If you are someone who knows how to plot coordinates on a map, then a simple GPS might be enough for you. But if you do not know how to do that or do not want to go through that hassle, then Chartplotter is there to save you.
GPS
GPS or Global Positioning System is a navigation tool that helps you track down your exact location or destination in coordinates. Also, it can set up a route, determine the speed and calculate the time to reach the destination. What GPS gives you are the coordinates of latitude and longitude of the location.
However, a GPS device does not display the location on a map. You have to figure it out by calculating the latitude and longitude and then plotting them on a map. The receiver in your GPS device calculates the distance of your location from at least three satellites orbiting the Earth. And then it intersects them to get an exact location.
Example
For example, if you are at the Eiffel Tower in France, the GPS device will show “48.8584° N, 2.2945° E” as your location.
Chartplotter
A Chartplotter is another navigation tool that uses GPS to present the location much more user-friendly. It receives the coordinates of the place through the GPS and displays them on a map. So, you do not have to calculate the latitude and longitude if you have a Chartplotter.
Like GPS, this can create routes and find out the speed and time needed to arrive at the destination. There are advanced level Chartplotters that can use sonar to determine the water depth and position of fish.
Chartplotter vs. GPS
| Chartplotter | GPS |
| Displays the coordinates from the GPS on a map that humans can understand. | Uses coordinates to deliver exact location. |
| You do not have to calculate anything. | 2. You have to plot the latitude and longitude on a map to visualize the location. |
| Can determine an optimal route avoiding obstacles or traffic. | 3. Creates a straight route from location to destination without calculating the obstacles in between. |
| You can simply mark a waypoint on the map. | 4. You have to go to the place or know the coordinates to mark a waypoint. |
| It is pretty expensive. | 5. Much cheaper than Chartplotters. |
Best Marine GPS Chartplotter
Chartplotters are very important for nautical navigation. When you are in the middle of the sea or out fishing, you have to be precise about certain things. Otherwise, you may get lost or fail your motive.
Some of the best marine chartplotters are Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv, Simrad GO7 XSE, Humminbird HELIX 5 Chartplotter Fish Finder, Garmin Striker 4cv etc.
Features
These Chartplotters are very good at providing your accurate location in a short time using the Chartplotter app. Some of these can use sonar to locate the exact position of fish. These are waterproof and can be used under broad daylight without much reflection on the screen. These Charplotters can set up an ideal way to reach the destination.
Garmin Marine GPS
Garmin Chartplotters are one of the best because they consistently deliver the precise location without any mistake. Most of them are easy to install and operate. Additionally, they are pretty easy to read compared to other brands.
Chartplotters like Garmin Striker 4 can provide in-depth details using the CHIRP sonar transducer. This gives the owner a very vivid idea of the position of fish and fishing grounds. Garmin Echomap Plus 94sv has built-in Wi-fi. This enables you to send and receive calls, messages, emails on the screen of the Chartplotter.
How Do You Use a Garmin GPS?
The following steps will guide you on how to make a waypoint and how to reach there.
Making a Waypoint
- Firstly, you have to go to the place that you desire to mark. Then go to the option “Mark Waypoint” on the menu and the chartplotter used for the toggle to click. The device will then get the coordinates of your desired location, which you can edit if you want. If you press “Done,” the device will save the location as a waypoint.
- Also, you can choose another way to save a waypoint. You can go to maps and select it. This will open up the map of the area. Press and hold the toggle button. Similarly, like before, it will give you the place’s coordinates, which you can save as a waypoint.
Find a Waypoint
Go to “Waypoint Manager” on your menu. This will display the waypoints that you saved on the device. Now, select the waypoint that you want to go to, which will open up the coordinates of the place. With the help of the toggle, press “Go.” Then, it will take you to the map where your route will be shown as a thick line.
Furthermore, you can go back and select “Compass.” This will show you which direction to lead to reaching your destination.
How Do You Use a Garmin Chartplotter?
Chartplotters are relatively easy to use. You just have to know some steps.
Make a Waypoint
- Just press the “Mark” option. This will save your current location as a waypoint.
- You can select “Waypoints” > “New Waypoint” from home, or you can go to “Menu” > “Waypoints and Tracks” > “New Waypoint.” Both of them will take you to the same page, which will show you three options: “Enter Coordinates,” “Use Charts,” “Use Current Position.”
Or
- Enter Coordinates: You just have to put in the coordinates of the place you want to go and press done.
- Use Charts: You can directly choose a location on the chart and then press “Select.”
- Use Current Position: This will simply store your present location as the waypoint. Press the “Mark” option to save it.
Find a Waypoint
Press the “Waypoints” option, which will take you to the saved waypoints of the device. Now select the waypoint you want to reach and press “Navigate To.” This will take you to three options.
- Auto Guidance: This creates a course to the destination automatically.
- Go To: This feature generates a straight line from the current location to the waypoint.
- Route To: This gives you the option to draw out a route to your destination by yourself.
FAQ
1. Is a Chartplotter the same as a fish finder?
No, they are not the same. Comparing chartplotter vs fish finder is similar to making a comparison with a GPS. Whether it is a side imaging fish finder or down imaging one, chatterplotter is something different. Chartplotter displays your position on a map. At the same time, the fishfinder gives you an underwater vision using sonar by mainly showing the depth.
2. Can you use a Chartplotter without a transducer?
Yes, you can. A transducer is mainly used for locating fishing ground, not for determining your exact location.
3. Who makes the best Chartplotter?
Garmin makes the best and most reliable Chartplotter out there.
Conclusion
Though Chartplotters are more expensive, buying them instead of GPS would be a safer option if you are a traveler. Because in case of emergencies, you barely have the time to calculate the location. But if you are confident and experienced enough, then Chartplotters will not be necessary for you.
Leave a Reply