At the heart of Navnet 3D is a powerful graphic engine which allows you to zoom in an out of charts with no redraw time. That’s just the beginning because you can also chose between a 2D or 3D chart format anytime. It is also possible to overlay opaque satellite images which bring chart detail vividly to life; for example these images show graphically where the shallows end and the deeper water begins. The display can also incorporate radar targets which are shown in 3D as well.

In presenting this sophisticated navigation software at the launch, Furuno Marketing Manager Bruce Hardy took the audience through a lively tour of what this system is capable of. What was most impressive is the speed with which you can zoom, pan and scroll around the chart and explore the navigational possibilities on offer. Bruce then took the audience on a virtual cruise.

By using the satellite imagery over the chart you can use the speed of the processing technology to literally take off and explore an area almost as if you were low flying. “It’s like bringing 21st century gaming technology to the marine electronic market,” concluded Stuart.