However, the other shoe dropped with Jeppesen's media release Dec. 13, announcing it had, "...identified chart data rendering issues related to defects in both the code base of our navigation software and the encoding of our chart data. As a result of these defects, some chart information (including, but not limited to buoys, markers, contours, underwater obstructions, etc.) may not display correctly, or at all, on navigation screens."
In the same release, Jeppesen announced that Admiral and VNS will no longer support S–57 charts, which include free NOAA ENCs and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers IENCs for U.S. coastal and inland waters. In the current 9.3 update and the future new paid–for Max Pro release, any S–57 charts you have "will be deleted or otherwise rendered unusable" by Admiral or VNS.
To explain the removal of S–57 chart support, Jeppesen cited "concern about the safety associated with importing free data charts and in a process that cannot be controlled, monitored and verified to ensure the highest quality charts for our customers."
Perhaps they missed the irony in including this statement with the announcement that their own Passport charts contained defects. Even more ironic, the Jeppesen media release also says that, "only official government charts and Notice to Mariners contain all the information needed for safe navigation." Are they referring to the free and frequently updated government charts they just disabled in the recent release of Admiral and VNS?
Whatever the motivations or justifications, it is safe to say that C–Map cartography is part of Admiral's future. Unfortunately, Jeppesen may be a little too heavy–handed in forcing users to choose their cartography to the exclusion of frequently–updated, low–cost alternatives such as S–57s from the U.S. government. Other industries have tried to force users to buy their consumables, such as the printer industry with ink or toner, but in the past it has often invoked the ire of the consumer. If a user purchases a $1,200 piece of software fair–and–square, they should have choice over the source of the charts they can use.
Admiral does support raster–format BSB charts, including NOAA BSBs, Maptech BSBs, and NDI/DigitalOcean charts for Canada. Passport Deluxe Charts include raster format BSBs, but be aware that those included with the Passport set may be dated. Our copy, which shipped directly from Jeppesen, contained BSB chart versions dating back to 1997. If you rely on raster charts, we suggest installing the latest BSB chart files, which are available as a free download from NOAA or on disc from certified chart distributors for less than $50.
The good news is once you have purchased the appropriate raster charts, they display very well in Admiral. Like VNS, Admiral integrates a software feature called CrystalView to sharpen screen images. Charts are easily panned and scrolled, with smooth chart quilting for seamless integration. Various Autoscroll Modes automatically keep your vessel in the chart window, and you can customize the vessel position relative to the underlying chart.
