Navionics Digital Marine Chart on SD / microSD Card

Introduction

Are you looking for a Navionics digital marine chart for your GPS, chartplotter or marine navigation system? Navionics electronic charts are designed to display essential information for planning and monitoring coastal or offshore routes.

Depending on the reference, Navionics digital charts are available on SD or microSD cards and provide detailed information about coastlines, depths, soundings, hazards, navigation aids, ports and many other features useful to boaters. Some product ranges also offer advanced features such as SonarChart high-definition bathymetry, automatic route guidance and chart updates, while premium versions may include shaded underwater relief and satellite imagery.

Choosing a Navionics marine chart on microSD depends on several criteria: geographical coverage, chartplotter model, chart generation, card format and available features. Simply having a microSD card slot on a device does not therefore guarantee compatibility.

What is a Navionics digital marine chart?

A Navionics digital marine chart is an electronic chart designed for use on compatible navigation equipment.

Unlike a paper nautical chart, it is displayed directly on the screen of a GPS or chartplotter and can be viewed at different zoom levels. The navigator can therefore monitor the vessel's position, plan a route, identify depths or examine the approaches to a coastline or harbour.

Depending on the product range and geographical area, the chart data may include:

• coastlines and islands;

• depths and soundings;

• bathymetric contours;

• shoals and hazards;

• charted wrecks and obstructions;

• buoys and other navigation aids;

• channels and regulated areas;

• ports and marinas;

• tide and current information;

• high-definition bathymetric data;

• additional information relating to navigation areas.

The exact content depends on the Navionics chart reference and its geographical coverage. It is therefore important to check the precise coverage area before selecting a chart.

Navionics on SD or microSD card

Navionics charts are supplied on microSD / SD cards, depending on the product and compatible equipment.

The memory card contains the chart data required to operate the cartography on the intended navigation equipment. It must be inserted into the appropriate card reader on the chartplotter or navigation system.

However, it is important to distinguish the physical memory-card format from electronic compatibility.

A Navionics microSD card is not necessarily compatible with every device equipped with a microSD card reader. The chartplotter model, software, chart generation and, in some cases, the manufacturer must be taken into account.

Navionics/Garmin compatibility tables show, for example, that available features can vary depending on the brand and model of the chartplotter.

Designed for coastal navigation

The Navionics digital marine chart is particularly suitable for coastal navigation and cruising.

It allows the navigator to display the vessel's position, coastline, depths and the main elements required for route planning on the same screen.

Navigation example

A sailing yacht leaves a harbour to reach another port several dozen nautical miles away.

The navigator can use the digital chart to:

• identify shoals;

• locate shallow areas;

• create waypoints;

• examine harbour approaches;

• follow the planned route;

• check depths along the passage;

• identify navigation aids;

• adapt the route to the vessel's characteristics.

Digital charting therefore makes it easier to understand the marine environment while keeping a large amount of information available on a single display.

Depths and SonarChart bathymetry

Navionics charts include bathymetric information that allows users to visualise depths and variations in seabed contours.

SonarChart provides high-definition bathymetric charting in areas where it is available. Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+ charts include SonarChart HD data.

This representation can be particularly useful for:

• identifying shallow-water areas;

• planning a route according to vessel draft;

• visualising depth variations;

• analysing certain fishing areas;

• gaining a better understanding of seabed morphology.

However, charted bathymetric data must be distinguished from an instantaneous depth measurement made beneath the vessel. An electronic chart therefore does not replace the echo sounder: the two sources of information are complementary.

Automatic route guidance and route planning

Depending on the product range and compatible equipment, Navionics charts provide automatic route guidance features that can calculate a route between a starting point and a destination.

The guidance system takes various chart elements and vessel parameters into account in order to suggest a suitable route.

This feature can be particularly useful for navigation involving several stopovers or when the navigator wants to prepare an itinerary quickly.

It remains a route-planning aid. The suggested route must be checked by the navigator, taking into account vessel draft, hazards, regulations, weather, currents and any recent changes to navigation conditions.

Navionics chart updates

Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+ charts are associated with an update system that allows chart data to be maintained during the applicable subscription period.

Garmin states that current Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+ products include a one-year period providing access to updates, with daily updates available during the active period.

This is particularly useful for regular boaters because chart data can change as new hydrographic information becomes available and harbour or navigation infrastructure is modified.

The exact update terms depend on the product and its update system.

Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+

The Navionics range includes different chart versions.

Navionics+ provides detailed marine charting together with features such as SonarChart HD and, depending on compatible equipment, various guidance and navigation functions.

Navionics Platinum+ adds premium features. Depending on the geographical area and compatible equipment, Garmin identifies functions such as high-resolution shaded relief, satellite imagery and 3D views.

The different Navionics charts should therefore not be considered identical: the level of chart detail and available features depend on the product range, geographical reference and navigation equipment.

Geographical coverage for different navigation areas

Navionics charts are offered according to geographical areas.

Depending on the reference, a chart may cover a coastal region, several countries, a coastline, a sea or a much larger area. Current products include specific coverage for Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, North America, Asia-Pacific and certain inland lake and river areas.

The selection process should therefore begin with the area in which the boat will be navigating.

