Innovation in marine navigation technology is running fast and opinions are divided about boat equipment. On one hand, traditional Multifunction Displays (MFDs) offer unique features, but, on the other hand, the sector of mobile navigation apps - like Aqua Map - is bringing new opportunities and answering new needs. Let’s dive into this topic with the help of an experienced sailor, who helped us understand why the integration of these two technologies is the key to a better boating navigation.
The new era of boating navigation is coming: the possible synergy between apps and MFDs
Technology is shaping our daily life nowadays, but it has an even greater impact in specialized sectors such as maritime navigation. This field is in fact constantly evolving, following the introduction of new technologies created to offer a better sailing experience to users.
One of the most debated topics concerning technological innovation in the maritime navigation sector is represented by the rise of mobile navigation apps, just like Aqua Map. These new tools have raised discussions on the role of apps in relation to traditional chartplotters, namely MFDs. When it comes to innovation, the rise of divergent opinions is quite usual, but let’s try another approach, that is: why can’t we replace an "either-or" perspective with a "both" approach?
In fact, this kind of angle is the most common among the users of these boat technologies. The future of maritime navigation probably won’t be characterized by an opposition between traditional MFDs and mobile apps, but rather by their integration. The most effective way to bring innovation in any sector, in fact, is to integrate traditional and reliable systems with innovative technologies, capable of offering unprecedented services and answer to new needs.
The NMEA interface is just one use case on how to integrate new systems alongside existing configurations, exploiting Aqua Map, and other similar solutions, as an empowerment of current setups for boaters. This perspective takes into account that MFDs are specifically designed for harsh marine environments, offering resistance to sunlight, rain, and water splashes, while the hardware for mobile apps (smartphone, tablet) can become unusable in specific weather conditions. But technology is moving forward quickly also in this area, therefore we expect the entry in the market of increasingly versatile and suitable mobile. So, why not take the best from both?
What do users think about MFDs vs mobile apps? Different values for different situations
A so-called “both” approach can be encountered often when speaking with navigators. People who have experience in using both traditional chartplotter and apps usually address the integration of the two technologies as an opportunity for a better and safer maritime navigation.
Recently we had the chance to have a talk with Ted Arisaka, a USCG Licensed Master and volunteer Beta Tester for Aqua Map, who helped us understand the users’ point of view. Ted started day sailing late in life, but, after his retirement, has taken to cruising with his wife Patti and dog Nori aboard their sailboat sv Little Wing along the East Coast of The US and The Bahamas.
Today, Ted has 20 years of experience as a sailor, during which he pursued the ASA 105 Coastal Navigation (being taught fundamentals with traditional raster charts, compass, protractors, dividers and USCG Chart 1). Here’s Ted’s take home message after using both Aqua Map and traditional MFDs.
What are your preferences between traditional on-board navigation tools and mobile applications like Aqua Map?
“I think both have their strengths and weaknesses. There’s no absolute “either or” for me. I value both, but for varying situations - as I tried to represent in a Venn Diagram that I created (Figure 1)”.
In what ways do you find mobile navigation apps advantageous compared to traditional on-board tools?
“A mobile app like Aqua Map is capable of introducing innovative features rapidly. And the same can be said for the update cycle for the underlying cartography, while cartography in the traditional MFDs world is typically updated once per year, and at quite a high cost. In general, Aqua Map provides another level of rapid updates, publishing the USCG Local Notice to Mariners and Light List corrections right in the app. Another advantage of Aqua Map is value. The cost of the app/subscriptions is quite nominal and there is no reason everyone on the water can not be using this type of technology to aid in their navigation”.
In which situations has the mobile app enhanced your overall navigation experience or provided unique features that traditional tools lacked?
“Trying to make a list, I can mention:
- it’s great when used as backup navigation to onboard MFDs damaged during electrical storm;
- the Route Explorer feature helps identify potential danger spots along the way, timings to bridges, where fuel is available, as well as weather conditions;
- the Live Share feature allows (i) users to contact fellow mariners in an area of interest to ask them about sea state conditions, or room at the anchorage etc, and (ii) to either publish or subscribe to Public user data;
- the Anchor Watch feature activated on a device left on board, allows users to monitor the situation from shore using the Mirroring function”.
Conversely, which are the challenges or limitations of mobile navigation apps? How do these compare to issues faced with traditional on-board tools?
“As I mentioned earlier, both MFDs and mobile apps have strengths and weaknesses. The first limitation for the apps is the hardware: first, even when a tablet is protected in a weather resistant case, it can be difficult to use in stormy conditions in an exposed cockpit. But there are still some features, more oriented to offshore sailors, that are lacking, such as the ability to display and overlay RADAR”.
Chartplotters and mobile apps together: here’s the boat of the future
In all industries, the debate about new technologies always presents two great approaches. One is more conservative and based on the reliability of traditional tools. The other is more innovation-oriented and tries to introduce new opportunities for all the stakeholders. Quite often, the best way to achieve maximum results is trying to integrate different technologies to get the most out of them.
Focusing on the future of the boating navigation sector, a greater cooperation between MFDs and mobile navigation solutions like Aqua Map is needed to offer safer boating to navigators. Starting from the definition of common standards to enable better integration and allow users to fully exploit the complementary features of both technologies.
The key to integration between MFDs and navigation mobile solutions is to keep on researching and innovating to offer boaters the best of both worlds.
Aqua Map Team
