C-MAP REVEAL on SD / microSD Card

Introduction

The C-MAP REVEAL on SD / microSD card is a digital marine chart designed for navigation equipment compatible with C-MAP. It combines detailed vector charting with additional information designed to provide a clearer view of the seabed, coastlines, ports and surrounding navigation environment.

The C-MAP REVEAL range is particularly distinguished by its shaded relief, high-resolution bathymetry, satellite imagery, aerial photography and detailed marina plans. Depending on the area and chart reference, it may also include tidal and current information as well as various route-planning features.

The chart is designed for use with a marine GPS, chartplotter or compatible navigation system. Compatibility nevertheless depends on the exact chart reference and navigation equipment model. C-MAP lists compatibility with various generations of B&G, Simrad and Lowrance chartplotters for the REVEAL range.

What is a C-MAP REVEAL digital marine chart?

C-MAP REVEAL is a range of digital marine charts based on detailed vector charts combined with several information layers designed to improve the interpretation of the marine environment.

Vector charts allow different types of chart information to be displayed and selected dynamically on the chartplotter screen. The chart data is derived in particular from information supplied by official hydrographic authorities.

Depending on the coverage and available data, a REVEAL chart may display:

• coastlines and islands;

• depths and soundings;

• bathymetric contours;

• channels and passages;

• ports and marinas;

• navigational aids;

• charted hazards;

• detailed marina plans;

• high-resolution bathymetric data;

• shaded relief of the seabed;

• satellite imagery;

• aerial photographs of selected areas.

This combination provides a richer representation of the navigation area than conventional chart display alone.

C-MAP REVEAL shaded relief

One of the main characteristics of C-MAP REVEAL is its shaded relief.

This representation displays underwater relief variations graphically, providing a more immediate perception of the shape and structure of the seabed.

For the navigator, this can be particularly useful for understanding the general configuration of an area, including:

• underwater slopes;

• changes in depth;

• shoals;

• depressions;

• variations in seabed relief;

• areas with significant changes in slope.

C-MAP indicates that certain areas also benefit from very high-resolution bathymetric data integrated into the shaded relief.

Example: analysing a coastal area

A boat approaching a coastline can use the relief display to better understand the seabed configuration around its intended route.

Shaded relief does not replace the soundings and nautical information required for navigation, but it provides an additional visual representation that can make the area easier to interpret.

High-resolution bathymetry

C-MAP high-resolution bathymetry is another important feature of REVEAL.

It allows particularly detailed depth contours to be displayed. C-MAP states that this layer can help identify shallow areas, changes in slope, shoals and different seabed features through detailed bathymetric contours.

This information can be useful for:

• analysing the depth of an area;

• identifying changes in seabed configuration;

• planning a route;

• locating shallower areas;

• studying fishing areas;

• understanding underwater topography.

It is important, however, to distinguish bathymetric chart data from measurements made in real time by an echo sounder. A digital chart displays charted data, while the echo sounder measures the depth directly beneath the vessel at the time of navigation.

Custom depth shading

C-MAP REVEAL also allows, depending on the navigation equipment and available functions, the depth display to be customised.

Custom depth shading can be used to define a safety depth or adapt the chart's graphical representation to the navigator's requirements.

This can be particularly useful for a vessel whose draft requires special attention.

For example, a boater may want to immediately identify areas where the depth is below a predefined threshold suitable for the vessel.

The exact configuration of this feature depends on the chartplotter and the functions supported by the charting system.

Satellite imagery and aerial photography

The C-MAP REVEAL range also includes satellite imagery, providing additional visual information about the surrounding environment.

This imagery can be useful when navigating in an unfamiliar area. It may provide additional visual information about:

• coastline contours;

• certain harbour areas;

• coastal infrastructure;

• the surroundings of selected marinas;

• the immediate environment of a navigation area.

REVEAL also includes aerial photography of selected ports, anchorages and other areas of interest to boaters.

