Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Open Nautical Charts VS OpenPlotter

Compare Open Nautical Charts VS OpenPlotter and see what are their differences

Open Nautical Charts logo Open Nautical Charts

Open Nautical Charts offers free seacharts for everybody.

OpenPlotter logo OpenPlotter

Tool kit to be used as navigational aid in small and medium-length boats.
  • Open Nautical Charts Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-09-17
  • OpenPlotter Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-03-25

Open Nautical Charts features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

OpenPlotter features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    OpenPlotter provides an intuitive and accessible interface for users, especially those new to navigating with marine technology. This makes it easier for beginners to start using the system without extensive training.
  • Comprehensive Integration
    It supports a wide range of sensors and marine protocols, making it a powerful tool for integrating various onboard systems. This enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of managing navigation data.
  • Open Source Flexibility
    Being open source, OpenPlotter allows customization and modification, enabling users to tailor the software to their specific needs without licensing constraints.
  • Cost-Effective Solution
    As a free, open-source project, OpenPlotter is a cost-effective alternative to expensive commercial navigation systems, making it accessible to a broader range of users.
  • Extensive Community Support
    A strong, active community provides support, resources, and plugins, facilitating troubleshooting and the sharing of best practices among users.

Possible disadvantages of OpenPlotter

  • Hardware Dependency
    The effectiveness of OpenPlotter is dependent on compatible hardware, which might require users to purchase additional components to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functionality is user-friendly, mastering the more advanced features may require significant time and effort, particularly for users less familiar with programming or marine electronics.
  • Reliance on Community Contributions
    The open-source model means that updates and feature enhancements depend heavily on community contributions, which may lead to uneven development or support for specific features.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    As with many open-source projects, there can be occasional stability issues or bugs, especially when integrating new updates or third-party applications.
  • Limited Professional Support
    Unlike commercial software, OpenPlotter may have limited access to professional customer support, which can be a drawback for users who need immediate assistance.

Open Nautical Charts videos

No Open Nautical Charts videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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OpenPlotter videos

using a raspberrypi and openplotter as backup navigation system on my sailboat #boatrefit #nmea2000

More videos:

  • Review - OpenPlotter Data Multiplexing - AIS on a Raymarine C80 from SignalK - Boat Projects

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Open Nautical Charts and OpenPlotter)
Web App
42 42%
58% 58
Weather Apps
38 38%
62% 62
Online Services
100 100%
0% 0
Travel & Location
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Open Nautical Charts and OpenPlotter, you can also consider the following products

OpenSeaMap - OpenSeaMap - The free nautical chart

Weatherspark - WeatherSpark is a typical weather information service provider over the internet for freely getting the real-time hourly, daily, weekly and monthly graphical reports of the average weather.

zyGrib - GRIB File Viewer

UnderSee Explorer - Online Services

OpenCPN - 404 Please update your bookmarks and return to the home page.

Argo - Boating Navigation - Charts, Routes, Tracks, Log