Frequently Asked Image and Charting Questions

[Jim Sexton]

What are digital charts?
Digital charts are images produced by raster scans of the Mylar master films used to produce the official government paper charts. The Mylar masters are scanned at high resolution and produce a digital video picture that is identical to the paper chart. The digital format allows the chart to be displayed on the computer screen and enables the viewer to zoom in or out and easily move around the chart.

How much do electronic digital charts cost?
Single Chart Kit digital charts on floppy disks are $14.95 and regional CD collections are $179. NDI Canadian chart CDs are $189. Single Maptech ChartPack charts are $14.95 and international region CD collections are from $249 to $379 each depending on the area covered.

What are Weatherfax and NAVTEX?
Weather facsimiles (Weatherfax) are satellite images and charts transmitted free by the USCG and numerous governments over SSB frequencies. Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) is a free international marine radio telex system that provides text reports on a wide range of navigation, weather, and safety data.

What Weatherfax software do you recommend?
I recommend Software Systems Consulting (SSC) PC HF Fax for Windows. This high resolution software system has an easy to use Windows graphical interface, and is far more effective than expensive dedicated Weatherfax machines. The program runs in Windows 3.1, 3.11, and 95 and includes a Frequency Shift Key (FSK) Radio Demodulator, interface cable, and 25 to 9 pin adapter.