SonarCharts launched by Navionics

by Rus Graham on 26 Oct 2012 Navionics, the leader in electronic charting and navigation data, have announced its new high-definition layer for the iPhone, iPad, GPS chartplotters and WebApps -- SonarChartsTM. Exposing incredible seabed detail not available on existing cartography, SonarCharts integrates Navionics proprietary survey data with Hydrographic office data and sonar logs received from the Navionics Community to provide boaters an unparalleled view of seabed detail. With updates available daily for online download, Navionics SonarCharts provide maximum detail and the most up-to-date bottom contour cartography information available.

An extraordinary step forward in the collection and propagation of reliable bathymetric data in both fresh and saltwater environments, all Navionics users who have access to a sonar device can contribute content that enriches SonarCharts as well as the boating experience of all members of the Navionics Community. Individual sonar logs can be uploaded online at navionics.com, and updated and revised charts are made available within 24 hours.

SonarCharts takes Navionics powerful Community Layer further; comprised of tens of thousands of individuals that submit hundreds of thousands of edits per year, the Navionics Community’s continuously-enriched User Generated Content (UGC) ensures the Freshest Data is available for Navionics SonarCharts, as well as traditional Navionics cartography users. This powerful community has discovered scores of never before mapped lakes and rivers, relief, hidden gorges, detailed mountains, canyons and submerged structure.

'Until now, the effects of weather, sea conditions and human interaction on seabeds resulted in a rate of change impossible to capture with traditional survey techniques,' said Don Black, global vice president of sales and marketing, Navionics. 'Taking a page from the enhanced situational awareness created through our Community Edits program, we were confident we could expand the system to include underwater detail. Our new SonarCharts give boaters the most current and unparalleled bathymetric detail available.'

For the ultimate in bathymetric awareness, boaters can access both Navionics’ award-winning, traditional nautical charts and new SonarCharts from the same chart card or the same app. Available on Navionics Platinum+ charts, which include a wealth of features such as 2D and 3D chart display, harbor and marina views, topography information, coastal points of interest, and a geo-referenced Coast Pilot. Freshest Data updates to both Navionics charts and SonarCharts are available online daily ensuring navigators have the latest information at their fingertips.

SonarCharts that support Platinum+ cartography are currently in beta testing and free to existing Freshest Data customers. SonarCharts for the Apple iPhone and iPad, are priced at $4.99, $9.99, respectively, and will be available later this year to existing app users through an in-app purchase. A beta version of SonarCharts is also currently available within Navionics’ new WebApp with an official release planned for Q4, 2012.

For more information on Navionics SonarCharts, compatible chartplotters and smart devices, or to learn more about Navionics and its entire product line, contact marketing@navionics.com or 800-848-5896 (toll-free), or visit the Navionics website.