPS navigation systems.

Advantages of Marine GPS Systems Over Hand Held Devices

Although handheld GPS systems are cheaper, they’re inferior to marine GPS systems and chart plotters were they usually do not display to you the actual GPS navigation info overlaid on nautical charts which can make it much more difficult to follow a course.

Yet another advantage that marine GPS systems have got over their portable alternatives is that the displays are nearly usually bigger and simpler to read. Moreover, they have more control keys as well as a greater quantity of alternatives. Lastly these much more impressive systems are splash proof and waterproof.

While the marine GPS chart plotters ought to not completely replace normal paper chart, they could be the main navigation tools for boaties of all persuasions.

Commonly, marine GPS systems ought to be mounted onto a fixed surface region. They are generally mounted close to a window or outside area because they have external aerials.

You probably know that marine GPS systems costs have dropped over the final couple of years.  Nevertheless they still cost a few hundred dollars to buy but there are a good investment.

The Garmin GPSMAP 421 GPS navigation chart plotter is a great instance of this

This system has a extremely great display, quick panning speeds and quick map to drawing.  It also has a extremely sensitive internal GPS aerial and satellite enhanced worldwide base map.  Many people find the Garmin’s user interface is extremely friendly and designed to assist you to navigate with ease. This GPSMAP system is waterproof and compatible with most from the other products in Garmin’s marine range.

The functions and specifications listed by Garmin are:

    * Ultra-bright 4″ diagonal QVGA display, 240 x 320 pixels – more than 800 nits of brightness
    * NMEA 2000 certified for seamless integration with the Garmin marine line up
    * Preloaded worldwide marine base map
    * Compatible with GXM 51 for XM Satellite Radio and XM WX Satellite Weather
    * High-speed processor for fast screen redraws and smooth panning
    * Streamlined user interface makes it easy to select modes and features
    * Single SD memory card slot for BlueChart g2 Vision cards, as nicely as saving waypoints, routes and tracks to a SD card
    * Optional BlueChart g2 Vision cards supply marine chart detail and enhanced navigation features like Auto Guidance, satellite imagery, 3-D Mariner’s Eye View and 3-D Fish Eye View
    * Backlit keypad for easy operation in low light conditions
    * Unit dimensions: five.0″H x five.7″W x 2.7″D (12.7cm H x 14.5cm W x 6.9cm D)

You’ll find the right out of the box you are able to get it going and benefit from the graph plotter, a man overboard marker and track marker. You’ll also find that the chart plotter does fairly a lot with out adding a transducer or aerial in a but if you do want to use one it’s simple to wire up once you get used to what all the wires are!

But just be careful because the description leads you think that the US base map is installed and you would like be prepared to invest an additional $99 to get a detailed map with information like depth markers and creeks and any be prepared to purchase an additional SD card.

But for the cost of close to $350 this Garmin GPS system is probably extremely good value when compared with other marine GPS systems.

Read More

• 7 Software features to consider when choosing Marine GPS Systems
• 6 Hardware features to choose from when consider Marine GPS Systems

Technorati Tags: marine gps chart plotter, marine gps navigation systems, marine GPS systems

Image via Wikipedia

One of the ‘must have’ electronics for every boat is are marine GPS systems.  A global positioning system  is a bit like a mobile phone, once you get used to it you will wonder how you ever survived without it.

Important Features To Consider In Marine GPS Systems

There are at least two features that are particularly useful.

First, marine GPS systems tell  you where you are and how fast you are travelling. In fact, most marine GPS systems today are so accurate they can tell you within a few meters where you are. They also accurately tell you your speed and your distance from shore.

The second very useful feature relates to plotting your course. Most marine GPS systems allow you to set a series of waypoints. Of course this is very useful because it allows you to plot a course though rocks and difficult waters while avoiding buoys and difficult obstacles.

You can use a series of waypoints to settle on a route that you can retain and use to guide your return journey to port and / or reuse for another time – thus giving you safer and more convenient navigation to your favourite locations. Better still you can use waypoints to retain important finds like the position of a wreck, a good scuba location or a great fishing spot.

A combination of GPS way points and a chart plotter or mapping tool, marine GPS systems give you a complete and precise picture of  where you are, where you have been and where you want to go all the while telling you what lies ahead.

Other Useful Marine GPS Systems Features

The addition of signals from the Wide Area Augmentation System or WAAS add ultra precise signals.  The FAA developed WAAS to correct for GPS errors which occur as satellites travel on a elliptical orbit around the world.

