Which Navigation App Should I Use?
Not only is this a question that I am often asked, it’s also a question that I’ve asked myself. With the discontinuation of raster chart data now complete and the increased reliance on smartphones and tablets for accurate and up-top-date navigation information, third-party apps have become a critical component of safe vessel operation.
After several years of using a well-known, popular app, and enduring an ongoing programming bug the company was disinterested in fixing, I set out to find a replacement. I spent part of this past winter installing and testing more apps than I can remember, and the hands-down winner is Aqua Map.
I will be writing more about Aqua Map in the future. In the meantime, here are some of it’s features that I really like:
Accurate charts with easy-to-identify ATONs.
An intuitive, user-friendly interface.
An online chart viewer/route planner.
The ability to transfer waypoints, routes and tracks to/from phones, computers and onboard chartplotters.
A variety of helpful chart overlays, including tides & currents.
No more “course up – north up” bugs.
A free trial period.
As of this writing, the choice of either an annual chart subscription or a one-time fee for all U.S. & Canada charts ($49).
A host of advanced tools and “pro” features (available by subscription) including Coast Guard data (i.e., Local Notice To Mariners integration).
Integration with Active Captain, Waterway Guide and Bob423 ICW tracks.
Click to learn more about Aqua Map.