For a long time, the Eckernförde-based Seekarten-Verlag relied on raster map technology, i.e. a digital image of the paper maps, and only sold the digital app product as a bundle with the paper maps. But now we are breaking new ground: With the last major update of the iOS, Android and Windows app for tablets and smartphones, the program can now also display digital vector maps, which are zoomed more smoothly than the raster maps and in which a lot of detailed information is also available in lower zoom levels can be accommodated. This allows a tidier map image and the storage of an extremely large amount of information. However, grid maps are often better in terms of clarity, especially for those who sail overseas. In addition, through active elements in the raster maps, NV-Verlag had also managed to produce a kind of hybrid of raster and vector maps in recent years.
Map section raster map
The same section in the vector illustration
Users of the NV Charts app can now benefit from these two advantages of the different map models: In the extensively revised app, they can switch between grid and paper maps with one click, as shown above in the example of the journey to Copenhagen. This means that users have the best of two software worlds at their disposal.
Detail raster map
Detail vector map
However, the new technology will only be available in 2019 for all Baltic Sea map sets and the two Greek sets. The latter cover the Ionian Sea and the Cyclades, with two more sets to follow in 2020. Another new feature is that all maps can now optionally only be purchased digitally. Further additional features: Now more than one set of cards can be displayed at a time, in the past only one set could be used at a time, which was sometimes annoying in the areas of card sections.
In addition, the routing tool has been simplified; it now works simply by pressing the display for a longer period of time. Another new feature is that, thanks to the vector display, you can now also adapt the map image to the water depth of your own boat, i.e. highlight a certain depth zone.
More information on the NV-Verlag website