PC Charting

[busse3775]

Are there any types of software programs that will enable you to save waypoints and such on the computer? I have looked at the Navionics Webapp some but I wasn't able to save a waypoint, or at least I wasn't able to figure it out.

[BobT]

If you're using Garmin GPS you can use Basecamp.  It's free and can be found by Googling it.  I don't know if it is compatible with other GPS software formats.

[papadarv]

Contour Elite, now from Humminbird, which is a Lake Master computer DVD with many MN lakes with contours. Latest version is V5, I got version V2 from Fleet Farm several years ago, still good. Price is $149.95 from Humminbird, might be a bit cheaper from Fleet Farm. Save Waypoints, fish notes and does many other things transfer waypoints to GPS unit like Garman. Great planning tool. You can also get a UBS - GPS connected to your computer and give you tracking. Little awkward to use on a boat and challenge to keep battery power. My version does not work as well on Windows 10 as it did on earlier windows systems. Little fuzzy.  

Second option, but not on a computer, is Navionics Boating App. Same map as Web App only on smart phone, iPad, tablet etc. Cost $9.95 per year and you choose what lake region you want. Change regions as needed.  I bought an Android 7" DigiLand DL701Q  tablet from Walmart for $40.00. Also loaded the app on my Android cell phone, no added cost. This tablet has a GPS built in so I get tracking capability. Works very well and maps are equal to Lake Master in most cases.

Here are a couple screen shots of Contour Elite, Big Marine Lake east bay. 3D and Contour of same area. Waypoints have different numbers as I change them some point between capturing the screen shots. T1 on 3D same as T3 on Contour

 

[BobT]

I've never seen 3D GPS maps.  That's pretty nice.  Can almost see the fish down there!  

[papadarv]

Yes, I agree, 3D GPS maps are quite nice. I use them on lakes I have not been to or not there for some time. Look for the holes, dips, channels going up drops, small flats half way down a drop. Gives me a better idea where to look for the school of eyes that iare just sitting there under the ice.

The actual 3D on the computer is much better than the screen shot I posted. It lost some of the depth. You can twist it, turn in, change depth reference and see where you actually put a way point.

[BobT]

I could see the benefit.  With contour lines it can sometimes be more difficult to tell if the bottom is going deeper or shallower.