What does a chartplotter do?

• A. Displays weather data
• B. Tracks water depth
• C. Calculates tide tables
• D. Displays GPS position on electronic chart

Answer: (D)

A chartplotter’s job is to take GPS data and show your exact location on an electronic map. It combines a GPS fix with an electronic chart on a screen, so you can see where you are, where you’re heading, and how your route or waypoints line up with the coast and hazards. Depth data comes from a depth sounder, tide tables come from a tide predictor or separate app, and weather information comes from a weather display. The essential function you’re learning here is seeing your GPS position displayed on the electronic chart.