OpenSeaMap developed a hardware-logger which saves the data regarding position and depth measured by the GPS and sounder. Moreover, it logs additional navigation data such as speed, acceleration, direction and inclination of the boat. The data is saved on an SD card which is inserted into the logger. Every vessel with depth sounder and GPS can be connected and deliver the information.
This personal blackbox is very useful in case of accidents. You can check the logged data to find out the cause and you can also use it as a proof to get through with your claims in case of damages.
The logger can be ordered on their website
http://depth.openseamap.org/order-logger and it costs 39.90 EUR. After you purchase it and install it on your boats, there are only three steps you have to follow in order to gather the information:
• Connect the data logger
• Change the SD-card before each sailing trip
• Download and store the tracks after each sailing trip
Your charter customer doesn’t need to take care of anything related to the data logger.
You can also help
The free official data on shallow water depth is not freely available for most countries. Therefore, in order to have a free and accurate nautical chart, anyone could collaborate in surveying the coast lines worldwide. So you could help OpenSeaMap by uploading the data you gathered with your fleet directly on their website: http://depth.openseamap.org. This way, with each sailing trip, the chart would become better, accurate and more reliable.
For information and support, go to
http://www.openseamap.org or send an email to Markus@OpenSeaMap.org.
About OpenSeaMap
OpenSeaMap, the free nautical chart, is a software project for mapping worldwide oceans and inland waterways. The project is part of OpenStreetMap and it uses the same database, complementing the spatial data with nautical information. This information comes from two main sources: geodata collected by skippers and free official data.
The project works by the Wiki-principle, therefore yachtsmen, motorboat drivers, canoeists and other water sport enthusiasts collect nautical information and geodata which they include in the database in order to create a cost-free nautical chart. The OpenSeaMap integrates:
• Weather data
• Harbor guide
• Index of nautical lights
• Aerial images
• Continental maps
• AIS
• Tourist information and much more.