A marine chartplotter is a handheld or stationary electronic device used in marine navigation integrating GPS data with an electronic navigational chart.It has the capabilities to read rate of speed, and other features from the radar readings. There are several different styles and models, with each its own different extra fuctions and different display screens.

Marine Chartplotters give you the navigational tools needed to know where you are, and gives you the security and comfort of knowing you will arrive at your destination. Using calculations based on speed, time, and direction or a sextant reading, you would track the boat’s direction by using a compass and speed to continue to know the boat’s direction of course.The chartplotters purpose is to give routes, maps, and give the boat’s exact position on a nautical diagram, showing your position in reference to hazards, points of land, and everything else on the chart. A chartplotter also runs different navigational programs which were created to help you get to your desired destination without flaw. They have several different basic functions. They are able to chart a destiantion route, using a straight line.The screen can also tell you everything you need to know from where to go, how far you will be traveling, and how long until you reach your destination, based on your current rate of speed, and many other things. It will also provide you with your heading, the direction that you are currently moving in and if by chance there is a current or the wind is carrying you off course you may not be moving in a straight line to your desired destination.

When choosing a route, the marine chartplotter uses waypoints. Waypoints are collected into a route, and the chartplotter makes it easy to simply follow along from one point to the next. Similiar to waypoints, the chartplotter keeps you informed of the distance to go and the estimated time remaining. Diffrent chartplotters offer different features, one may be able to plan and coordinate their entire route from the comfort of your home, than transfer the information to be fully prepared. The computer does all the work for you rather than you navigating everything out on paper, saving you the work.

This type of equipment allows the owner to add way points to the screen with zooming capabilities. Chartplotters also have the ability to send information to a fish finder or radar from a GPS. Technology also allows interfacing with a laptop enabling planning to be done when you are not able to be at your boat and than entered at a later time into your chartplotter. Having a marine chartplotter could come in very handy for recreational and professional usage.