Heart of the Helm

摘要

As integrated functions claim a growing portion of the chart plotter screen, it is the advent of new software that keeps this hardware current, rather than improvements in the machine itself. Marine electronics are finally catching up with home and office computers in the way they utilize software upgrades to both extend the life of complicated systems and expand the network and access to new tools.rnRadar imagery, 3-D displays and overlays, AIS information and autopilot controls are now fixtures in the navigational suite, and increasingly, it is the plotter software that drives these innovations, rather than the hardware you mount on the helm. Fortunately, everyone wins with this arrangement. Manufacturers are spared the expense of coming up with a new machine every time the engineers find another function that can be integrated into the plotter chassis, and the boat owner is able to stay abreast of the latest navigational and safety features without constantly installing new equipment.