This information should nevertheless be considered complementary to the chart data and should not be interpreted as an additional official nautical chart representation.

Detailed marina and harbour plans

Detailed marina plans are a particularly useful feature for boaters who regularly visit different ports.

C-MAP states that REVEAL includes detailed plans for thousands of marinas, including berth layouts, selected restricted areas and other information useful when approaching and entering a marina.

Example: entering an unfamiliar marina

A boater arriving at a marina for the first time can use the charting system to prepare the approach before entering the harbour.

The navigator can examine:

• the overall harbour layout;

• access routes;

• navigation areas;

• the marina configuration;

• the different areas represented on the plan.

This preparation can be particularly useful when entering an unfamiliar harbour or when the entrance requires particular attention.

Using C-MAP REVEAL to plan a voyage

The range of available chart layers means that REVEAL can be used both during navigation and during the planning stage.

Before departure, the navigator can, for example:

1. define the intended route;

2. identify the different stages;

3. examine coastlines and islands;

4. analyse depths;

5. study the underwater relief;

6. identify ports and marinas;

7. prepare waypoints;

8. check different route options.

C-MAP's Easy Routing function can also assist with automatic route planning by taking chart data and the vessel's specified characteristics into account. C-MAP states that this feature is available without a subscription on its REVEAL charts.

Tides and currents

On REVEAL Coastal charts, information relating to tides and currents may be available.

This data can provide predictions concerning water levels and tidal current direction, helping the navigator plan a voyage. C-MAP states that this functionality is available with Coastal charts.

It can be particularly useful for:

• planning a harbour entrance or departure;

• organising coastal navigation;

• anticipating changes in water level;

• taking tidal currents into account when planning a route.

This information should naturally be considered alongside official nautical data and actual conditions encountered during navigation.

C-MAP REVEAL on SD or microSD card

Depending on the specific reference, the chart may be supplied on an SD or microSD card.

It is important not to confuse the physical card format with electronic compatibility. An SD or microSD card reader does not automatically mean that a chartplotter can use a REVEAL chart.

Before selecting a chart reference, it is therefore advisable to check:

• the chartplotter brand;

• the exact model;

• the equipment generation;

• compatibility with C-MAP REVEAL;

• the supported SD or microSD format;

• the exact chart reference;

• the geographical area covered.

C-MAP recommends checking REVEAL compatibility with the chartplotter being used.

Updating C-MAP REVEAL charts

C-MAP states that registered REVEAL charts benefit from 12 months of free online updates.

Updates are important for keeping digital chart information as current as possible, particularly where charted information changes over time.

The registration procedure and applicable conditions depend on the product and the C-MAP ecosystem being used.

C-MAP REVEAL for sailing yachts and motorboats

REVEAL charting can support different types of navigation, provided that the electronic navigation system is compatible.

For sailing yachts

It can be used for:

• coastal navigation;

• cruising between several ports;

• route planning;

• marina approaches;

• seabed analysis;

• navigation around islands and archipelagos.

For motorboats

It can support:

• coastal trips;

• navigation between ports;

• cruising;

• route planning;

• approaches to unfamiliar ports;

• analysis of depths and underwater relief.

The digital chart obviously does not replace the other navigation equipment and information required onboard.

C-MAP REVEAL and official charting

C-MAP states that its full vector charts use information from official hydrographic offices. The REVEAL range also offers an ENC charting option, allowing users to view a representation of official charts produced by national hydrographic authorities in areas where this option is available.

C-MAP specifies that this representation cannot be used in an IMO-approved ECDIS.

It is therefore important to clearly distinguish recreational electronic charting from regulated professional charting intended for systems meeting specific standards.

Digital charting does not replace nautical information

Even with particularly detailed charting, an electronic chartplotter should not be considered the only source of information onboard.

Navigation should also take into account:

• official nautical information;

• available chart updates;

• Notices to Mariners;

• weather conditions;

• tides and currents;

• vessel draft;

• observations made during navigation.

