Used OpenCPN for Android?


Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

OpenCPN is a capable travel and utilities application that provides dependable chart plotting and navigation tools for recreational and experienced sailors alike. Its flexible design and broad chart support make route planning and voyage monitoring more practical, while its open architecture allows users to tailor the experience to their specific navigation needs.

Top Recommended Alternative

OpenCPN delivers a balanced combination of route planning, chart management, and navigation features that help simplify marine travel. Although some advanced functions require familiarity with nautical navigation concepts, the software's flexibility and dependable performance make it a valuable companion for users seeking comprehensive marine navigation capabilities.

One of the strongest aspects of OpenCPN is its ability to combine multiple navigation tools into a single, organized interface. Planning routes, viewing nautical charts, tracking positions, and monitoring voyages become straightforward with its comprehensive feature set. The chart compatibility, route planning, and GPS integration provide dependable functionality for both trip preparation and real-time navigation. However, beginners may need time to understand the numerous navigation options and settings.

Confident navigation starts with better planning 

The program performs reliably during route planning and live navigation while supporting a wide range of chart formats and navigation hardware. Plugin support, real-time tracking, and customizable displays allow users to adapt the software to different sailing requirements. Although configuring certain plugins or external devices may require additional setup, the flexibility offered by the platform outweighs the initial learning effort for many experienced users.

For boaters seeking a comprehensive navigation solution, the program provides an excellent balance between flexibility and functionality. The voyage planning, customizable interface, and extensive hardware compatibility make it suitable for a variety of navigation scenarios. While some advanced features are better appreciated by experienced navigators, the dependable performance and expandable design help ensure lasting value as users gain confidence with the software.

Enlarged image for OpenCPN
OpenCPN 0/3
  • Pros

    • Excellent chart support
    • Flexible plugin system
    • Reliable route planning
    • Extensive hardware compatibility
  • Cons

    • Steep learning curve
    • Plugin setup complexity

Bottom Line

A dependable marine navigation tool

Overall, OpenCPN delivers a reliable combination of marine navigation, route planning, and flexible customization that serves both recreational and experienced sailors well. Although its advanced configuration options and extensive feature set may require a learning period, the comprehensive chart support, dependable performance, and expandable design make it an excellent recommendation for anyone seeking a capable long-term marine navigation solution.

What’s new in version 5.12.4

  • Version 5.12.4 includes bug fixes, compatibility improvements, and stability enhancements across supported platforms
  • The update also refines plugin compatibility and addresses several navigation-related issues to improve overall reliability

Used OpenCPN for Android?


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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
5.12.4
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Android
Operating System
Android 4.1
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
7,863
Downloads Last Week
74

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Program available in other languages


Last Updated


Developer’s Description

OpenCPN is a free, community developed and supported software to create a concise chart plotter and navigation software, for use underway or as...

OpenCPN is a free, community developed and supported software to create a concise chart plotter and navigation software, for use underway or as a planning tool - now available on your Android mobile phone or tablet. See below for support links!

NOTE: The current version requires a decent phone or tablet with an ARM processor. It might crash on tablets with an Intel Atom CPU.

FEATURES:

* IHO S52 compliant display of worldwide S57 and S63 vector charts.

* BSB v3, and earlier, raster chart support.

* BSB4 and "nv-chart" support through plugins.

* CM93 vector chart support, with per cell offset corrections.

* Single-chart and Quilted display modes.

* North-up, Course-up and Chart-up display modes.

* Moving-map display mode.

* Route navigation with ship tracking functions.

* Waypoint navigation.

* Dashboard, for configurable on-screen display of ship's NMEA data.

* NMEA 0183 GPS interface at selectable baud rate.

* Advanced NMEA message handling structure with built in multiplexer.

* Autopilot output support.

* AIS input with full target tracking and collision alerting.

* AIS support for SART / automatic MOB handling.

* AIS support for DSC and GPSGate Buddies.

* Anchor watch/alarm functions.

* GRIB file input and display for weather forecasting.

* GPX Waypoint, Track and Route input and output file support.

* Tide and Current prediction and display by location.

* Route planning with tidal support.

* Builtin great-circle routing.

* Weather routing through qtVlm or separate plugin

* GPX Layers for annotation of charts.

* Climatology and Weather Fax,

* World Magnetic Variation

* 20+ languages supported

* OpenGL support for enhanced performance

* Windows, Apple OS X, Linux and Android applications

COMMUNITY SUPPORT:

http://cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/ (English/International)

http://opencpn.org/ (English/International)

http://opencpn.de/ (Deutsch)

http://opencpnayudaes.yolasite.com/ (Espanol)

http://plaisance-pratique.com/-opencpn- (Francais)

http://opencpn.shoreline.fr/ (Francais)

http://opencpn.no/ (Norge)

ANDROID BETA TESTING PROGRAM:

https://goo.gl/WEUtbx

BUG REPORTS & FEATURE REQUESTS:

http://willkamp.com/opencpn/flyspray/

APKs & SOURCE CODE:

http://bit.ly/opencpn-android

https://github.com/OpenCPN/OpenCPN

SOCIAL MEDIA:

https://www.facebook.com/OpenCPN

This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation. This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.


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