Garmin Announces Evolution of Marine Cartography

Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, is pleased to announce the next generation of its BlueChart® g2 and BlueChart g2 Vision™ technology – giving boaters even more dimension and information to what is already considered the benchmark in marine cartography.

Laura Tomei, Cartography Marketing Manager at Garmin said: “Garmin’s software developers and cartographers have created the most accurate and detailed charts available, providing greater capabilities on the water.”

From spring 2009, Garmin’s traditional BlueChart data will be replaced with a redefined version of BlueChart g2.  Building on the popularity of the BlueChart product family, the revised mapping data will add increased dimension and standardised information to the Garmin marine chart offerings, and will allow the user to define colours to depth contour ranges.

Users will also benefit from improved transition between zoom levels and seamless changes across chart boundaries with the redesigned product.

BlueChart g2 will now provide basic charts, tidal stations, currents, perspective view and fishing charts, while offering a smooth user experience and familiar feel.  Similarly, g2 Vision has been improved to provide increased quality and detail.

In addition to high-resolution satellite imagery, g2 Vision features true “mariner’s eye view” above water or a “fish eye” underwater perspective – both in 3D.  The g2 Vision data card also enables auto guidance technology on compatible units, and offers a growing database of aerial reference photos.

Garmin has also announced the launch of new extra large chart regions, BlueChart g2 X-large is available in microSD™/SD™ card format and comes in three regions including the Nordics, Europe North West Atlantic & Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean Sea & Iberian Peninsula.

Laura continues “BlueChart g2 X-large provides comprehensive European coverage in just three chart cards. Compatible with Garmin handheld units and chartplotters, it provides traditional chart navigation features, safety depth warnings, Mariner’s eye view and fishing charts and all for just £299.99 each.”

Visit www.garmin.co.uk for more information, including a list of compatible products, cartography coverage areas and software download information.