OpenCPN, which stands for Open Chart Plotter Navigator, is open-source marine navigation software designed for sailors and boaters. It supports a variety of charts and navigation data formats and provides features such as route planning, waypoint management, AIS (Automatic Identification System) support, and more. This software is one of the few that is also available under Mac OS X.
OpenCPN is a versatile open-source software designed for marine navigation. It functions as a chart plotter, supporting various chart formats. Users can plan routes, set waypoints, integrate AIS for vessel information, interface with GPS devices, and even overlay weather data. The software's plugin system allows for additional functionality. Available on multiple operating systems, OpenCPN is a cost-effective solution for sailors and boaters, offering features comparable to commercial navigation software.
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OS | Windows (7, 8, 10, 11), Mac OS X 11 or higher Linux |
Version | v5.8.4 (15.06.2023) |
Costs | Free, Donation possible to Support the project |
Categories | Chart Plotter, Forwarder |
Pro |
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Contra |
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Requirements
You can connect the receiver to your PC via USB or direct serial connection
You have identified the COM port assigned to the device on your computer
You have requested to share AIS data and have received the IP and port information
Your operating system is supported by this software
Configuration
Download OpenCPN here, install, and launch the software.
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Configure your AIS device as an input source by following these steps:
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To establish a new connection for sharing your data, click "Add Connection." Follow these steps and refer to the image below for guidance:
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Once you've finalized the configuration and confirmed with OK, vessels should become visible on the map. Ensure you zoom out adequately to have a clear view of the vessels.
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Next, access your station on MarineTraffic to verify if the data is being received. Please allow a few minutes for the statistics to reflect a successful reception.