We are happy to announce that new worldwide Tidal Data for TimeZero users is now available on our website totally free of charge.
When you download tidal data in your MaxSea TimeZero, you can view tides stations directly on your chart for the present moment as well as into the future. This is very helpful for planning the best route and departure time.
To install the new tidal data, simply go to our website and click on the link marked in red below:
Please read the PDF file here for full details of this new tidal data.
Feel free to contact us if you need any further information.
We just wanted to let you know we have fresh new NOAA charts for both Raster and Vector format. There is also Block charts update only available for TZ Professional v3. Please consult the list to see which charts are involved.
Check out our Facebook page to find examples of the improvements to the charts and find out about big changes in an area near you that you may not have been aware of: Vector | Raster
Updated NOAA Vector Charts (S57): This Edition adds 71 new Vector Charts to the library as well as many other chart updates.
Updated NOAA Raster Charts: This new edition includes the latest chart updates that can be found on the NOAA paper charts.
Read full information about these chart updates in this PDF file.
Example of improvement to the NOAA vector charts: now buoys are numbered (right)
NOAA charts are totally free of charge so you can download them right now, to make sure that you’re using the most up-to-date chart data available for US waters.
Benefitting from 18 years’ experience in the field of cartography, MapMedia selects the best marine charts available, based on several different criteria: coverage, reliability, level of detail and the date of last update.
MapMedia works with Hydrographic Offices all around the world, as well as with private providers who have demonstrated their reliability and professionalism over many years.
Choosing a local supplier is often the most appropriate option due to their knowledge and expertise in that region. MapMedia therefore consists of a very large marine cartography library, sourced from multiple different vendors, which acts as a very strong basis to start from.
The first stage of production is to create a large digital database in order to make the most of the compiled information.
There are several forms of delivery media for Raster marine charts, whether paper or digital. The important step of scanning the charts and entering data is required. The title of the chart, the scale, the date of issue, date of revision … all make up what we call meta info.
This information will be available later for MaxSea and Nobeltec software users as well as for users of Furuno products. This information is integrated within digital and vector maps.
The second step involves the geo-referencing and compilation of these marine charts. This process is what allows the chart to be well-positioned in relation to the GPS. Particular attention is always given to this crucial step, to ensure the safety of users.
The third step is the conversion of all the data into our own proprietary format called mm3d. This format is optimized for and exclusive to MaxSea marine navigation software and related products.
Again, during this third step, stringent controls are in place in order to ensure the reliability of the finished product. Once this work is completed and validated, the final step may begin: the division of the marine chart into “zones” that will be available to users.
A whole series of tests are then carried out on each product to ensure the reliability, consistency and security of data used in the chart. These marine charts are available for download through our online nautical chart catalog.
Hydrographic charts are an essential source of data for MaxSea marine charts in order to guarantee the quality of this basic onboard tool for safe sailing while at sea.
Did you ever wonder how MapMedia marine charts are produced? Although the charts are edited by MapMedia, this company uses hydrographic charts collected and then updated by hydrographic offices all around the world. Here, we explain the steps of this process.
To draw up a chart, first we must compile data, edit it and then keep it continuously updated.
The data collection
The hydrographic office first acquires bathymetric, topographic and sedimentological surveys as well as satellite imagery and any additional data needed.
Production of the chart
Once all this data has been compiled and verified, a paper chart is drawn up, following very precise specifications in order to comply with sailing requirements in each specific area. All the necessary information for sailing and safety are provided on the paper chart. The chart must be both precise and easy to read so that you can sail safely.
This first date of publication is always included on the hydrographic chart. We have included images from the French Hydrographic Office to to explain each point in this post.
Chart Updates
Every week, minor or major corrections are reported on the hydrographic chart and then released via the « Groupe d’Avis aux Navigateurs GAN » or “Notice to Mariners – NTM”.
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In the case of minor corrections that are not essential for sailor safety, the marine chart is printed again. The date of this new print is mentioned on the chart. A chart can also be printed again if out of stock. The date of the reprint is mentioned on the chart.
When major modifications occur, the hydrographic chart is reprinted. A new publication number and date are added to the chart:
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New chart SHOM N° 7428
MapMedia compares marine charts and different catalogues and selects the best chart for a specific location in order to provide the most reliable information for safe sailing.
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Don’t forget to download this useful guide on how to choose the right marine chart for you:
The following Jeppesen World Pack Charts have been updated in the past days :
Among different changes (who can be more or less important from one chart to another), a new Mega Wide chart has been introduced within this new release:
MWVJAUM002MAP3.1 – Papua – New Guinea and Solomon Islands
MWVJAUM002MAP3.1 – New Jeppesen Vector Chart from the World Pack featuring Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
These Jeppesen vector charts from the rest of the world (ROW) have also been updated:
These updates include the latest charts and NTM provided by our data providers.
