Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenPlotter VS Weatherspark

Compare OpenPlotter VS Weatherspark and see what are their differences

OpenPlotter logo OpenPlotter

Tool kit to be used as navigational aid in small and medium-length boats.

Weatherspark logo 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.
  • OpenPlotter Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-03-25
  • Weatherspark Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-27

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.

Weatherspark features and specs

  • Comprehensive Data
    Weatherspark provides detailed and comprehensive weather data, covering various aspects like temperature, precipitation, sunshine, wind, and more, making it a one-stop source for weather enthusiasts.
  • Interactive Charts
    The platform offers interactive charts that allow users to visualize weather conditions over time, aiding in a clearer understanding of weather patterns.
  • Historical Data
    Users have access to historical weather data, which is valuable for research or understanding weather trends over extended periods.
  • Customizable Searches
    Weatherspark allows users to customize their searches based on location and specific weather variables, offering tailored information to meet individual needs.

Possible disadvantages of Weatherspark

  • Complexity for Casual Users
    The depth of data and interactive features can be overwhelming for casual users who only need basic weather information.
  • Data Overload
    Due to the extensive amount of data and options available, users might find it challenging to quickly extract the specific information they need.
  • Interface Usability
    While detailed, the interface may not always be the most user-friendly, potentially requiring a learning curve for new users.
  • Limited Real-time Updates
    Weatherspark may not provide real-time weather updates as effectively as other services, which could be a drawback for users needing up-to-the-minute information.

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

Weatherspark videos

No Weatherspark videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenPlotter and Weatherspark)
Weather Apps
34 34%
66% 66
Web App
40 40%
60% 60
Travel & Location
35 35%
65% 65
Weather
24 24%
76% 76

User comments

Share your experience with using OpenPlotter and Weatherspark. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Weatherspark seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 144 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OpenPlotter mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OpenPlotter yet. Tracking of OpenPlotter recommendations started around Mar 2025.

Weatherspark mentions (144)

  • Dreariness Index (2015)
    I've wanted to do a similar thing for "sweatiness" for a while, to try quantify the amount of time each year you can do outdoor activities or have the windows open without feeling too hot, based on dew point/humidity + temperature. I grew up somewhere that didn't require air conditioning, but live in NYC now and find that as an adult the only weather I find truly unpleasant is when it's too hot to do anything... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Show HN: Gribstream.com – Historical Weather Forecast API
    Was or is? https://weatherspark.com/ is awesome. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Moving to Cleveland from California beginning of 2024
    You can check out climate for almost any city in the U.S. At weatherspark.com. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Visiting Greece in Late March 2024
    Weatherspark.com is an oustanding site to see average weather during each month of the year. Gives just tons of info - wind, temps, humidity, clouds, etc. Source: over 1 year ago
  • What are the world's best kitesurfing spots, by wind reliability and strength?
    So you should pick a reliable location with good wind right? Yes, but how do you find the right place and what data do you rely on? Google "best kitesurfing spots in the world" you'll get a ton of garbage by SEO-scumming sites that arbitrarily rank kitesurfing locations around the world based on...who knows? I want some data to back these claims. For example, some sites will say Progreso Mexico is a hidden gem for... Source: over 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenPlotter and Weatherspark, you can also consider the following products

UnderSee Explorer - Online Services

AccuWeather - AccuWeather is an app that provides hourly, daily and 15-day weather forecasts, which you can...

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

Weather.com - The Weather Channel and weather.com provide a national and local weather forecast for cities, as well as weather radar, report and hurricane coverage

CiBioBase - Automated aquatic vegetation, bathymetric, and bottom hardness mapping with BioBase. Cloud servers process sonar or satellite imagery and create GIS maps of lake, pond, river, and coastal seagrass habitats

OpenWeatherMap - OpenWeatherMap is a location-based weather information providing service over the internet.