Plotter versus fish finder

[rmitchel]

Does the word "plotter" mean something different.

For instance, Garmin 168 is a plotter (I know that it has GPS included), but this term is not used in the other models (e.g., 240 or 160).

Thanks.

[perchjerker]

you struck on the key. It has a gps. therefore, it can plot your path, kind of like an etch a sketch. Where a regular fishfinder without gps cant do that. its that simple.

[Thom]

You got a very good answer there and I just want to add this little bit to it that might make it even a bit clearer. Think of GPS units as comming in three different breeds. The first would be the simple GPS. About all it would show you is numerical data. The Lat/Lon of your current location, possibly the range and bearing to a selected waypoint. These would be very much like the old LORAN units, that just gave you numbers. The second class would be Plotters. As has been said, and said very nicely I might add, they give you the screen with the bread-crumb trail that shows where you have been and they will also display waypoints that are within the area of screen coverage. Most of them will also draw straight lines to show the path to a selected waypoint (a GO TO). Finall there is the third level, which would be the chartplotters. All they reall are is a plotter with the screen alos showing an underlieing chart. The charts may be self contained, what are often called 'basemaps' or it may be loaded into the machine via a chip of one sort or another or down loaded from some outside source.

Obvisously the farther up the chain you go, from plain GPS to plotter to chartplotter the more money you will have to spend, but that's half the joy of it all :D

Thom