Navionics and HotMaps question

[Box]

LAST EDITED ON May-16-01 AT 11:58AM (CST)[p]I have LMS-160, and would like to try the HotMaps for some MN lakes.

My question is, can I view the maps, or print them, on my computer screen so I can check out the lakes ahead of time? Or can they only be viewed on the GPS unit itself?

Basically, do you still need a paper/plastic map or will the NavHotMap take care of all your needs?

I don't really see any explanation of how the maps can be used on Navionics site. It would be nice if they gave some screenshots. Maybe its my fault for not looking deeper, but I think they'd sell more if they made it easier for people to understand what they're getting.

Thanks for the info!

Box

[phm]

I have the Raytheon 425, and purchased some Hotmaps for the lakes I fish. With the Raytheon you do not have the ability to print the maps. If you had a card reader you might be able to pull the information off and print it, but a card reader is a lot more money then a $7 map.

The image that displays on the chart plotter is an exact copy of what you see on the Hotmaps. It has the fish types, depth rings, bottom types, ports, and channels all marked. It does not have the "Hot Spots" marked. I have seen the maps on my 425, and a Lowrance X-15, and the information is identical.

I still use the paper maps in the boat, but it's nice to not have to unfold it every single time your looking for a new spot, or trying to navigate around the lake.

[Box]

Thanks for the info.

Actually, that is why I was wondering about the paper/printing, because then I could basically get the GPS map and print it without spending the $7 to get the exact same map.

My 160 doesn't use cards, and I understand it they just email me the map that will only work with my serial GPS unit, and I do the uploading on my computer to the GPS.

That's cool that I now at least know what one will look like :) just like the maps. Thanks again for the info!

Box

[Popia]

You can not view the navionics maps on your computer screen. You can only see them on your GPS unit. I dont like this at all. I would like to be able to plan routes and fishing locations on my computer before downloading to the GPS. I believe Lakemaps.com has the software to allow you to do this.

[Box]

Thanks Popia.

If that is the case, I am not buying from Navionics, even if their maps are great on the GPS unit. Like you, I want to plan things using my map, and being required to purchase basically two maps, when on eof them is an expensive one, seems silly. I don't object to paying for things, just that a duplication od efforts is, well, silly when they could do it very easily.

Thanks for the info!
(BTW - sent them an email inquiry and so far no response, although it hasn't been that long.)

Box

[Wallhanger]

Box, I have both the Lakemaps software and the Navionics for my LMS 160. They serve two different purposes. Actually I bought the Lakemaps because I thought I could upload the information (lake detail, depth contours, etc) to the LMS 160, which I later I found out I couldn't do.

The Lakemaps is good for displaying lake detail on your PC and doing your trip planning. You can then put in/upload waypoints/icons to your LMS 160. Lakemaps also comes with a good database for retaining your historical information.

The Navionics is a duplicate of the paper Hot Spots with some caveats. As you zoom out you loose detail. For example at 2 miles you might see all the contour lines vs. at 5 miles you might only see one or two vs. 10 miles not contour lines. If I remember correctly you can only zoom down to .3 miles and still see Hot Spots info. Any further zoom in and you only see what comes with the original LMS 160. Keep in mind that you are looking at the Hot Spots on a 5" screen vs. the paper map that is 2' wide. The Hot Spots on the LMS 160 can't replace the paper in my view.

One day maybe they will have a package that does it all. Good luck.

[Mike Michalak]

Nothing will ever replace paper maps. I don't care how sophisticated the equipment gets, you ask any touring professional or any successful angler for that matter and they'll pull the maps out of the glove box.

Maps are the planning tool they've always been. The electronics become your guide (of sorts) once on the water. Bottom line, you really need them both. The cost is insignificant when you compare it to the lures you lose every year (LOL).

When you purchase a Navionics map, what would you think if it came bundled with the map? One transaction, probably a more attractive price...it's something we've thought about but keep in mind it's a Navionics product and not a Fishing Hot Spots offering, so it's up to them. The same can be said for our other digital partners out there.

Some food for thought...and interesting posts.

Mike Michalak
President
Fishing Hot Spots, Inc.

[Box]

Thanks Michael and Wallhanger!

I agree that you can't go without a paper map. My point is, when I buy the Electronic version, I basically am buying the same map (minus the hotspot marks) that creates the paper map. All that would be needed is some type of software display/printing and then I would also have a paper map available. Of course it would be smaller than the official FHS map.

As for the combo electronic and paper map bundled together, that is a great idea in my book. The price isn't really my concern, it is more of the convenience. I have many FHS maps and I like them a lot. I am a computer geek (I make games) and having everything electronic is better for me.

I also know all about piracy (I remember a recent post) and can understand how you have to consider that as well. Bundling would be good solution, but I still think allowing the customer to make his own maps (how many times have you had a map fly out of the boat?) would also be a great solution.

The other beautiful thing about allowing the printing, is that the customer could zoom in and only print certain parts of a big lake. It would make the paper map all that much more useful to him/her.

Anyway, I'm glad you teamed up with Navionics and I'm glad you're here checking out what the little folk think! Thanks! If you ever need opinions, I've got plenty! ha! :)

Box in MN