Available for Apple hardware (iPhone and iPad), Navlink is a navigation application. It transforms your mobile into a complete plotter with electronic map display, position overlay, route and heading display.
If the application is free, it is possible to buy the cards directly from the application. Coverage of France costs 22.99 euros (vector charts from Admiralty UKHO).
All the functions of a plotter
The touch interface is simple to use. Waypoints are created and edited with the touch of a fingertip. Real-time navigation shows your position, route, speed, time of arrival (ETA) and distance to the next waypoint.
To plot the route and measure distances, a ruler appears on the map. Tapping on an object such as a buoy opens a pop-up window containing the object's characteristics (data from vector mapping).
Current weather data and future conditions can be downloaded (Internet connection required).
Connected with Digital Yacht hardware
The application is also designed to work with the NMEA-Wi-Fi server installed on the boat. Thus, the boat data is broadcast to the application. If AIS data is available, you will see the AIS targets with all their information and the application will also calculate the collision points (CPA and TCPA alarm).
Plus, by using GPS data from your boat through the NMEA-WiFi server, you won't need to activate the internal GPS on your iPad or iPhone. This will greatly increase battery life and you will also be able to use your mobile device below deck (where the GPS no longer picks up).
An augmented reality mode
In HorizonView mode, you can use the camera on your iPad or iPhone to scan the horizon and help you navigate. You will get an overlay of AIS targets, navigation points, buoys directly on the camera screen.
This is the first nautical application that offers this process. If it looks attractive on paper, you have to see if it is usable in use (full sun, deck of a moving boat...).
