OpenCPN FAQs
OpenCPN... FAQs
What is OpenCPN?
OpenCPN is a
simple, concise Chart
Plotter Navigator.
It is designed to be used continuously at the helm station of
an
underway ship or boat, allowing the operator to easily track their
position on accurate chart images. Additionally, OpenCPN can display
tide and current predictions, as well as information on other suitably
equipped vessels in the area.Why did you create this program?
As a full time cruiser, it became clear that most of the added features
on other programs were useless for practical cruising. These
eye
candy features were resource hogs. I couldn't find a fast running
no-nonsense program, so I developed one.
Is this just a demo program?
No. OpenCPN is a complete and fully functioning program. This and
future upgrades will always be free to download without any gotchas.
Why should I use OpenCPN instead of ---?
A)
It is Open Source software, meaning among other things, that
it is
FREE TO DOWNLOAD and use. Escape the commercial paid upgrade treadmill!
B) It is "concise," meaning that the feature set is optimized for daily use, and excess features (aka "bloatware") are not present. The application is thus smaller and faster, and will run acceptably on as little as a 300 mHz Pentium II Windows 98 computer. Especially, it starts up and shuts down quickly.
FREE TO DOWNLOAD and use. Escape the commercial paid upgrade treadmill!
B) It is "concise," meaning that the feature set is optimized for daily use, and excess features (aka "bloatware") are not present. The application is thus smaller and faster, and will run acceptably on as little as a 300 mHz Pentium II Windows 98 computer. Especially, it starts up and shuts down quickly.
Is it reliable for day to day use?
OpenCPN is currently at production release stage. There are tens
of thousands active users. However, minor bugs may
be expected. These do
not
affect normal operation of OpenCPN.
On a personal note, OpenCPN has for years, been the full-time everyday navigator aboard M/V Dyad, our trawler catamaran, cruising from Newfoundland to the Bahamas.
On a personal note, OpenCPN has for years, been the full-time everyday navigator aboard M/V Dyad, our trawler catamaran, cruising from Newfoundland to the Bahamas.
I'm not techno savvy, is this easy to use?
Some familiarity with competitive products is assumed. Usage
is
fairly intuitive. OpenCPN.org
provides detailed information about the program and it's use. There are
also two very active forums to visit. [Forum links on
right-hand
column.]
How accurate is it?
Like all similar programs, OpenCPN's accuracy is dependent upon the
accuracy of the positioning input device (e.g. GPS) and the underlying
chart database. As for all
such programs, OpenCPN does not remove the responsibility of the
operator to LOOK OUT THE WINDOW.
With that said,
OpenCPN will plot the boat position to within about 100 ft of it's true position most of the time, which is the same accuracy as other chart navigation systems. OpenCPN will warn the user if the chart data accuracy does not allow for safe navigation
With that said,
OpenCPN will plot the boat position to within about 100 ft of it's true position most of the time, which is the same accuracy as other chart navigation systems. OpenCPN will warn the user if the chart data accuracy does not allow for safe navigation
Do I need GPS?
OpenCPN is optimized as an underway tool, so GPS data is necessary to
allow boat position plotting. However, OpenCPN can be used without GPS
for planning purposes, such as route and waypoint entry and
time/distance calculations.
Where can I find the charts I need?
OpenCPN comes with a few sample charts. These are included to provide
instant opportunity to experience the potential of the
program.
Find all the charts you need for your region at:
Office of Coast Survey Free nav chart downloads from NOAA.
More chart sources available at dacust.com.
These are the same charts the costly commercial programs use.
Office of Coast Survey Free nav chart downloads from NOAA.
More chart sources available at dacust.com.
These are the same charts the costly commercial programs use.
Can I help?
If you'd like to develop
enhancements to
OpenCPN, check out the project on SourceForge.
Current items of interest are:
a) Testing. Use it, cruise it, abuse it. Your feedback is appreciated.
b) Documentation. Translation. Writers invited.
c) Icons, color palettes, etc. Graphic designers invited.
Current items of interest are:
a) Testing. Use it, cruise it, abuse it. Your feedback is appreciated.
b) Documentation. Translation. Writers invited.
c) Icons, color palettes, etc. Graphic designers invited.
MORE INFO
Opencpn.org
FREE CHARTS
Office of Coast SurveyMORE CHARTS
Dacust.comTHE FORUMS
On SourceForgeCruisers Forum

