Fishermen will be able to take plotting and navigation to a new level using a new chart plotter that combines cutting edge PC-based plotting technology with the latest C-Map Max Pro electronic charts.

New Zealand electronics firm TMQ International, has launched the C-Plot MAX plotter that includes tidal streams, satellite imagery and bathymetric data.

Plymouth firm Murray Marine, which with Globe Marine of Paignton is the UK and Ireland agent for CPlot MAX, has had a lot of input into the development of the plotter and will continue to do so says the firm's Andrew Murray.

He claims C-Plot MAX is the only chart plotter to support the latest C-Map Max-Pro electronic charts.

He describes Max Pro as "the latest evolution in charting technology, an advanced electronic charting standard designed for use on advanced, high performance chart plotters and PC-based navigation systems. It is ideal for anyone who takes their navigation seriously and wants the best tools for the job".

Equally suitable for fishing, light commercial or leisure vessels, Max Pro bridges the gap between the cartridge based cartography found on smaller dedicated chart plotters and the S57 ENC data found on larger commercial shipping.

C Plot is a computerbased chart display and recording system to meet the specific requirements of the professional fishing industry.

Its availability in various configurations, with full access to C-Map, Seafarer, ARCS or LINZ electronic chart files, gives C-Plot a truly international capability, with a full network of charts to suit individual preferences.

A range of external devices can also be connected to expand the performance and navigational capabilities of the C Plot system. These include autopilots, depth sounders, global positioning systems (GPS), and temperature sensors, all via the standard NMEA 0183 interface.

The C Plot software can be easily operated on commercially available computer systems and, when correctly configured, builds into a powerful navigational aid. With current vessel position presented accurately on the graphical display, and the addition of personal marks or events, it effectively records valuable data for future short or long term retrieval.

Using suitable NMEA 0183 systems, the vessel's track can be displayed in up to 16 colours with programmed changes in colour relative to water depth, bottom hardness or water temperature. With the addition of the personalised marks, events, tracks, routes and text, a "massive working database" may be compiled, says Andrew Murray.

"C Plot operational capability is limited only by the computer's hard disk storage capacity and will far exceed non-PC based plotting systems, " he says.

It will also work in conjunction with the Piscatus Pro 3D seabed mapping software supplied by Murray Marine, and easily imports user data from MaxSea Fishmaster and Transas Navifisher, using a conversion module.AIS facilities are also included.

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