Copy the new reference and go to MapMedia’s chart catalogue if you want to check the coverage of each chart.
Please note that we have updated the following MapMedia Vector C-MAP by Jeppesen charts from the Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, Aegean, North and Baltic Seas and other European Coasts and inland waters:
These updates include the latest charts and NTM provided by our data providers. Copy the new reference and go to MapMedia’s chart catalogue if you want to check the coverage of each chart.
As an example, see the modifications that have been introduced to the Marmaris Port in Turkey and to the Liverpool Bay in UK:
Old and New Marmaris Port Jeppesen vector chartOld and New Liverpool Bay Jeppesen vector chart
Please note that we have updated the following Raster and Vector charts from Canada & the Great Lakes, North America, Central America & the Caribbean, and South America:
These updates include the latest charts and NTM provided by our data providers. Copy the new reference and go to MapMedia’s chart catalogue if you want to check the coverage of each chart.
Here you can appreciate some of the modifications that have been introduced to these areas from Baja California:
Old and new Marina San Lucas Jeppesen vector chartOld and new Marina Los Cabos Jeppesen vector chartOld and new Marina de La Paz Jeppesen vector chart
In collaboration with our company, Fabrice Amedeo – journalist at French newspaper Le Figaro – published an article analyzing the navigation charts available in the tragedy’s area.
The study of the mapping is essential to understand this shipwreck. The commander of the Costa Concordia, Francesco Schettino, had the following comments: “While we were sailing in cruising speed, we hit a rock. According to the nautical chart, there should have been sufficient water below us. ”
However, this claim was quickly checked and disproved by the Italian Coast Guard, which prompted us to investigate the area using the different MapMedia charts available, in order to have a better understanding of the accident.
The Bay of Giglio Porto, southeast of the island of Giglio off Tuscany, was the site of the accident:
Zooming on the Raster MapMedia mm3d chart – based on the Italian hydrographic services information. The depth is about 10 meters: the draft of the Costa Concordia is 8.50 meters, so it was particularly risky to operate the ship in this area:
With PhotoFusion function, which allows to overlay satellite information transparently on the same chart, we can appreciate how shallow is the water in this area:
MapMedia mm3d C-MAP by Jeppesen data has exactly the same information in the area called “Isole Le Scole”:
Finally, the 3D display of this MapMedia information confirms this particular shallow water environment:
MaxSea International is deeply saddened after this terrible accident and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
Hier matin, un journaliste du Figaro, Mr Fabrice Amedeo, nous a contactés afin d’obtenir des informations sur la cartographie disponible dans la zone de naufrage du Costa Concordia, informations venues illustrer l’article paru dans le journal.
L’étude de la cartographie s’avère essentielle à la compréhension de ce naufrage. En effet, le commandant du Costa Concordia, Francesco Schettino, a tenu les propos suivants : “Alors que nous naviguions en rythme de croisière, nous avons heurté un éperon rocheux. Selon la carte nautique, il y aurait dû avoir suffisamment d’eau en-dessous de nous”.
Or, cette affirmation a été très rapidement vérifiée et démentie par les gardes-côtes italiens, ce qui nous a poussés à étudier cette zone en utilisant les différents formats de cartes MapMedia disponibles, afin de mieux comprendre l’accident.
Ainsi, c’est dans la baie de Giglio Porto, au sud-est de l’île de Giglio, au large de la Toscane, qu’a eu lieu l’accident:
Ici, nous avons zoomé sur la carte Raster MapMedia mm3d, issue des services hydrographiques Italiens. On voit clairement que les fonds sont d’environ 10 mètres. Le tirant d’eau du Costa Concordia étant de 8.50 mètres, il était donc particulièrement risqué de s’aventurer dans cette zone:
Grâce à la fonction de PhotoFusion, qui permet de superposer des informations satellitaires en transparence sur la même carte, on peut apprécier la faible profondeur de la zone :
La carte MapMedia mm3d C-MAP by Jeppesen présente exactement la même information de la zone dite « Isole Le Scole »:
Enfin, l’affichage en 3D de MapMedia présente lui aussi cette zone de haut fond:
MaxSea International exprime sa plus profonde douleur suite à ce terrible accident et adresse ses sincères condoléances aux familles des victimes.
The third step is the conversion of all the data into our own proprietary format called mm3d. This format is optimized for and exclusive to MaxSea marine navigation software and related products.
