Antares charts

Very Large scale wgs 84 electronic charts

 

OTHER DOWNLOADS

 

Communications Policy (162KB)(pdf file)

 

 

Conditions for use of the charts (76KB) (pdf file)

 

 

For lists of charts in various formats see Our Charts tab

 

For Corrections and Cautions see dedicated tab

NOTE: This website and material obtained from it are the copyright of Antares Charts © and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without express consent; use of all such material is subject to the disclaimers and conditions posted on this website and which may be changed at any time. For full Conditions Tap here.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We have had help and encouragement from a wide range of people and organisations, all of which has been enormously appreciated. Some are listed below.

Neil Carter-Davies

Much of the equipment and software used was supplied by Neil Carter-Davies, formerly of Del Norte and now with Saderet.  His help with training and subsequent support and advice has been particularly appreciated.

 

OS Open Data

Our charts use Ordnance Survey Open Data for background context. This is Crown Copyright and database right 2010-2020 and is used under the terms of their licence. Some of the data has been modified.

Imray sailing directions

In the early days we collaborated closely with Martin Lawrence, editor of the discontinued series of Imray Pilot Books, particularly in the selection of locations. We have received much help and encouragement from him and also from the team at Imray.

Imray Ccc sailing Directions

We collaborate closely with Edward Mason, editor of the current Imray Clyde Cruising Club Sailing Directions, Edward has been a great supporter of our project, advising on many aspects. We happily allow him to use our charts as the basis for many of the plans in his series of CCC/Imray books.

 

 

IHO Manual on hydrography

Our approach to surveying broadly follows that recommended in this document.

UKho

The UKHO is aware of our work. It has published ‘Notices to Mariners’ and made amendments to its charts based on material we have supplied.  However, it has not in any way vetted or approved our charts or underlying surveys. It has also licensed use of the screen shot of part of chart 2207, which must not be used for navigation.

BODC Tidal data

Tide gauge data downloaded from the British Oceanographic Data Centre, sourced from the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, has been used to help verify the accuracy of tidal reductions.

SOUND OF JURA TIDES

While the tidal range in the Sound of Jura is small, the observed levels often differ very materially from predicted levels. To try to gain a better understanding we have logged sea levels at several locations over a number of months. John Mcarthur and Ali MacLeod, yachtsmen resident in the area, very kindly helped with this project. 

Stephen thomas

Stephen led a sailing expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula where he tragically died in an accident ashore. Our first chart was made on this trip, in Paradise Harbour, using very primitive methods. It was the stimulus for our efforts in Scotland.

LINKS to software and equipment.

Usb and Bluetooth gps

A number of very compact USB or Bluetooth gps receivers are available over the internet from £20 upwards. You should note that some have been ‘fixed’ so they don’t show movement at very low speeds, which can be dangerous when preparing to anchor. 

Memory map

Our preferred navigating software is from Memory-Map. The apps for PCs, Macs, iPads and phones and Android devices are free although on PCs and Macs you have to buy a GPS licence to use an external GPS unless you also buy one of their other products such as their Marine charts. These include all the UK and Ireland UKHO charts with plotting software for £50 or less: the licence covers several devices. Our charts work seamlessly with their Marine charts and OS maps.

Other software

There is a wide range of other plotting software believed to be suitable for using our charts in conjunction with a GPS. A non-exhaustive list includes OpenCPN, SeaClear, Oziexplorer, Marine Navigator, iNavX

London chart plotters

Steve Davis, who trades as London Chart Plotters, is very familiar with Antares Charts. We have no formal relationship with Steve but he has helped a number of users in the past and his services and equipment are very inexpensive.

ipads

We think iPads in simple waterproof cases are ideal, along with Memory Map software and UKHO charts. BUT you must use a 3/4G iPad to benefit from real-time position information, although you don’t need a SIM card. If you have a WiFi-only iPad you can use it with an external Bluetooth GPS.