Chart Plotter

An electronic navigation device used on boats to display electronic navigation charts and track the vessel’s position in real-time using GPS technology.

A chart plotter is an essential tool for modern marine navigation. It combines GPS data with digital nautical charts to provide a real-time display of a vessel’s position, course, and speed. The device allows mariners to plot their course, mark waypoints, and monitor their progress along a pre-determined route. It typically includes a screen that shows the vessel’s location on a chart, which can be zoomed in or out for different levels of detail. 

Chart plotters often integrate with other marine electronics, such as radar, sonar, and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), to offer a comprehensive view of the surrounding environment, including underwater topography, nearby vessels, and potential hazards. This integration enhances situational awareness, making navigation safer and more efficient, especially in unfamiliar or challenging waters. 

Many chart plotters also allow inputting additional data, such as tides, currents, and weather information, further aiding decision-making. They can store routes and waypoints for future use and often feature touchscreens or buttons for easy operation, even in rough sea conditions. While traditional paper charts are still essential as a backup, a chart plotter significantly reduces the manual effort required for navigation, providing a more intuitive and precise way to manage a vessel’s journey.