Opening/Displaying free NOAA chart?

[Jim Dort]

Sail Magazine’s May ’06 issue has an article on “PC Navigation” which lists internet sites for free charts, e.g., www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov. I downloaded a chart from that site and “unzipped” it, but cannot open it (to display the chart on my computer) as I do not know what program to use to do that. I also downloaded the free program Seaclear II. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Had Similar Problems

I had similar problems with opening the charts. I ended up downloading the charts from the website where I found the free program to run them. I was able to get it to work then.

 

[Morris Covin]

Try Caris.com

Try www.caris.com, I put the link on her but not sure if it worked. Go to the Marine tab and look of ENC download.Good luck

 

[Paul F]

Try Seven Cs

I like Seven Cs the link is below. You have to import the files and the program converts and then displays the charts, give it a try.

 

[Franklin]

Seaclear II

Go to File....Chart....Not List and then select the chart file on your harddrive. The bad thing about this software is that it only loads on file at a time. The good about this software is that it interfaces with the GPS plugged into the PC/laptop and it's free. Chart Navigator is free to download and view the charts. It uses all the charts very well and connects them well. The bad is that you have to pay $100 for it to interface with your GPS on your machine.

 

[Peach17794]

SeaClear

Read the instructions for SeaClear. You can configure it for all your charts. It will automatically load the correct one for your position.