Of course the calculations used to tell you where you are rely on also know were the GPS satellites are with a high degree of accuracy. A satellite’s orbit can be affected by any number of things like the Earth’s gravitational pull, the location of the moon and space weather. WAAS corrects for these factors and thus increases the absolute accuracy of the signals on your marine GPS systems.

Another factor you should be looking when searching for marine GPS systems is the onboard memory. As with a computer, this indicates the amount of data that can is stored on the system and how much additional information can be added.

Obviously more is better – just think how often you run out of memory space on your other electronic devices! Another important feature that you should consider is the number of available channels.

Basically, the more channels there are on a device, the more accurate it is likely to be because the channels act as relays between the marine GPS systems and the GPS satellites.

With all these features and functions you might be forgiven for thinking that these marine GPS systems are going to be really pricey. However this is not really the case because you can buy very good reliable marine GPS systems for a little as $250.

Read More

How Marine GPS systems make your boating safer

Marine GPS systems – don’t get lost at sea without one

Technorati Tags: chart plotter, global positioning system, gps satellites, gps systems, marine gps chart plotter, marine GPS systems, marine waypoints, precise signals, WAAS, waypoints, wide area augmentation system

Image via Wikipedia

Mishaps due to over-reliance on marine GPS systems

Thinking about the usage of marine GPS systems a recent article in the Boston Globe struck a cord with me. In it they detailed a few mishaps due to over-use or over-reliance on technology. Some of the mishaps can be put down to just plain stupidity… but some are the result of using a GPS poorly. This is a subtle reminder that you need to be sensible, respect the water AND have back-up systems when electronics sit between you and dire circumstances.

Ten things to keep in mind when going boating with marine GPS systems

1. Make sure you know how to use your marine GPS systems: that kind of goes without saying right? But you will be amazed at how often we find people who only know the basics of what the system will do and then they venture out of the high seas and leave the instruction book behind.
2. Enter your starting point. Mark your starting point, port, marina or boat ramp etc. with waypoints that are correctly names. It will make navigating back to them (think in the dark or fog) easier.
3. Bring extra batteries or a charger for all of the electronics…marine GPS systems are notorious for chewing through battery power and the last thing you need is to have it go flat on you in the middle of the night  – it happens.
4. Have a backup user. Make sure at least one other person knows how to navigate using the marine GPS systems.  Don’t be the only one. What happens if you get knocked out by the boom?
5. Don’t forget the back up systems; bring your charts, compass and the other gear you need to navigate by hand – and better yet, know how to use them. If needed bring a waterways book that shows you more details about the area and offers tips on local moorings and the like. And bring a mobile phone if you have coverage in the area you are boating.
6. Tell someone on shore about your trip. If you don’t return to port on time, at least they will know when and where to start looking…. or where to send the coast guard.
7. Bring the right clothing, water and food; and then pack some extra rations. How many times do you see people going out for a days boating with just a hat, sunglasses, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt because they left the marina at 11am on a hot sunny day? Well that’s just a recipe for disaster if something goes wrong – remember the boy scouts motto – always be prepared!
8. Know when to turn back – just because you planned to go to an island across the lake, doesn’t mean that you have to when things are not going to plan- motion sickness, unusually high seas for example or even if the weather turns bad.
9. Bring a first aid kit; they can be small enough to fit in a a dry bin and still be of good use in an emergency.
10. Know the basics of your motor; it helps of you can manage basic repairs and maintenance on your motor

Don’t forget: use your marine GPS systems to have fun

Marine GPS systems can and do make boating and fishing a lot more reliable and fun when used properly but you always need to be prepared.

7 Features To Consider Before You Choose From The Marine GPS Systems on the market

This is the link to the article from the Boston Globe

Technorati Tags: handheld marine gps systems, marine gps, marine GPS systems

Marine GPS systems are here.

Gone are the days where a person had to use a paper travel chart in order to navigate from one place to another -now they can use marine GPS systems. GPS systems, or global positioning  systems have  been used by the military for many years have recently become popular with the public for cars and are now making big inroads to the boating market. These are electronic devices that come in different forms, from handheld models to display models that are mounted or even a permanent fixture of some newer vessels.

One of the portable marine GPS systems on the market

These devices, which are controlled by satellite, work by punching in a starting location and the final destination location. Once that information is put into the GPS, marine GPS systems will guide the skipper way point by way point, feature by feature until the person has arrived at his or her destination.

Some marine GPS systems will actually talk to you and tell you exactly where to change course and when, others are simply an interactive chart that will show you on a display when and where to change course, but will not give verbal directions. Along with showing or telling the person where to change course, marine GPS systems also show where you are at, at which direction you are currently heading.

