For centuries, navigators sailed with help from the stars, but most importantly, paper charts. They were the only way to plan and follow a safe route. But today, many skippers are moving away from paper charts and going digital—many of them choosing TZ MAPS.
This post explains why. It shows how you can try TZ MAPS yourself with a free 7-day trial. The trial is available in the TZ iBoat boating app for iOS.
What’s So Great About Paper Charts?
Paper charts aren’t “wrong” or “outdated.” They are a reliable method of navigation and still offer real benefits to navigators, like:
- Not needing any batteries or software to work
- An easy-to-use “big picture” overview of your area
- Serving as a solid backup if your electronics fail
- That sense of nostalgia for the way things used to be
If you enjoy plotting with a pencil, paper charts can still be part of your navigation setup. But fewer and fewer navigators are using paper charts as their primary navigation tool, and here’s why.
Why Are Navigators Going Digital?
Put simply, modern boating has changed a lot. We move between areas more often. Coastlines, buoys, and depths are updated more regularly. We expect fast answers to questions like: “How far?” “How long?”, and “How deep?”.
With paper charts, this can create real problems. Updates are slow and manual. You need several charts to cover even a modest distance. There’s no GPS position on the paper. Nighttime or bad weather can make small details hard to read. And in many parts of the world, paper charts are slowly being phased out.
So, What Is TZ MAPS and Why Is It So Popular?
TZ MAPS is the next generation of nautical charts from TIMEZERO. TZ MAPS offers great value. It includes multiple chart formats. It also has advanced features and the latest data. TZ MAPS includes:
- Raster charts – digital versions of official paper charts from hydrographic offices, with the same familiar look and symbols
- Vector charts – modern, interactive charts where you can zoom and tap features for more information
- Detailed land information – roads, coastlines, and landmarks that help you recognize what you see around you
- High-resolution satellite photos – to better understand harbors, anchorages, and your surroundings
- High-resolution BathyVision – very detailed depth contours that reveal underwater structures and topography
All of this is packaged as a single TZ MAPS area. You don’t have to choose between raster, vector, or bathymetry. When that data exists for your area, you get it all.
How Do I Get TZ MAPS?
Easy! TZ MAPS is available on all TIMEZERO software. The most affordable option is TZ iBoat, TIMEZERO’s marine navigation app for iPhone and iPad.
TZ iBoat transforms your device into a comprehensive navigation system, that rivals even some of the best systems out there. By accessing TZ MAPS via your TZ iBoat app, you’ll have everything you need for both fun and serious navigation. That means charts, weather forecasts, GPS, Route Assist, and a whole lot more!
In short, TZ MAPS provides the chart data, and TZ iBoat provides the interface that brings it to life.
How Does TZ MAPS Compare?
Here’s a simple comparison to make the differences clear.
| Feature | Paper Charts | TZ MAPS |
| Continuous Updates | No | Yes |
| Multiple Formats | Raster | Raster, Vector, Bathymetry |
| Interactive | No | Yes |
| Mooring Assistance | No | Yes |
| Route Assist | No | Yes |
| Estimated Distance | No | Yes |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| Community Data Sharing | No | Yes |
Still Not Convinced?
How about this? Paper charts can be expensive, but TZ MAPS on TZ iBoat offers a different approach: you can use a device that you already own; you pay an affordable subscription for your TZ MAPS area—which are always up-to-date—instead of buying stacks of individual charts; and, you can try TZ MAPS free for 7 days before spending a single cent.
That free trial is a great opportunity to navigate your usual area and plan a real trip to see if you like it, with zero consequences. Now to the important question…
Do You Still Need Paper Charts?
Many experienced skippers choose a hybrid approach: TZ MAPS + TZ iBoat as their primary, day-to-day navigation tool, and paper charts as a backup—especially for longer trips or remote navigation.
This way, you get the best of both worlds: the speed, clarity, and power of modern digital charts, and the comfort of knowing you have a usable backup if something goes wrong.
So… Are You Ready to Try TZ MAPS Yourself?
You don’t have to guess whether TZ MAPS is right for you—you can test it on your own boat, in your own waters. Just:
- Download TZ iBoat from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
- Open the app and select the TZ MAPS area that covers where you usually sail or cruise
- Start your 7-day free trial
- Plan a simple day trip and follow it with TZ MAPS on the water
You’ll see the difference instantly: cleaner charts, easy planning, and more awareness and peace of mind.
Paper charts had their golden age. Now it’s time for TZ MAPS. Enjoy the next chapter of navigation.
