Um, it least here it wasn't clear to me that the DVD was something you'd
worked on. I agree that the Maptech stuff in particular is somewhat
less than easy to snag, probably by intent. The NOAA vector charts at
least come down all in one huge lump and then are sorted, etc. by the
user software (e.g., Rose Point's Coastal Explorer).

Cheers,
   Rick

Jack Webb wrote:

> Rich:
>
> I indicate clearly on my web site that these charts are available
> from Maptech (and NOAA) for free. The site you linked is where I
> retrieved them (as well as NOAA's site). Even though I'm a
> professional database developer, with many "back-door" techniques at
> my disposal, it still took me over 100 hours to download them all. It
> wouldn't have taken so long, except that the charts are not grouped
> or pre-archived. You have to grab them a few at a time and without
> knowledge of their database schema, there is no way to know if you
> have them all. (And I DO know their database schema.
>
> Additionally, I've create a "nowhere-else-available" search engine
> for registered users, that gives information that even Maptech
> doesn't provide when you buy their charts at full price. I've also
> add a lot of additional reference material. Read the "What's
> Included" section for details at http://highseasdrifter.com/index.php?
> page=WhatsIncluded
>
> If 100 hours of your time is worth less than $99, by all means access
> them yourself.
>
> Thanks for your feedback, Rich.
>
> Jack
>
>
> On Dec 1, 2005, at 11:40 AM, Richard Cassano wrote:
>
>> Before you all run out and fork up $99 check out the following web
>> site:
>>
>> http://www.freeboatingcharts.com/
>>
>> Raster charts are now free to download! I believe this is a recent
>> development as the Rose Point Navigation, (Coastal Explorer) web
>> site has
>> links for free chart downloads that covers all of coastal USA. All
>> you need
>> is a charting program that displays raster charts. In addition, all
>> the ENC
>> Vector charts are "free" from the government. They're not really
>> free as you
>> all paid for them in your taxes. Having them all on a single DVD
>> would be a
>> great backup in case you have to reload software in the middle of
>> the ocean.
>>
>> Rich Cassano
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: owner-baba-l@ballreich.net [mailto:owner-baba- l@ballreich.net] On
>> Behalf Of Jack Webb
>> Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 12:13 PM
>> To: baba-l@ballreich.net
>> Subject: [Baba-L] Digital Navigation - Maptech BSB & NOAA ENC
>>
>> If anyone has even a mild interest in digital charts for navigation
>> on a PC/Mac, you might find the following link of interest.
>>
>> This site provides a way to obtain BSB3 charts of the entire US coast
>> and inland waterways (2,177 charts) and current NOAA ENC charts (535)
>> all bundled together on a single DVD, along with a lot of additional
>> and indispensable references. For only $99, this is a great addition
>> to your nautical library!
>>
>> Take a look...
>>
>> http://HighSeasDrifter.com
>>
>> Jack Webb
>
>



-----------------------------------------------------------
Baba Panda and Tashiba Owners Mailing List --
For more info, please check out the FAQ...
http://www.ballreich.net/hypermail/baba-l/faq.html

Received on Thu Dec 01 15:26:06 2005