Bathymetric data, satellite imagery and shaded relief are complementary tools and should be interpreted in context.

Conclusion

The C-MAP REVEAL on SD / microSD card is a feature-rich digital marine charting solution. It combines detailed vector charts, shaded relief, high-resolution bathymetry, satellite imagery, aerial photography and detailed marina plans.

It can be used to plan a voyage, follow a route, analyse depths, study underwater relief, prepare a harbour approach or navigate in an unfamiliar area.

Choosing a C-MAP REVEAL chart should nevertheless always be based on the geographical area, exact chart reference and compatibility with the GPS or chartplotter being used. The SD or microSD format alone does not guarantee compatibility.

FAQ – C-MAP REVEAL on SD / microSD Card

What is a C-MAP REVEAL marine chart?

It is a C-MAP digital marine chart that combines vector charting with several information layers, including shaded relief, high-resolution bathymetry, satellite imagery and detailed marina plans.

What is a C-MAP REVEAL chart used for?

It can be used to display marine charting on a compatible chartplotter, monitor the vessel's position, plan routes and analyse the seabed and coastal environment.

What makes C-MAP REVEAL different?

REVEAL is particularly distinguished by its shaded relief, high-resolution bathymetry, satellite imagery and detailed marina plans.

Does C-MAP REVEAL display depths?

Yes. Depending on the area and available data, the chart can display soundings, depths and high-resolution bathymetric information.

What is C-MAP REVEAL shaded relief?

Shaded relief is a graphical representation of underwater relief that makes it easier to visualise the shape and variations of the seabed.

Does C-MAP REVEAL include high-resolution bathymetry?

Yes. The REVEAL range includes a high-resolution bathymetric layer that can provide a more detailed representation of underwater relief.

Does C-MAP REVEAL work on SD or microSD cards?

Depending on the chart reference, the chart may be supplied on an SD or microSD card. The card format supported by the navigation equipment must be checked.

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

No. Compatibility depends on the chartplotter model and generation as well as the specific chart reference. C-MAP lists REVEAL compatibility with selected B&G, Simrad and Lowrance chartplotters.

Does C-MAP REVEAL include satellite imagery?

Yes. REVEAL charts include a satellite imagery layer that provides additional visual information about the surrounding environment.

Does C-MAP REVEAL provide harbour and marina plans?

Yes. REVEAL includes detailed plans of numerous marinas, with information useful for approaching and entering these facilities.

Does C-MAP REVEAL display tides and currents?

Tide and current functions are available with REVEAL Coastal charts, depending on the area and available features.

Is C-MAP REVEAL suitable for sailing yachts?

Yes, provided that the chartplotter being used is compatible. It can support coastal navigation, cruising, route planning and marina approaches.

Is C-MAP REVEAL suitable for motorboats?

Yes, subject to compatibility with the navigation system. It can be used for coastal navigation, cruising and route planning.

Is C-MAP REVEAL suitable for coastal navigation?

Yes. Its chart data, bathymetric information and marina information can be particularly useful for coastal navigation.

Are C-MAP REVEAL depths measured in real time?

No. Charted depths correspond to the available chart data. They are different from the depth measured directly beneath the boat by an echo sounder.

Does C-MAP REVEAL replace an official marine chart?

It is digital charting designed for compatible navigation equipment. It does not remove the need to consult official nautical information and the relevant updates required for navigation.

Can C-MAP REVEAL be used on a professional ECDIS?

The ENC charting option available within REVEAL should not be confused with charting intended for an IMO-approved ECDIS. C-MAP specifies that this option cannot be used in such a system.

Do C-MAP REVEAL charts receive updates?

C-MAP states that registered REVEAL products receive 12 months of free online updates.

How do I choose the right C-MAP REVEAL chart?

Check the required geographical area, the exact chart reference, the chartplotter model, its compatibility with C-MAP REVEAL and the SD or microSD format supported by the equipment.