For long-distance cruising, it may be necessary to check several successive coverage areas to ensure that the entire planned route is covered.

Which boats can use Navionics charts?

A Navionics digital marine chart can be used on many types of boats equipped with a compatible chartplotter, including:

• cruising sailboats;

• catamarans;

• motorboats;

• powerboats;

• yachts;

• fishing boats;

• vessels used for coastal or offshore navigation.

The usefulness of the chart depends primarily on the electronic navigation system installed on board and the geographical area being navigated.

How to choose a Navionics marine chart

Before selecting a Navionics chart on SD or microSD, it is advisable to check several elements:

1. Geographical coverage: identify the seas, coastlines, islands or lakes covered.

2. Chartplotter model: check the exact compatibility of the equipment.

3. Chart generation: Navionics+, Platinum+ or another compatible reference.

4. Card format: SD or microSD, depending on the equipment and product.

5. Required features: SonarChart, automatic guidance, tides, shaded relief, satellite imagery, 3D views, etc.

6. Updates: check the duration and subscription conditions associated with the product.

7. Type of navigation: coastal cruising, offshore navigation, fishing, lake navigation or more extensive cruising.

Compatibility should always be checked using the exact chartplotter model. Garmin provides detailed compatibility tables to identify charts and functions compatible with various navigation systems.

Digital charting does not replace navigation preparation

Even when it provides a large amount of information, electronic charting should not be regarded as the navigator's only source of information.

Navigation should also take into account:

• official nautical documents and information;

• navigational warnings;

• weather forecasts;

• tides;

• currents;

• the vessel's actual draft;

• visual observations;

• echo sounder data;

• local regulations.

Autorouting and automatic guidance functions should likewise be considered planning tools rather than substitutes for proper watchkeeping and navigator decision-making.

Conclusion

The Navionics digital marine chart on SD / microSD is an electronic charting solution suitable for many navigation applications, including coastal cruising, offshore cruising, fishing and route planning on compatible chartplotters.

Depending on the range and chart reference, it can include detailed marine cartography, SonarChart HD bathymetric data, automatic route guidance, tide and current information and, with premium versions, features such as shaded underwater relief, satellite imagery and 3D views.

Selecting a Navionics chart on microSD should primarily take into account the geographical area, the exact chartplotter model and the features required. The appropriate reference is the one that matches both the planned navigation area and the navigation system installed on board.

FAQ – Navionics Digital Marine Charts

What is a Navionics digital marine chart?

It is an electronic marine chart designed for use with a compatible GPS, chartplotter or navigation system. It can display coastlines, depths, soundings, hazards, navigation aids, ports and other marine information.

Is a Navionics chart available on microSD?

Yes. Many Navionics charts are supplied on microSD or SD cards, depending on the product, geographical area and compatible navigation equipment.

Does a Navionics microSD card work with every GPS?

No. Compatibility depends on the exact chartplotter model, its generation and the Navionics product being used. Compatibility should be checked before use.

What is the difference between Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+?

Navionics+ provides detailed marine charting and features such as SonarChart HD. Platinum+ adds premium features such as high-resolution shaded relief, satellite imagery and 3D views, depending on the geographical area and compatible equipment.

What is SonarChart HD?

SonarChart is high-definition bathymetric charting designed to show variations in depth in greater detail in covered areas.

Does a Navionics chart show depths?

Yes. Navionics charts include depth information and soundings. The amount and level of detail depend on the geographical area and product.

Does a Navionics chart replace an echo sounder?

No. Charted bathymetry and real-time depth measurements from an echo sounder are different and complementary sources of information.

Can a Navionics chart calculate a route automatically?

Certain product ranges and compatible navigation systems provide automatic route guidance or route calculation features. These functions are designed to assist route planning and must be checked by the navigator.

Are Navionics charts suitable for sailing yachts?

Yes, when used with a compatible chartplotter. They can be used for coastal navigation, route planning and monitoring a planned passage.

Are Navionics charts suitable for motorboats?

Yes. They can be used on motorboats equipped with compatible navigation systems.

What area does a Navionics marine chart cover?

Coverage depends on the individual chart reference. Some charts cover a coastal region or several countries, while others cover much larger maritime areas. The exact coverage should always be checked for the selected reference.

Does a Navionics chart cover the entire Mediterranean?

It depends on the reference selected. Navionics products are available for different geographical areas, and the exact coverage limits of the relevant reference should be checked.

Can Navionics charts be updated?

Yes. Current Navionics+ and Platinum+ products have an update system associated with a subscription period. The exact terms depend on the product.

How long are Navionics updates available?

Current products generally include an initial one-year update period, subject to the applicable product conditions. Garmin indicates access to daily updates during this period for the relevant chart products.

How do I choose a Navionics marine chart on microSD?

Check the geographical area, exact chartplotter model, Navionics compatibility, card format and required features.

Can a Navionics chart be used on a computer?

Some applications and navigation software are compatible with Navionics data, but a chart designed for a marine chartplotter should not be assumed to be automatically compatible with a computer. Compatibility depends on the software and product.

Does a Navionics chart replace official nautical charts and information?

No. It is an electronic navigation tool and should be used together with the official nautical, regulatory and weather information required for navigation.