The applications also differ widely in their chart display quality – even when displaying the same chart files, such as NOAA's free raster charts. Unfortunately, the "average" score wasn't very impressive. Applications achieve varying levels of image clarity by using different programming methods and technologies. Surprisingly, Coastal Explorer's and Chart Navigator Pro's chart displays were not particularly sharp. The Capn's chart rendering is the least impressive, exhibiting broken letters and pixelization.
SEACLEARScreen real estate is important. SeaClear's uncluttered display features a Dashboard (right) and a right-click popup menu. The result is more space for charts.
In contrast, MacENC achieves superior image quality by using Mac OS X's built-in Quartz technology. Nobeltec VNS and Admiral make efforts with a technology they call CrystalView, which improves – but doesn't make stunning – their chart displays. TIKI Navigator achieves excellent image quality without either of these technologies.
On a related note, both NavimaQ's Spyglass Tool and TIKI Navigator's Digital Magnifier were impressive features for quickly zooming in for more chart detail.
CUSTOMIZATION
Because all boaters' needs are different, applications work best when their interface and metrics can be customized. Customization is important for usability (such as larger fonts for far-sighted users), safety (such as twilight or night displays), and convenience (such as statute miles for Intracoastal Waterway travelers). Many customizations are also nice extras, such as personalized icons, display colors or toolbars.
Raytech RNS has the most rigid user interface, constrained by their choice of a chartplotter look-and-feel. SeaClear II, NavimaQ, and TIKI Navigator also have interfaces that are essentially pre-set. BoatCruiser, The Capn and MaxSea allow for quite a bit of customization, but Nobeltec VNS and Admiral, with their customizable Toolbar and Console, are exceptionally flexible. In fact, a Nobeltec user can even save separate customized work spaces for different activities, such as fishing, cruising or racing.
Not surprisingly, many of the most flexible interfaces also allow for the most customization when it comes to metrics, including Software-On-Board, BoatCruiser, The Capn, Nobeltec VNS, Nobeltec Admiral and MaxSea.
In order to display multiple chart images, instrument windows, and position data, each e-charting application must shovel the proverbial 10 pounds of navigation information into a five-pound screen display. Two features help them accomplish this trick: split windows and a tabbed interface.
Split windows partition a single display window into multiple panes, often displaying one for the main chart and one for something else, such as an aerial photo or depth sounder data. A tabbed interface stacks separate displays of information in layers, which can be called to the foreground using tabbed buttons at the bottom of the screen.
About half of the e-charting applications – generally those in the higher price range – use some form of split window display. Raytech RNS has the most elaborate functionality, allowing for up to four simultaneous split window panes (plus a tabbed interface).
Tabs were less common, although we found them to be a more effective solution because they allow larger single windows to be customized and sequenced, rather than relying on a collection of tiny windows. This Microsoft Excel-like trick is used by BoatCruiser, Raytech RNS and MaxSea.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, if you value a first-rate out-of-box experience, then MaxSea, The Capn, Coastal Explorer and Chart Navigator Pro will certainly please you. The fusion of packaging, installation, documentation, device hookup and technical support was exemplary.
But MaxSea's approach to an admittedly complex product easily put it over the top. The company offered numerous options to help get you started, including video tutorials. Once you are up and running, MaxSea also has an excellent and highly-customizable interface, with good implementation of split screen and tabbed displays, and sharp and responsive chart images.
At the lower price end, NavSim is also very responsive and highly customizable. And, if you like the idea of an innovative interface, TIKI Navigator performed very well with its streamlined operation, chart display quality and overall speed.
TOMORROW: Features both basic and advanced
Capt. Mark Doyle and Capt. Diana Doyle are authors of the Managing the Waterway cruising guide series, and their work has appeared in numerous publications. They also produce CDs and DVDs of NOAA and USACE charts.
