Quote:
Originally posted by Indian:
I got the 2004 edition of the Navionics maps last week. Sick of waiting for BPS to get them in, so ordered directly from Navionics. Haven't been on the water with it yet, but spent a lot of time sitting in my boat in the driveway playing with it. The neighbors think I'm nuts.

I never saw the Navionics maps before I purchased, so wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have a FishElite 320, so have to use the "Classic" version of these maps. I hear the new 480 units will be able to use the "Gold" version, which supposedly looks more like a paper map.

Anyhow, my opinions about it so far are a little mixed. On the plus side, the maps look fairly detailed in terms of contours and most underwater structure. On the down side, it definitely does not look like a paper map. Does not show minor creeks (usually dotted lines on paper maps), and some structure (e.g. some ponds and brush piles) are shown as big squares. Most disconcerting of all is the fact that some of these are shown a significant distance from where I have them marked on my GPS. Also, unlike some other map products, there is no way to look at these maps from your PC (hence my sitting in the boat). According to the documentation, if you attempt to load the memory card into your computer, the card will self destruct and the world will end.

I will give it an "on the water run", hopefully this weekend at Roberts. Will let everyone know what I think then.


Generally, when you see a map on a unit like yours where the borders don't seem to meet up with where they really are, it's the map, not the GPS function. Some lower models have less accurate maps, however when you upload your tracks and waypoints to your PC, you will see that they are represented much more accurately. Doesn't do much for you on the lake, I know, but most of the lower end units are for waypoint relocating, not so much blind navigation. My hand held Garmin would have me on the land most of the time if I followed it in my boat, but my Lowrance X-15 MT will bring me RIGHT to the dock, no problem.



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