Sonar Charts is probably more simple, since you just send them your data, they do the data processing within a few weeks, and you download chart updates from time to time onto your Navionics card.
With Navionics Sonar Charts, you first buy a Navionics Map Card, then later would need to pay a yearly fee for "Freshest Data" if you want to continue to be able to send them your sonar logs, and they use your sonar logs to update the 'Sonar Charts' layer of "Freshest Data", which you would download and update your card from time to time. The program is fairly complicated to learn, and would take some time to review tutorials and learn the process for creating maps. With Humminbird AutoChart, you buy a computer program, and you can import your sonar recordings into that program, create a map, and export that map to an encrypted map card called the ZeroLines SD card. You two basic options, would be Navionics Sonar Charts, or Humminbird AutoChart.Įither method, you save your sonar recordings or boat tracks, and upload them, and get an updated map from your survey work on the water. Therefore, if I were you, I'd be very interested in collecting data to create my own charts for areas that I fish also. I'm guessing, for your location, neither Navionics or Lakemaster have any lakes mapped in your region very well. Your "Chart Select", basically just let you choose which map you want to display, like if you were to have a Navionics chip in your Helix, you could choose whether to display the Navionics map or the generic base map preloaded in the Helix. It might have minimal depth data, also extremely inaccurate. Lake outlines will be pretty generic, and probably not very accurate. Your Helix will come preloaded with a general location map, and that's basically all it is good for. It will be especially useful on an area where no depth chart exists. I just want to understand what my future needs may be and what I'll be able to see on my unit with respect to mapping. I guess that is a big enough start for now. What is the difference between a regular SD card and a zero lines card? What is the max size SD card that can be used (and what speed required)?
I would like to create my own depth charts, but how do Autochart, the base chart and Navionics fit in with the recording of the tracks, etc? I want to work with depth charts and I know about the recording part in the Helix, since my buddy has a 688si, and we've recorded tracks and pictures using it in the past. so my first question, what is on the base map? In theory, when I power up my Helix, I can "set" the chart I want, but in demo mode, it seems to set to auto. I'll explain what I think, and please let me know what I may be missing. I'm a little confused about mapping in general. I just got my new Humminbird Helix 5 SI unit, and I will be installing it on my boat this spring.