Navionics+ Large on SD / microSD Card

The Navionics+ Large digital marine chart on an SD / microSD card is electronic chartography designed for compatible marine GPS systems and chartplotters. It is particularly suited to boaters looking for extensive geographical coverage for coastal navigation, cruising, fishing or navigation across several areas.

The Navionics+ range combines detailed marine charting with additional features such as SonarChart HD, Dock-to-Dock Autorouting, Community Edits, SonarChart Live and various chart display customization options. The functions actually available depend on the chartplotter model, its software and the specific chart reference being used.

What is a Navionics+ Large chart?

A Navionics+ Large is a digital marine chart providing extensive geographical coverage on an SD or microSD card. The term “Large” refers to a category of chart coverage and not to a specific physical card format.

Depending on the reference, the chart may include a wide range of useful navigation information:

• coastlines and land contours;

• soundings and depths;

• bathymetric contours;

• channels and navigable areas;

• ports and marinas;

• navigation aids;

• hazards and obstacles;

• wrecks and other charted objects;

• tide and current information;

• SonarChart HD bathymetric data;

• additional information from Community Edits, depending on the equipment and available functions.

The exact coverage always depends on the Navionics+ Large reference selected. A chart described as Large therefore does not automatically mean that it covers all seas or countries. The geographical area corresponding to the selected reference must always be checked.

What is a Navionics+ Large digital marine chart used for?

A Navionics+ Large chart is particularly suitable when the navigation area extends beyond a small local sailing area.

For example, a boater who regularly sails between several coastal areas may want chart coverage that provides sufficient geographical continuity on the chartplotter. Similarly, a cruising boat making several passages along a coastline may benefit from broader coverage than a strictly local chart.

The digital chart can then be used to plan routes, identify ports and marinas, view depths and obtain a detailed representation of the navigation area on the chartplotter screen.

It can be used for:

• coastal navigation;

• sailing cruises;

• powerboat navigation;

• fishing;

• passages between several ports or coastal areas;

• route planning;

• studying seabed characteristics and bathymetry in covered areas.

Navionics+ and SonarChart HD bathymetry

One of the important features of Navionics+ is the integration of SonarChart, high-definition bathymetric charting available in covered areas.

SonarChart HD displays more detailed depth contours and provides a more precise representation of underwater terrain. Depending on the available data and geographical area, Garmin indicates that some chartography can display depth contours down to 1 foot.

This information can be particularly useful for fishing, anchoring or studying coastal areas. However, it must be interpreted carefully: a digital chart is not an instantaneous measurement of the depth beneath the boat.

Actual depth can vary with tides, water levels, weather conditions, changes in the seabed and local conditions. The boat's draft and appropriate safety margins must therefore always be taken into account.

Dock-to-Dock Autorouting

Navionics+ also offers Dock-to-Dock Autorouting on compatible equipment. This feature can automatically calculate a route between a departure point and a destination using chart data and boat parameters.

This function is particularly useful for quickly planning a route between two ports or navigation points.

However, it should not be regarded as a definitive navigation route. Garmin states that Dock-to-Dock Autorouting is intended for planning and does not replace prudent navigation. The navigator must check the proposed route, particularly depths, hazards, restricted areas, channels, obstacles and local conditions.

SonarChart Live and chart customization

Depending on the compatible chartplotter, Navionics+ may also provide access to SonarChart Live. This feature can generate bathymetric charting from data recorded by the boat's sounder.

This can be useful for a navigator who wants to observe seabed characteristics more precisely in a frequently visited area or supplement the available chart data. However, the functions available depend on the equipment and its compatibility with Navionics.

Navionics+ also provides various display options for changing the way chart information is presented and highlighting certain depth ranges or navigation information.

Navionics+ chart updates

Marine charting is regularly updated. New information may be incorporated concerning depths, navigation aids, port facilities, docks, coastlines and other charted features.

Garmin states that Navionics+ charts receive daily updates and that data can come from various sources, including public data, surveys, Notices to Mariners and user contributions.

Navionics+ charts include an initial subscription period providing access to updates and certain features. The exact terms may vary depending on the product and chart generation, so the conditions applicable to the specific reference should always be checked.

SD or microSD: what is the difference?

Navionics+ charts can be supplied on SD or microSD cards depending on the reference and equipment.

The physical card format alone does not determine compatibility. A chartplotter equipped with a microSD slot is not necessarily compatible with every Navionics chart.

Before choosing a Navionics+ Large chart, you should check:

• the exact make and model of the chartplotter;

• the hardware generation;

• the accepted card format, SD or microSD;

• the chartplotter software version;

• compatibility with Navionics+ charts;

• the exact chart reference;

• the geographical coverage.

Garmin publishes detailed compatibility documentation by chartplotter manufacturer and model. It distinguishes, in particular, equipment compatible with Navionics+ Regular/Large and the functions available on each device. Garmin also recommends keeping the chartplotter software up to date for optimum performance.

Navionics+ Large and chartplotter compatibility

Compatibility is therefore an essential consideration when choosing a digital marine chart.

Navionics+ charts intended for third-party chartplotters can be compatible with certain B&G, Raymarine, Furuno and other manufacturers' models, but compatibility varies according to the series and available functions.

It is also important to avoid confusing Navionics+ charts for compatible third-party chartplotters with Garmin Navionics+. Garmin charts and products intended for Garmin chartplotters are not necessarily the same as Navionics+ charts intended for other brands. Garmin's documentation clearly distinguishes these ranges and their respective compatibility.

Example of use: coastal navigation

Consider a sailing yacht undertaking a cruise along a long stretch of coastline.

The navigator can use the Navionics+ Large chart to plan the route, identify available ports, view depths, locate charted hazards and study different areas before leaving port.

