C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) on SD / microSD Card – Complete Guide

Introduction

The C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) on SD / microSD card is digital marine charting designed for coastal navigation in covered areas of the Americas. It is intended for use with C-MAP-compatible navigation equipment, including selected marine GPS units and chartplotters.

The C-MAP REVEAL Coastal range combines detailed vector charting with information designed to make the marine environment easier to interpret: depths, soundings, bathymetric contours, ports, marinas, navigation aids and other chart information, depending on the area covered.

The range is also distinguished by its graphical representation of the seabed, including shaded relief and high-resolution bathymetry in selected areas. Depending on the coverage and available data, REVEAL charts may also include satellite imagery, aerial photography and detailed plans of ports and marinas.

The term AMER refers here to the American coverage areas offered within this range. However, the exact geographical coverage depends on the specific C-MAP chart reference, so it is important to check the area covered as well as compatibility with the navigation equipment being used.

What is a C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) chart?

A C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) is a digital marine chart designed for coastal navigation within a geographical area covered by C-MAP in the Americas.

Unlike a traditional paper chart, the information is stored digitally and displayed directly on a compatible navigation screen. This allows the chart to be used to monitor the vessel's position, plan routes, display waypoints and view chart information around the boat.

Depending on the chart reference and geographical area, C-MAP REVEAL charts may display:

• coastlines and islands;

• depths and soundings;

• bathymetric contours;

• channels and navigable passages;

• ports and marinas;

• navigation aids;

• charted hazards and obstacles;

• special or regulated areas;

• detailed information for selected port areas;

• high-resolution bathymetric data;

• underwater relief representation.

The quantity and type of information available may vary depending on the charted area.

Charting designed for coastal navigation

The Coastal designation is particularly important. This charting is intended for coastal use, when the navigator is sailing close to the shoreline, between different ports, bays, islands or coastal areas.

For example, a sailor navigating along the American coast can use the digital chart to plan a route between two ports, identify major channels, monitor charted depths and view the information available around the planned route.

Digital charting also makes it possible to change the display scale quickly. The navigator can move from a general overview of the coastline to a much more detailed representation of a bay or port approach.

This is particularly useful for:

• planning coastal passages;

• identifying channels and navigable passages;

• preparing routes;

• setting waypoints;

• approaching a port or marina;

• reading charted depths;

• analysing seabed configuration.

Shaded relief and high-resolution bathymetry

One of the distinctive features of the C-MAP REVEAL range is its detailed representation of underwater relief.

Shaded relief provides a graphical representation of changes in depth. This can make bathymetric information easier to interpret than a simple series of numerical soundings.

High-resolution bathymetry can provide a more detailed representation of underwater terrain where the relevant data is available.

These features can be useful for different types of boating. They can help the navigator understand the configuration of a bay, underwater plateau, channel or area with significant changes in depth.

It is important, however, to distinguish charted depth from depth measured instantaneously by the vessel's echo sounder. A digital chart represents hydrographic data collected at a given time and does not constitute a real-time measurement of the seabed.

Satellite imagery and aerial photography

Depending on the geographical area and chart reference, C-MAP REVEAL may also provide satellite imagery or aerial photography.

This information can complement conventional marine charting by providing a visual representation of certain coastal areas. It can help identify the configuration of a coastline, island, marina or harbour environment.

For navigators, this type of representation can be useful when planning a stopover or trying to understand the overall configuration of a particular area.

The imagery and data available depend on the geographical coverage and specific chart reference.

Detailed port and marina plans

Coastal navigation frequently involves entering and leaving ports. In areas where the relevant data is available, C-MAP REVEAL provides detailed port and marina plans.

This information can help with approach planning, identifying different basins, channels and harbour infrastructure, and understanding the layout of a marina.

For example, consider a vessel making a multi-day coastal passage. After planning the overall route, the navigator can use a more detailed chart view to examine the ports that could potentially be used as stopovers.

This can be particularly useful when several stopover options are available depending on weather conditions or changes to the sailing schedule.

C-MAP REVEAL Coastal and tides

Depending on the geographical area and available data, C-MAP REVEAL Coastal may also include information relating to tides and currents.

This information can provide useful additional support when planning coastal navigation, particularly in areas where tidal range or tidal currents have a significant impact.

However, navigators should still take into account official nautical information, actual water levels, weather conditions and any updates affecting the data.

Using C-MAP REVEAL Coastal on an SD or microSD card

C-MAP REVEAL Coastal charts are available on SD or microSD cards, depending on the chart reference.

This format allows digital chart data to be used on compatible navigation equipment.

However, an SD or microSD card should not be assumed to be compatible with every marine GPS or chartplotter equipped with a memory-card slot.

Before use, it is important to check:

• the brand and model of the GPS or chartplotter;

• the device's compatibility with C-MAP;

• the exact chart reference;

• the geographical area covered;

• whether the equipment requires SD or microSD;

• the device's software or firmware version where this affects compatibility.

Compatibility therefore depends on the combination of chart and navigation equipment, rather than simply on the physical memory-card format.

