C-MAP REVEAL X on SD / microSD Card

Introduction

The C-MAP REVEAL X on SD / microSD card is a next-generation digital marine chart designed for compatible navigation systems. It combines detailed vector cartography with advanced bathymetric features, underwater relief representation and navigation assistance functions.

The REVEAL X range belongs to C-MAP's new generation of X charts, designed in particular for compatible Simrad and B&G chartplotters and navigation systems supported by C-MAP. It provides dynamic chart presentation, day and night modes, high-resolution bathymetry and an inspection tool that provides quick access to chart information.

REVEAL X builds on the functionality of the DISCOVER X range and adds specific layers, including REVEAL shaded relief and satellite imagery overlays. Depending on the chart reference and geographical area, additional layers may also be available.

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What is a C-MAP REVEAL X marine chart?

A C-MAP REVEAL X marine chart is an electronic navigation chart designed for use with compatible navigation equipment. It is supplied on an SD or microSD card, depending on the reference, and must be used with a compatible chartplotter or navigation system.

Vector charting allows information to be displayed at different zoom levels while maintaining a presentation suitable for navigation. Depending on the geographical area, the chart may include:

• coastlines and islands;

• depths and soundings;

• bathymetric contours;

• channels and navigation areas;

• charted hazards and obstructions;

• navigation aids;

• ports and harbour approaches;

• detailed marina plans;

• tidal and current information;

• high-resolution bathymetric data;

• shaded underwater relief;

• satellite imagery;

• additional information about the seabed.

Not all features or layers are necessarily available in every region. The content depends on the specific chart reference and geographical coverage.

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Next-generation digital marine charting

One of the key features of REVEAL X is its dynamic chart presentation. C-MAP states that the X generation benefits from a chart display designed to remain clear at different zoom levels.

The Chart Inspection tool also provides quick access to information relating to a specific location, such as chart data, points of interest, channels, tides or other information available for the area.

REVEAL X charts also provide day and night modes, designed to improve screen readability according to lighting and navigation conditions.

This is particularly useful on modern multifunction chartplotters, where the chart must remain easy to read while providing access to a large amount of navigational information.

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High-resolution bathymetry and underwater relief

High-resolution bathymetry is an important feature of C-MAP REVEAL X charts.

It provides a more detailed representation of the seabed, including variations in depth, slopes, shoals, drop-offs and other underwater structures where the relevant data are available.

REVEAL X adds REVEAL shaded relief to this bathymetric information. This graphical representation provides a more immediate visual understanding of seabed morphology, particularly when identifying variations in underwater relief or structures.

This feature can be particularly useful for boaters who also fish, as relief mapping can help identify underwater structures that may be of interest.

However, it is important to distinguish between charted depth and a depth measurement obtained in real time from the vessel's echo sounder. Electronic charts represent available hydrographic and bathymetric data for a particular area; they do not directly measure the depth beneath the boat as it navigates.

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Custom depth shading

C-MAP REVEAL X charts also provide custom depth shading.

The navigator can define a safety depth and adjust the graphical representation of different depth ranges. This makes it easier to identify areas corresponding to particular depth levels at a glance.

For a sailing yacht with significant draft, for example, this representation can help the navigator identify areas approaching critical depths when planning a coastal route.

For a motorboat operating in shallow water, the same function can help highlight areas requiring particular attention.

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Satellite imagery and shaded relief: REVEAL X features

Compared with DISCOVER X, REVEAL X adds specific chart layers.

The first is a satellite imagery overlay, which provides an aerial representation alongside the marine chart. This can be useful for understanding the environment around a coastline, island, bay or harbour where this coverage is available.

The second is REVEAL shaded relief, which provides a graphical representation of underwater terrain.

C-MAP also identifies vegetation and seabed hardness layers for REVEAL X, with availability varying depending on the region.

These features do not replace official nautical information. They are complementary layers designed to provide a better understanding of the marine environment.

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Ports, marinas and coastal navigation

A digital marine chart is not simply a graphical representation of the coastline.

C-MAP REVEAL X includes detailed information about ports and harbour approaches, as well as detailed marina plans in covered areas.

This information can be particularly useful when planning a coastal cruise with several stopovers.

Example

A sailing yacht is planning a multi-day cruise along a coastline. The navigator can use the chart to:

• plan the different stages of the cruise;

• identify suitable ports;

• examine harbour approaches;

• analyse available depths;

• prepare waypoints;

• check channels;

• consult available marina information;

• prepare a route appropriate to the vessel's draft.

The chart therefore becomes a navigation planning and monitoring tool rather than simply a graphical representation of the coast.

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Tides, currents and autorouting

C-MAP X charts also include tide and current information, depending on the data available for the relevant area.

These data can be used when planning coastal navigation and taking changing water levels and currents into account.

REVEAL X also provides an autorouting function without a subscription. This can automatically calculate a route using chart data and the vessel characteristics entered by the user.

Autorouting remains a navigation planning aid. The calculated route must be checked by the navigator against the vessel's draft, hazards, local regulations, weather conditions and available nautical information.

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C-MAP REVEAL X chart: compatibility is essential

The fact that a chart is supplied on an SD or microSD card does not mean that it will work with every card reader or every marine GPS.

C-MAP states that the X generation is designed for compatible equipment, including certain Simrad and B&G systems.

Before choosing a REVEAL X chart, it is therefore important to check:

• the chartplotter manufacturer;

• the exact GPS or multifunction display model;

• compatibility with C-MAP REVEAL X;

• the equipment's software or firmware version;

• the supported SD or microSD format;

• the exact chart reference;

• the geographical area covered;

• the features available in that area.

