So it's time to hit the water, but your Garmin GPS screen is blank. Where are the depth contours? Navigation aids? Buoys? Ports?
To get all this, and more, you'll need the latest Garmin BlueChart or Inland Lakes software from Tiger GPS. Available on CD-ROM and on various types of pre-programmed data cards, there's a high-detail mapping solution for your outdoors Garmin unit. BlueChart software covers coastal waters and the Great Lakes in North America, and waterways throughout the world; Inland Lakes software covers freshwater lakes within the continental United States.
The Garmin BlueChart CD-ROM comes in three flavors: Americas (covering North and South America), Atlantic (covering Europe and Africa through the Middle East) and Pacific (covering Asia and Oceania). Each CD-ROM comes with one unlock code that allows you to pick one region and load it onto one compatible unit. Some handheld receivers have internal memory for this; chartplotters require you to use a Garmin Data Card via the USB Data Card Programmer. Getting BlueChart software on your PC allows you to plan out your navigation and save your waypoints on the computer.
If you don't need the PC functionality, or if you just don't want to be bothered with the tricky unlock process, you should get your BlueChart software on a pre-programmed card. Just pop the card into your unit, and you're good-to-go!
If you have the latest and greatest form Garmin, you'll need the new Garmin BlueChart g2 Vision SD cards. These add features such as full aerial photography, two different 3D modes, Auto Guidance and more - you can read up on that in the Tiger GPS Garmin 2007 Guide (click here). The new BlueChart g2 Vision cards work only on the GPSMAP 5000, 4000, 5xx and 4x0 series. There's also a new BlueChart g2 Vision Inland Lakes format for these units, as well. Units (such as the GPSMAP 4212 or 540) that were pre-loaded with coastal charts will contain detail identical to the standard BlueChart CD; you must add the Vision chart for enhancements.
If you've got a unit from the 2006 line, you'll be able to use a BlueChart g2 card instead. BlueChart g2 adds an optional 3D perspective, richer detail and content than the standard version, and aerial photography of select ports. Units (such as the GPSMAP 492 or 498) that were pre-loaded with coastal charts will contain detail identical to the standard BlueChart; adding a BlueChart g2 card lets you utilize your chartplotter's capabilities to the fullest. BlueChart g2 cards are compatible with the GPSMAPs 292, 298, 378, 392, 398, 478, 492, 498, 2106, 2110, 2206, 2210, 3005C, 3006C, 3010C, 3205, 3206 and 3210. For Inland Lakes data, you can also purchase a pre-programmed data card for plug-and-play convenience.
If you've got a new expandable-series handheld, you can get BlueChart data on a pre-programmed MicroSD card. Compatible units for these include the GPSMAPs 76CSx, 76Cx, 60CSx, 60Cx; eTrexes Vista Cx & HCx, Legend Cx & HCx, and Venture Cx; and Rino 530HCx and 520HCx. There's also Inland Lakes coverage on pre-programmed MicroSD as well.
If you've got a chartplotter made before 2006, your unit accepts the Garmin Data Card format. This includes GPSMAPs 172, 172C, 178, 178C, 182, 182C, 188, 188C, 2006, 2006C, 2010, 2010C, 276C, 376C, 3005C, 3006C and 3010C. Simply order a pre-programmed BlueChart data card for any of these units and pop it in. For Inland Lakes detail, however, you'll have to purchase the Inland Lakes DVD and load your data onto a blank memory card.
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