These marine GPS systems are very handy to boaties since the skipper does not need to be hassled with a large chart while he or she is trying to keep their hands on the helm and their eyes on the water. This is particularly true for those boaties that are travelling without someone else to navigate for them. They are also very handy if a person does become lost.

Because the system will tell the person where they are at, they could call for help and be able to tell another person their direction and exactly where they are. Of course, this new technology is very handy and can save a person a lot of hassle, but it is important to understand how to use the particular system, and to understand that not all marine GPS systems work exactly the same way.

It is also important to know that with any technology, they may not always work and it is still a good idea to have a traditional back up travel chart, just in case.

Don’t leave the shore without your marine GPS systems – but do prepare

Whether using an electronic devices such as marine GPS systems, or using a traditional chart, it is a good idea to become familiar with it and familiar with your destination before you actually leave for any trip. Maps, whether traditional or electronic are only as good as the person that knows how to use and read them.

And don’t forget the batteries or the charger as these marine GPS systems are notorious for chewing through batteries.

Read more

7 Software features to consider when choosing marine GPS systems

How Marine GPS systems make boating safer

Technorati Tags: handheld marine gps, handheld marine gps systems, marine gps navigation systems, marine gps system, marine GPS systems, portable marine gps systems

Technorati Tags: garmin, handheld marine gps, handheld marine gps systems, humminbird, marine gps navigation systems, marine GPS systems, portable marine gps systems

Marine GPS Systems: More and More Features

Marine GPS systems are great tools for the boater — they are convenient and improve water safety. These days marine GPS systems are becoming more and more complex. So what are the main features you need in a marine GPS system to get good value for money?

The Key Drivers Of Choice Amongst Marine GPS Systems

Your choice from among the marine GPS systems on the market depends on two things:

• How much you can afford.
• What sort of distances you are travelling on the water and where you are going. If you’re travelling around an inland lake then your needs are going to be different than someone who is travelling across the Pacific Ocean.

Nearly all marine GPS systems, provide accurate speed, course and distance / time to way point information. The majority also have a digital compass.  

The Main Software Features To Consider When Choosing Amongst Marine GPS Systems

There are several other features you may wish to consider when looking at marine GPS systems.

A feature that is very useful if you repeatedly make the same trip, or you are worried about the becoming fogbound is the navigate to track feature. This allows you to follow a navigational track that you have already programmed and saved into the unit’s memory.

A common and useful feature, is the man overboard (MOB), feature. This feature allows you to mark the position of a MOB incident with a touch of a single button so that you can return to it. It is obvious that this feature is very helpful if you were to lose a crew member overboard, but it is also very useful if you need to get back to where your hat blew off!

A useful safety feature is a collision avoidance system that can track several objects that are close to your vessel. Some boaties will find the following inclusions useful:

• A chart plotter display which can show your position on the current chart.
• Local tidal information so that you can choose the fastest and the safest course to get to your destination.
• A 12 channel receiver to help you get stong signals out on the water.

Of course, if you’re also a fisherman you will appreciate the fishing related features that you can find in many marine GPS systems. You can get simple systems that provide you with a a list of prime fishing times and locations.

There are also more complex systems that add fish finders to track your location on the water, report its depth and help you discerne fish in and around features on the bottom of the water.

Prices for marine GPS systems range from $100 to over $1,000.

By selecting the features listed above that you need, you will be able to determine the essential and desirable features you want in your pick of the marine GPS systems so you can buy the best value unit for your needs.

Read more

How Marine GPS Systems make boating safer

6 Important features to consider when buying marine GPS systems

Technorati Tags: handheld marine gps, handheld marine gps systems, marine gps navigation systems, marine GPS systems, portable marine gps systems

It has always been hard to navigate about the open water, and you want suitable equipment to get about safely. These days, marine GPS systems are considered to be essential by many boaters.

Six Important Features To Look For In Marine GPS Systems

So what do you need to look out for when buying marine GPS systems? This article reveals the 7 all important physical aspects of a marine GPS that you might need to look at.

The main drivers of your consideration come from:

• The size of the screen you need.
• The main purpose for which you will use the marine GPS system.
• The amount of money you can afford to spend on the system.

The Importance of The Screen In Marine GPS Systems

One really significant aspect of your decision to pick out a specific Global Positioning System from the marine GPS systems accessible in the marketplace is the type and size of the screen that you need.

If you have a really large boat, say with two decks, and you would like to be able to see the screen from the upper deck, then your screen requirements are going to be unlike somebody who has a modest runabout that they simply intend to use in inland waterways.