Example: planning a coastal passage in the Americas

Imagine a sailing yacht making a coastal passage in an area covered by a C-MAP REVEAL Coastal AMER chart.

The navigator can first display the wider area to identify major ports, bays and islands. A route can then be planned by selecting different waypoints.

As the vessel approaches the coast, the navigator can increase the chart detail to examine:

• available depths;

• bathymetric contours;

• channels;

• charted hazards;

• navigation aids;

• ports and marinas;

• anchorage areas or special zones where represented.

This makes it possible to move progressively from a broad overview of the voyage to a more detailed view of each individual area.

For sailing yachts and motorboats

A C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) chart can be used on both sailing yachts and motorboats, provided that the navigation equipment is compatible.

On a sailing yacht, the chart can be used to plan coastal passages, identify charted depths and analyse routes between different coastal areas.

On a motorboat, it can be used for coastal navigation, journeys between ports and marinas, and harbour approaches.

In both cases, the vessel's draught, sea conditions, tides, currents and local restrictions must be taken into account.

C-MAP REVEAL does not replace all nautical information

Digital marine charting is an important navigation aid, but it should not be considered the sole source of information.

Chart data should be used together with other available nautical information, including navigational warnings, official hydrographic information, local regulations, weather forecasts, port information and observations made during the voyage.

The depth displayed on the chart is not a real-time measurement of the seabed. The vessel's echo sounder remains essential for measuring the actual depth beneath the hull.

How to choose a C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER)

Choosing digital marine charting should begin with the intended navigation area.

You should then check carefully:

• the C-MAP REVEAL chart reference;

• the geographical coverage;

• the GPS or chartplotter model;

• C-MAP compatibility;

• the SD or microSD format;

• the functions available in the relevant area;

• any applicable update conditions.

The term AMER alone is therefore not enough to determine the exact coverage. Different chart references may correspond to different geographical areas.

Conclusion

The C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) on SD / microSD card is digital marine charting designed for coastal navigation in American areas covered by C-MAP.

It combines the conventional functions of electronic marine charting with particularly detailed representations of underwater relief, including shaded relief and high-resolution bathymetry and, depending on the area, satellite imagery, aerial photography, tidal and current information, and detailed port and marina plans.

When choosing the correct C-MAP REVEAL Coastal chart, the key consideration is to match the intended navigation area, the exact chart reference and the specific GPS or chartplotter model.

FAQ – C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) on SD / microSD Card

What is a C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) chart?

It is C-MAP digital marine charting designed primarily for coastal navigation in American areas covered by the relevant chart reference.

What is a C-MAP REVEAL Coastal chart used for?

It displays digital marine charting on a compatible GPS or chartplotter, allowing the navigator to monitor the vessel's position, plan routes and view available chart information in the covered area.

What does AMER mean in C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER)?

AMER refers to a geographical coverage category corresponding to American regions offered by C-MAP. The exact coverage depends on the specific chart reference.

Does C-MAP REVEAL Coastal work with all marine GPS units?

No. Compatibility depends on the GPS or chartplotter model, its software or firmware and its compatibility with C-MAP charting.

Is C-MAP REVEAL Coastal available on SD or microSD cards?

Yes. Some chart references are supplied on SD or microSD cards. The exact format depends on the chart reference and navigation equipment.

Will a C-MAP microSD card work in any microSD card reader?

No. The physical card format alone does not guarantee compatibility. The GPS or chartplotter must support the corresponding C-MAP chart.

Does C-MAP REVEAL display depths?

Yes. The charting can display soundings and bathymetric information depending on the covered area.

Does C-MAP REVEAL measure depth in real time?

No. Charted depths correspond to the data incorporated into the chart. Real-time depth measurement is provided by the vessel's echo sounder.

What is C-MAP REVEAL shaded relief?

Shaded relief is a graphical representation of underwater terrain that makes variations in depth easier to visualise.

Does C-MAP REVEAL Coastal display satellite imagery?

Depending on the area and chart reference, C-MAP REVEAL may include satellite imagery or aerial photography.

Does C-MAP REVEAL Coastal provide port and marina information?

Yes. Detailed port and marina plans are available in selected covered areas.

Does C-MAP REVEAL Coastal provide tide and current information?

Depending on the area and available data, some charting features can provide information about tides and currents.

Is C-MAP REVEAL Coastal suitable for sailing yachts?

Yes, when used with compatible navigation equipment. It can be used for coastal navigation and route planning.

Is C-MAP REVEAL Coastal suitable for motorboats?

Yes. It can be used for coastal navigation, journeys between ports and harbour approaches, subject to compatibility with the GPS or chartplotter.

How do I choose the correct C-MAP REVEAL Coastal (AMER) chart?

First check the intended navigation area, the exact chart reference, the GPS or chartplotter model, C-MAP compatibility and the required SD or microSD format.

Does C-MAP REVEAL Coastal replace official nautical information?

No. It is a navigation aid and should be used together with official nautical information, navigational warnings, local regulations and available weather information.