what are the differences and similiarities between a gps and chartplotter?
And paper charts and plottting are depend upon a human... Human error in todays day and age is far worse than computer error IMHO. Even doctors offices are moving towards EMR or electronic medical records due to human error. To assume that humans have less errors than computers is absurd.TrueBlue said:A chartplotter depends upon coordinates provided by a Global Positioning System antenna/receiver. The chartplotter is integrated with and reliant upon the GPS to function properly.
Tubs,Tubsmacker said:Virtual VOR/DME
Just as an add on to the thread. I went on a sailing refresher course recently and was taken aback by the amount of time that people were taking finding position on a paper chart using lat longs from a gps. Particularly in view of the fact that the approx position was known. Time spent below was counter productive in a very busy shipping area I thought.
A GPS receiver and a Chartplotter use the United States buillt and maintained GPS Satelite system orbiting the earth. This stuff seems like voodo majic when it is studied and is absolutely awesome in its development and implementation. You are wise indeed to be considering its possible value to you. Those that thumb their noses to it's value are no different then those that refuse modern medical techniques due to their religious beliefs. Too bad, so sad.ambianceack said:what are the differences and similiarities between a gps and chartplotter?
Tubs,Tubsmacker said:Rick,
I think you misinterpreted my post, You are of course completely wrong in that I'm throwing stones at an acceptable practice. What i was saying was, if things are busy, plotting a gps position using lat long versus quick referencing using the chart compass rose. I never said anything about NOT using DR as a backup. That means you can have an accurate position easily whilst maintaining the position like the one in your photo above
Cheers
Tubs
I am familiar with DR and use it plus I have had total electrical failure that you describe. I had a backup and I used it!
After having using Maptech Chartplotting Software on a Compac laptop computer mounted at the inside helm for one year and a Raymarine Chartplotter for 4 years at an outside helm before that on a previously owned sloop I wish to offer an experienced opinion to add to your opinion about chartplotters.Valiente said:My choice is PC and paper and to avoid the proprietary cartridges of the chart plotters. My experience is that some skippers pay more attention to the creeping movement of the little boat icon of the chartplotter than they do to the sea around them. Needless to say, this is not only a grave navigational error, but also turns the experience of sailing into, in part, a glorified video game.
No thanks.
Good luck. Play with these gadgets at West Marine, and view the simulations. But if you just coastal cruise, I think paper and GPS and plenty of practice alone will suffice.