Navionics announced the latest advancements of its community-sourced charting initiative, SonarCharts. SonarCharts leverages the logging function on the sonar units used by Navionics’ extensive community – currently submitting hundreds of thousands of charting improvements per year. Available on Navionics Platinum and new Navionics+, SonarCharts is a separate high-density bathymetric layer that can be easily toggled on and off depending on user preference. Whether boating, sailing or fishing, users can upload their sonar logs to Navionics and reveal incredible bottom detail that builds even better local charts for their area.
Gathering can be done anywhere with the basic sonar equipment most boaters already own. Uploaded data is processed by Navionics and integrated with other data sources including official chart updates and sonar logs from other boaters. The SonarCharts layer is downloaded with Freshest Data, which also includes updated Nautical Charts and Community Edits, available free for a year with most chart purchases. SonarCharts is viewable on Humminbird, Raymarine, Lowrance and Simrad Yachting chartplotters. Navionics customers who own Navionics Gold, Silver, HotMaps Premium, and Marine & Lakes USA can access SonarCharts for only $99 by using the new Navionics Updates chip.
A step forward in the collection and propagation of reliable bathymetric data in both fresh and saltwater environments, all Navionics users who have access to a sonar device can contribute content that enriches SonarCharts as well as the boating experience of all members of the Navionics Community. Individual sonar logs can be uploaded online at navionics.com. Updated and revised charts are made available in as little as 24 hours.
Navionics SonarCharts functionality is free to all users of existing Navionics charts that are eligible for Freshest Data, and included at no cost with eligible new chart purchases. SonarCharts will be available soon for Navionics Mobile apps and WebApp.
www.navionics.com