OpenCPN Free Navigation Software

Alalala · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2009

I'm surprised OpenCPN has not had any mentions here - it's a free of charge, free software navigation system that is under development but apparently fully usable. Features of the most recent version, 1.3.0, include CM93 vector charts, AIS support and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.

SourceForge.net: OpenCPN - OpenCPN project page at Sourceforge

cpnindex.html - Lead developer's homepage

Enjoy!!

modul8 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-18-2009

don't know how to install it on my linux machine. i tried to ./configure from the directory, but it didn't go anywhere.
any linux heads out there that can help me out?

Alalala · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009

depends on the linux distro you're on - try and get one of the precompiled packages if you don't know how to compile!

huguley3 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009

I had trouble with configure. If you are on ubuntu it needs libwxbase,libwxbasedev and libwx common, and libwxheaders installed along with libglu1mesadev and a package that went along with it. I had make errors after that so I may have a wrong package or I may have something else on my machine that is interfering with it. I need to get going but I will look further into it this evening.

It looks like a nice package that is still active even if they don't have a large community to help support it. Could not find much documentation but I only spent about 15 minutes on it.

Cool find though!

modul8 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009

i was trying to install it on my netbook, to assess its suitability.
it runs Linpus, a light weight distribution of the redhat persuasion.
had no luck with that, so i tried using the new ubuntu netbook remix from a usb stick, and used the .deb file for installing it. worked like a charm, until i tried installing all of the maps at once. the netbook has only 1/2 gig of memory, so it was a little too much for it.

Alalala · #6 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009

Quote:

Opencpn Version 1.3.2 has been released. This release contains numerous enhancements and bug fixes.

Highlights include:

1. Improved AIS target depiction and collision detection alerts.
2. Hot keys and scroll mouse support.
3. Help File.
4. Various display speed and quality optimizations, especially for CM93 charts.

Development is continuing at a fast pace. Post feedback or bug reports at http://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/

Valiente · #7 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009

I'll keep an eye on it as SeaClear II could stand improvement...but I don't expect improvement from it!

Alalala · #8 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valiente

I'll keep an eye on it as SeaClear II could stand improvement...but I don't expect improvement from it!

The open development model guarantees the long-term sustainability even if the primary developer gets bored with it

I suggest filing any feature requests or bug reports at the discussion here or at SourceForge.net: Find and Develop Open-Source Software.

miatapaul · #9 (**permalink**) 08-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alalala

The open development model guarantees the long-term sustainability even if the primary developer gets bored with it

I suggest filing any feature requests or bug reports at the discussion here or at SourceForge.net: Find and Develop Open-Source Software.

That is optimistic at best. I have seen the majority of "open-Source" projects just disappear or never reach the lofty goals set out. Either the project is harder than anticipated or just no audience. But best of luck, I may try it out if just for messing around. Do you think this might work with a cheap GPS sensor from say DealExtreme? Thinking as a backup/planning type situation, where the main system is a dedicated chart plotter on deck and this down below.

Alalala · #10 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

Quote:

Opencpn Version 1.3.4 was released on 30 September, 2009.

This is a maintenance release containing the following enhancements:

1. Ship's position tracking function, with GPX export and import.
2. Enhanced icons and screen graphics, for improved visibility.
3. Import and export of Routes using GPX interface protocol.
4. Implement CM93 vector chart detail control slider.
5. Assorted usability and reliability improvements.

See the Changelog for full details.

Opencpn Version 1.3.4 may be downloaded from the following link:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/opencpn/

Thank you for your continued interest in opencpn.

Fair winds to all
Dave and the opencpn development team

New version released - Enjoy!!