Ocean chart sources

[NWSail]

I have been trying to find the answer to this question by searching several online resources but have been unsuccessful so far. There must be an simple answer...


I use OpenCPN, the recent version on a PC. I would call myself a moderately knowledgeable user. I have US charts that I downloaded from NOAA and Canadian charts that I purchased through oCharts. I am in a study group that is learning about weather prediction, routing and GRIB files. As part of that study we have a simulated passage in an ocean area north of New Zealand: about 15S-36S Lat and 170W-168E Long. (I hope I have that right!). Where can I download a chart of that area from? Hopefully it is free but I know some charts cost.


That leads me to a larger question: I know that coastal charts are generally available from countries (NOAA charts, Environment Canada charts) that may or may not charge for the charts. But who produces mid-ocean charts? These would be areas that are not coastal so they would seem to be outside of the areas covered by national charts. There must be an answer!


I would sincerely appreciate anyone who cany information that can enlighten me on this issue!


Thanks very much,


NW Sailor

[buckleykr]

There are New Zealand charts available free in the OpenCPN Chart Downloader in the Predefined catalog.

(How do we get our government to make the charts freely available?)

[bcn]

There are overview chart (usage band 1 in "ENC speak") available for all oceans.
If you need small scale single charts you can go for S-63 charts you license for example from Chartworld.
The US charts are free. The NZ charts are for free after registering at LINZ.
For other parts of the Pacific you will find editions from SHOM and UKHO.


In case you would like to identify the charts there is a tool:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappvi...c5b4f8e485b712

[Baikal]

ENC S-57 World MAP
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pkd9p0uk8b...LDMAP.zip?dl=0

[NWSail]

Thank you buckleykr, bcn and Baikal for your help! I am very new to this.



It doesn't look like there is a single ocean chart that covers both Fiji and New Zealand together, the area is too large. Part of the reason I want this is so I an lay a GRIB file over the area in OpenCPN and observe incoming weather. However, the resources have been helpful and I will keep flailing away at this.



Question: The arcgis.com site shows charts for areas around land and islands but does not show charts in open ocean areas such as the north pacific. I think that there must be charts for these areas, why are they not displayed in this online visual chart index?


Thanks again,


NW Sailor

[bcn]

NWSailor,


play with layers on the Arcgis site...

[yachtvalhalla]

NWSail sent you a PM.


Terry