I was given this unit which apparently can double as a small chartplotter. I know that one can purchase very expensive BlueChart cards for it, but I am wondering if there is another way to download charting data for it, or perhaps other mapping software is compatible with it. It came with all manuals and a mini card writer [I assume that's what it is]. I downloaded the manuals. It also came with a Streetmaps cd. I was thinking of getting a pedestal mount for it, and using my laptop as a backup.
Garmin Street Pilot III
- Thread starter wufibugs
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I'm there my friend! I'm watching this post with baited breath. (from the sardines post). I've read someplace recently, that somebody had purchased BlueCharts for a song, like $25, on Ebay. I'm looking! I don't have a charplotter and really can't justify the expense to myself, let alone the Mrs. So, I wait and watch, hoping to run across one.
Good luck with the search.
Good luck with the search.
No, it can not function as a chartplotter. It can not use the BlueChart charts. It does not support nautical use. The person who told you it could was wrong. Please read the manual. It clearly states what maps the SPIII supports: City Navigator; Metro Guide; MapSource Roads & Recreation; WorldMap and Topo. BlueCharts are NOT supported.
I thought there might be a back door way of downloading the charts to pc and then create SP III compatible cards.
I found the following on http://www.octapc.com.au/webcontent5.htm#g3 : I wonder if it offers an solace. If I recall, Garmin's own website agrees with Sailingdog's conclusion.
"Q. Can I use BlueCharts on my StreetPilot? A. Yes. However, the limitations of the StreetPilot over and above the proper Marine GPS Plotters (ie GPSMAP176 or GPSMAP182) include the limited colors that the Street Pilot uses for the different depths for water. It is almost indistinguishable between shallow water and deep water. The other issue is the fact that waypoints are not really available except if you choose to use the "Via" option which has up to 100 waypoints (SP2610 has 500 waypoints). GPSMAP176 has 3,000 waypoints because it is necessary to have a large number of waypoints to set up a route when plotting through a series of waterways and the ocean. "
This site seemed to offer a good deal of practical and knowledgeable advice on marine applications of gps devices.
"Q. Can I use BlueCharts on my StreetPilot? A. Yes. However, the limitations of the StreetPilot over and above the proper Marine GPS Plotters (ie GPSMAP176 or GPSMAP182) include the limited colors that the Street Pilot uses for the different depths for water. It is almost indistinguishable between shallow water and deep water. The other issue is the fact that waypoints are not really available except if you choose to use the "Via" option which has up to 100 waypoints (SP2610 has 500 waypoints). GPSMAP176 has 3,000 waypoints because it is necessary to have a large number of waypoints to set up a route when plotting through a series of waterways and the ocean. "
This site seemed to offer a good deal of practical and knowledgeable advice on marine applications of gps devices.
While you could download the charts to a Garmin card if you had a USB card reader, but the GPS would have no idea what to do with them. The data in the charts has to be interpreted by te firmware/software in the GPS. The SPIII simply does not have the programming to understand and properly display BlueCharts. For instance, the SPIII probably doesn't have the proper icon library to show things like navigation aids—buoys, beacons, ranges, etc.
I'd point out that there are some units that understand both the terrestrial chart sets as well as the marine ones, like the 176, 276, 376, 640, etc... but they were also priced much higher, being more versatile units. The SPIII probably sold for $500 retail, where the 276 et al were probably closer to $1000 for the unit.
I'd point out that there are some units that understand both the terrestrial chart sets as well as the marine ones, like the 176, 276, 376, 640, etc... but they were also priced much higher, being more versatile units. The SPIII probably sold for $500 retail, where the 276 et al were probably closer to $1000 for the unit.
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