Compatibility should be checked using the exact chartplotter model, rather than simply assuming that the presence of an SD or microSD card slot guarantees compatibility.

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12 months of free updates

C-MAP states that registered REVEAL X charts benefit from 12 months of free online updates, subject to the applicable registration conditions.

This allows users to keep their chart data updated during this period and is an important consideration for regular users.

The exact conditions for accessing updates should be checked when registering the product, particularly in relation to the purchase date and the status of the specific chart reference.

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Which boats are C-MAP REVEAL X charts suitable for?

A C-MAP REVEAL X digital marine chart can be used in a wide range of coastal navigation situations, provided that the navigation equipment is compatible.

It can be suitable for:

• cruising sailing yachts;

• motorboats;

• powerboats and yachts;

• coastal cruising;

• anglers using a compatible chartplotter;

• boats undertaking cruises with multiple stopovers.

It is particularly interesting when the navigator wants to combine vector charting, high-resolution bathymetry, underwater shaded relief and satellite imagery within the same navigation system.

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How to choose a C-MAP REVEAL X chart

Choosing a REVEAL X chart should begin with the intended navigation area, followed by checking equipment compatibility.

It is advisable to check:

1. The geographical area: each chart reference covers a defined region.

2. The chartplotter model: verify compatibility with C-MAP X.

3. The format: SD or microSD, depending on the reference.

4. The coverage: identify the coastlines, islands, ports and areas actually included.

5. Available features: bathymetry, shaded relief, satellite imagery, tides and currents, etc.

6. Updates: check the conditions applicable to the 12 months of free updates.

7. Intended use: coastal navigation, cruising, fishing, route planning or regular navigation in a defined area.

A REVEAL X chart should therefore not be selected based solely on its product name: geographical coverage and chartplotter compatibility are fundamental criteria.

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C-MAP REVEAL X and electronic navigation

Electronic charting provides the navigator with a substantial amount of information, but it does not replace all the other sources required for safe navigation.

Chart information should be interpreted in conjunction with:

• weather conditions;

• navigational warnings;

• official nautical information;

• changing water levels;

• vessel draft;

• currents;

• visual observations;

• echo sounder data;

• local regulations.

Electronic charting is therefore an important navigation planning and monitoring tool, but it should be used as part of a comprehensive navigation process.

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Conclusion

The C-MAP REVEAL X on SD / microSD card represents a recent generation of C-MAP digital marine charting designed for compatible navigation equipment. It combines vector charting, high-resolution bathymetry, custom depth shading, tide and current information, detailed port information and autorouting functions.

Its distinctive features include the REVEAL underwater shaded relief and satellite imagery overlay, together with additional layers available in certain regions.

When selecting a C-MAP REVEAL X chart, the two essential criteria remain the geographical coverage and exact compatibility with the GPS or multifunction chartplotter being used.

FAQ – C-MAP REVEAL X on SD / microSD Card

What is a C-MAP REVEAL X chart?

It is a next-generation C-MAP digital marine chart designed for compatible navigation equipment. It combines vector charting with extensive navigation data and advanced bathymetric, underwater relief and satellite imagery features.

What is the difference between C-MAP REVEAL X and DISCOVER X?

REVEAL X includes the main features of DISCOVER X while adding REVEAL shaded relief and satellite imagery overlays. Additional layers, such as vegetation and seabed hardness, are also available on REVEAL X in certain areas.

Does a C-MAP REVEAL X chart work with every marine GPS?

No. It requires equipment compatible with the C-MAP X generation. The exact chartplotter model should be checked before selecting a chart.

Is C-MAP REVEAL X available on microSD?

Yes. C-MAP REVEAL X references are supplied on microSD cards for certain areas and references.

What does “REVEAL X” mean?

REVEAL X identifies the X generation of C-MAP REVEAL charts. The “X” refers to this generation and its specific features; it does not represent a universal geographical coverage size.

Does C-MAP REVEAL X show depths?

Yes. REVEAL X charts include depth information and high-resolution bathymetry where the relevant data are available.

What is REVEAL shaded relief?

It is a graphical representation of underwater terrain that helps visualise variations in depth and underwater structures.

Does C-MAP REVEAL X provide satellite imagery?

Yes. Satellite imagery overlays are one of the specific features of REVEAL X, with availability depending on the charted area.

Does C-MAP REVEAL X display tides and currents?

Yes. The REVEAL X generation includes tide and current information where the relevant data are available for the area.

Can C-MAP REVEAL X automatically calculate a route?

Yes. C-MAP provides an autorouting function without a subscription on X-generation charts. It can calculate a route using chart data and the vessel characteristics entered by the user.

Are C-MAP REVEAL X charts suitable for fishing?

They can be particularly useful for fishing because of their high-resolution bathymetry, custom depth shading and REVEAL shaded relief. Data availability and detail depend on the geographical area.

Do C-MAP REVEAL X charts replace an echo sounder?

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

How long are updates free?

C-MAP states that registered products benefit from 12 months of free updates, subject to the applicable registration conditions.

How do I choose the correct C-MAP REVEAL X chart?

Check the geographical coverage of the reference, the exact chartplotter model, its compatibility with C-MAP X and the required SD or microSD format.

Does a C-MAP REVEAL X chart automatically cover an entire sea?

No. Coverage depends on the individual chart reference. Some charts cover a coastal region, several countries or a larger maritime area. The exact coverage of the reference should always be checked.

Does a C-MAP REVEAL X chart replace official nautical information?

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