downloading charts

[giselle II]

I've downloaded opencpn.org chartplotter thinking it came with free charts, but it only refers me to other sources. Is it possible to download free charts for Australia? Or what's the best buy.

[deanowens1966]

I was thinking the same thing and have only found ‘subscription’ based charts of Australia. If you find something, please let us all know.

[nohal]

Free charts for Australia do not exist. Last month o-charts.org acquired the license for the official Australian Hydrographic Office chart chart portfolio and publishes them under reasonable conditions: https://o-charts.org/shop/index.php?...gory&id_lang=4

[StuM]

About the only "free" charts you will find are the very old pirated CM93 charts.


Not free, but definitely the "best buy" (less than AUD60 for the whole country)



https://o-charts.org/shop/index.php?...duct&id_lang=4

[giselle II]

Thanks, guys. Funny how they say "free charts" on the opencpn website, then refer you to the Aust Hydrographical Office - as if the give anything away. $690 is all they ask. Well I guess Australia hasn't moved since they made the old charts and there must be ways to get updates for changed beacons etc.

[Karanga]

Originally Posted by nohal

Free charts for Australia do not exist. Last month o-charts.org acquired the license for the official Australian Hydrographic Office chart chart portfolio and publishes them under reasonable conditions: https://o-charts.org/shop/index.php?...gory&id_lang=4

Yesterday I paid for, downloaded and installed these newly available charts.

I don't know if I am doing anything wrong in the setup, but so far being underwhelmed would be an understatement!

Just looking at the Queensland coast last night, the detail is appalling. I have been wondering if I could try to get my money back...

[giselle II]

Are they really that bad? Blimey. I'm not very IT savvy, but I dont suppose it's possible to send a sample? Otherwise, what's the next best bet? $690 sounds a bit steep.

[Moonflow]

Hi .I purchased a just a couple of enc charts about 4 months ago to trial the system. It took a while to get used to opencpn.

[Karanga]

Originally Posted by giselle II

Are they really that bad? Blimey. I'm not very IT savvy, but I dont suppose it's possible to send a sample? Otherwise, what's the next best bet? $690 sounds a bit steep.

Maybe I am being too fussy...
I am on a boat that has a large 12" simrad display and gorgeous charts - presumably at huge cost. But there is also an ipad running isailor on board , apparently with free charts, which are just as good if not better than the Simrad.

I refuse to use fruity products, so have been trying to use OpenCPN on an Android tablet.

If you tell me some areas you know well or are interested in, I will try to post some screen shots so you can see if the quality and detail meets your needs

[StuM]

Originally Posted by DangermouseBlue

Maybe I am being too fussy...
I am on a boat that has a large 12" simrad display and gorgeous charts - presumably at huge cost. But there is also an ipad running isailor on board , apparently with free charts, which are just as good if not better than the Simrad.

I refuse to use fruity products, so have been trying to use OpenCPN on an Android tablet.

If you tell me some areas you know well or are interested in, I will try to post some screen shots so you can see if the quality and detail meets your needs

Can you post Cairns and Lizard/2 Mile Passage (and maybe Port Moresby)

[Karanga]

Originally Posted by StuM

Can you post Cairns and Lizard/2 Mile Passage (and maybe Port Moresby)

Ok, maybe I was being too fussy... It actually looks not so bad now

Here are some screenshots, with different zoom levels

[nohal]

Originally Posted by giselle II

Are they really that bad? Blimey. I'm not very IT savvy, but I dont suppose it's possible to send a sample? Otherwise, what's the next best bet? $690 sounds a bit steep.

Do not spend those $690. The oeSENC charts are exactly the same official data from AHO, just in different format.
(The difference is they are not legally recognised for vessels having to meet the SOLAS regulations, which is of no concern for a recreational boater).

[Karanga]

Originally Posted by StuM

Can you post Cairns and Lizard/2 Mile Passage (and maybe Port Moresby)

Here is a comparison between the 35 euro chart in OpenCPN and a photo of the $600-odd chart on the Simrad, for Lizard Island

[nohal]

Originally Posted by DangermouseBlue

Here is a comparison between the 35 euro chart in OpenCPN and a photo of the $600-odd chart on the Simrad, for Lizard Island Attachment 177009Attachment 177010

I would say the chart is exactly the same... Or do you see any difference in the displayed data?

[Karanga]

Originally Posted by nohal

I would say the chart is exactly the same... Or do you see any difference in the displayed data?

Yes, those charts look very similar. In fact the OpenCPN chart actually looks a little easier to read with less clutter. I suspect the Simrad chart might be sophisticated enough to turn some of the detail off.

There is a bit of a difference when looking at some of the East Coast creeks. The OpenCPN charts look like they have slightly less resolution in showing some of the shallower or smaller channels, especially at high zoom levels. But again, maybe this is an advantage, in as much as only the important stuff is shown?