During the passage, the chartplotter can then be used to monitor the vessel's position on the digital chart.

The benefit of Large coverage becomes particularly apparent when the route crosses several geographical areas. The navigator can maintain continuous chart coverage without changing chart areas at every stage, provided that the selected reference actually covers the entire planned route.

Example of use: fishing and studying the seabed

For fishing, bathymetric information can provide a useful complement to standard marine charting.

Depth contours and SonarChart HD data can help visualize changes in underwater terrain. Combined with the boat's sounder data, they can help identify and study potential fishing areas.

However, chartography should not be used alone to determine actual depth or whether an area is safe to navigate. The sounder, tide corrections, official nautical information and observation of local conditions remain essential.

Who is Navionics+ Large suitable for?

Navionics+ Large digital charting can meet the needs of different types of boaters:

• recreational boaters looking for extensive regional coverage;

• cruising sailboat owners;

• powerboat users;

• anglers using a compatible chartplotter;

• navigators undertaking coastal passages across several areas;

• users looking for detailed bathymetric data;

• navigators planning routes directly on their chartplotter.

The choice primarily depends on the actual navigation area and the equipment installed on board.

What should you check before choosing a Navionics+ Large chart?

To avoid selecting the wrong reference, it is recommended to proceed methodically:

1. Identify the exact make and model of the GPS or chartplotter.

2. Check compatibility with Navionics+.

3. Determine the card format accepted by the equipment.

4. Define the intended navigation area precisely.

5. Check the geographical coverage of the Large reference.

6. Check which functions are available on the chartplotter model.

7. Check the conditions applicable to chart updates.

8. Make sure the chartplotter software is up to date.

This verification is particularly important for older chartplotters, whose capabilities may differ from those of newer generations.

Digital charting does not replace traditional navigation

Even highly detailed, an electronic chart remains a navigation aid.

The navigator should continue to consult official nautical information, Notices to Mariners, weather data, tide and current information, and all documentation required for the type of navigation being undertaken.

Automatic routing functions should also be checked before use. A route calculated by software depends on the available data, boat parameters and functions supported by the chartplotter.

Electronic navigation is therefore a particularly useful tool for planning and monitoring a voyage, but it does not relieve the navigator of the responsibility to assess the situation and make appropriate decisions on board.

Navionics+ Large on SD / microSD: key points

The Navionics+ Large digital marine chart combines extensive geographical coverage with a range of charting functions designed for compatible chartplotters. It can provide detailed information about coastlines, depths, soundings, ports, marinas, hazards, navigation aids and underwater terrain.

Its main characteristics can be summarized as follows:

• Navionics+ digital marine charting;

• Large geographical coverage depending on the reference;

• SD or microSD format depending on the product;

• compatibility with certain marine GPS systems and chartplotters;

• SonarChart HD bathymetry;

• Dock-to-Dock Autorouting on compatible equipment;

• SonarChart Live on certain systems;

• Community Edits depending on the equipment;

• chart updates during the applicable subscription period;

• use for coastal navigation, cruising and fishing.

The key point is to select the correct chart reference according to the intended navigation area and the exact chartplotter model.

Conclusion

Navionics+ Large on an SD / microSD card is a digital marine charting solution designed for navigators looking for extensive geographical coverage and detailed information on a compatible GPS or chartplotter. With marine charting, SonarChart HD, Dock-to-Dock Autorouting and the update and customization options available depending on the equipment, Navionics+ provides a set of tools suitable for a wide range of navigation applications.

The choice of a Navionics+ Large chart should nevertheless always begin with two checks: the geographical area covered by the reference and exact compatibility with the chartplotter being used. These two criteria are essential for ensuring that the chart is appropriate for the planned navigation.

FAQ – Navionics+ Large on SD / microSD

What is a Navionics+ Large chart?

Navionics+ Large is a digital marine chart offering extensive geographical coverage. Depending on the reference, it is available on an SD or microSD card and is intended for compatible GPS systems and chartplotters.

What is the difference between Navionics+ Regular and Navionics+ Large?

The main difference concerns the geographical coverage provided by the reference. Large corresponds to broader coverage, but it does not automatically mean worldwide coverage. The area covered by each reference should always be checked.

Does a Navionics+ Large chart work with all marine GPS systems?

No. Compatibility depends on the manufacturer, model, hardware generation, accepted card format and installed software. Exact compatibility should be checked before selecting a chart.

Does a Navionics microSD chart work on a smartphone or tablet?

A Navionics+ chart on microSD is intended for compatible navigation equipment. Navionics applications use a different system and should not be confused with physical chart cards designed for chartplotters.

What information is included in a Navionics+ chart?

Depending on the area and reference, it can include coastlines, depths, soundings, bathymetric contours, ports, marinas, navigation aids, hazards, wrecks, tides and currents, as well as various additional charting information.

What is SonarChart HD?

SonarChart HD is high-definition bathymetric charting that displays detailed depth contours in covered areas. It complements chart data and measurements obtained from the boat's sounder.

Can Navionics+ Large calculate a route automatically?

On compatible equipment, Dock-to-Dock Autorouting can propose a route between two points. This function is intended for planning, and the proposed route must be checked by the navigator before use.

Are Navionics+ charts updated?

Yes. Navionics+ provides chart updates during the applicable subscription period. Garmin states that chart data can be updated daily.

Is Navionics+ Large suitable for coastal navigation?

Yes. It can be used for coastal navigation, cruising and fishing, provided that the area is covered and the chartplotter is compatible.

Does Navionics+ Large replace a paper chart or official nautical information?

No. Electronic charting is a navigation aid. It should be used together with official nautical information, weather data, Notices to Mariners and other sources required for safe navigation.