If you think about the boating environment you will also see that you will frequently be studying the screen in brilliant sunshine. This means that your display needs to be of the trans reflective type. These screens may be seen easily even in harsh and blinding sunshine.

Associated to the screen size, you need to decide whether you are intending to buy a pocket-sized portable or hand-held version or a bigger, fixed model of marine GPS unit. The portable marine GPS units are more small-scale and fit in a pocket or glove compartment. Yet,they’re not the best since the size detracts from the clarity of the image. And if you are trying to differentiate a fish from a rock than the clearness of the image is pretty important!

Other Important Features In Marine GPS Systems 

One characteristic that is not advanced, but perhaps as useful is that of big buttons. These buttons would be handily prominent and conveniently placed so they are easy to use even for a user wearing heavy mitts. If you are boating in cold weather conditions, gloves are indispensable – but so is your GPS!

Water splattering and rainwater are potentially damaging for marine GPS systems, so waterproofing or water resistance is an important feature to have in a marine GPS. A waterproof case could help further protect your GPS from damage. It’s crucial to note that weather resistant systems are generally not fully watertight. Even so, waterproofed GPS units are so well fabricated that they could, in reality, be put into the briney and still continue to work!

Note that just because a device is watertight doesn’t imply that the unit will float. If your Global Positioning System is knocked out of a boat, you could be in trouble. However, you are able to get hold floating casings for some GPS units that will help you to avoid losing your device.

Long battery life is also an important feature so that you do not get lost in the middle of the ocean if your electrics fail or your battery runs flat.

So there you have it, the main features that are required a useful marine GPS system. My recommendation is to buy the best system you can afford from the marine GPS systems available in the market today because you should not compromise on quality when it comes to your personal safety on the water.

Read it here: How Marine GPS Systems make boating safer

Technorati Tags: handheld marine gps, handheld marine gps systems, marine gps navigation systems, marine GPS systems, portable marine gps systems

What Are Marine GPS Systems?

Marine GPS systems are similar, but different to the regular car GPS systems we know of. This is because they come pre-loaded with tide data, specific marine maps, details of coastal navigation aids and munch more detail about the shore line. One major benefit of marine GPS systems is that they are not as complex as other marine navigation devices like radar.

GPS , which is a symbol of Global Positioning System , is a satellite-based technology that, together with land based control systems and personal GPS devices, can triangulate your position almost anywhere on earth. GPS systems give you a very good indication of your position using the location of satellite data from a Wide Area Augmentation System. GPS technology is based on a number of US owned and operated satellites which circle the environment.

How Did Marine GPS Systems Develop?

The US Coast Guard originally used marine GPS systems to track ships as they travel along the coast of the country. Marine GPS units come with an advanced amount of technology that permits you to plan your journey, work out where you are, and discover where your destination is and how you can get there safely.

Marine electronics are high-tech and come in many different designs and models with optional extras to fit any user from new users to marine professionals. Marine electronics equipment and accessories are made specifically for those who are actively involved in marine adventures.

The Benefits of Marine GPS Systems

Marine navigation and marine communication equipment has an outstanding technology delivering excellent features for its users. They come with pre-loaded detailed maps. Anyone who is fishing, yachting or boating will be helped to navigate faster and more safely with these systems by the multifunctional GPS systems which give you complete navigational ability on water.

Marine GPS allows you to navigate waterways along with open water comfortably, even without land markers, you’ll be aware of your exact position with one of these proven marine GPS systems. The waterways are safer place for everybody on the water because marine GPS systems have changed the way people travel by water — making the route more accurate and allowing them to travel safely

The marine GPS systems are available in both handheld marine GPS versions and versions that’s installed on your boat. Handheld marine GPS units have the advantage of being portable but you might find that the screen of a handheld marine GPS system is much more difficult to read than a larger installed system.

You can also find marine GPS systems that change your laptop or computer into a navigation system. The main advantage of this conversion is that you can use a much larger monitor that he will find a most marine GPS systems. The main manufacturers of marine GPS systems are Garmin, Tomtom, Lowrance, Furuno, Interphase, Northstar, Navman and Magellan. As you can see, many of them have leveraged their experience GPS systems for cars etc. to participate in this market too.

Boaters can connect a marine networks GPS antenna and a remote sensing unit straight to the a multifunction display so they are able to get weather conditions at their current location.

Many boat owners now consider a marine GPS system as an essential piece of kit for their navigation around the open seas and  / or inland waterways. They consider it so important that they would not go out without it. A good marine GPS system is an essential piece of boating equipment and could save your life at sea when you get into difficulties as many of us unfortunately do.

Technorati Tags: handheld marine gps, marine gps, marine GPS systems