OpenCPN charts for US inland waterways?

[Humancell]

I've seen a few people saying they are using OpenCPN, and I've started to experiment with it.

I'm curious about recommendations on charts for the US Inland Waterways - Mississippi and tributaries?

I'm hoping someone has experience with some specific sources or products?

Thanks!

Scott

 

[caltexflanc]

Should be compatible with the Corps of Engineers ENC charts from the various districts.

 

[Humancell]

Should be compatible with the Corps of Engineers ENC charts from the various districts.

Yes, should be, but I tried to load them and am not seeing anything usable at this point. I can see the vector outlines of the rivers, but no channel or markers etc.

I'm still learning and experimenting, but have not found any good examples of getting them working.

 

[Portage_Bay]

I just tried it and got it to work after:

1. Scan Charts and Update Database in Options / Charts. I do this after every chart install.
2. Make sure "Enable Chart Quiliting" is checked in Options / General.
3. "Show Chart Outlines" checked in Options / General.

# 3 seemed to be the key for me to be able to find the chart, zoom in and see how it looks.


Then I went to Options / Charts / Vector Chart Display to get it too look the way I want it to. Below is a chunk of the Allgheny River. Not a lot of info and detail but that's easy to fix in Options / Charts / Vector Chart Display

 

[FlyWright]

Stupid question, but are you zoomed in?

 

[Portage_Bay]

Forgot a couple of steps. If at first all you get is the blank outline then:

1. Click in the chart area
2. Select the chart at the bottom of the screen.

 

[CaptTom]

Yes, those charts cover very narrow areas (rivers and canals.) You won't see them at all unless you zoom way in.

I sometimes had to start at someplace I knew the waterway was (a town on the waterway, or the mouth of the river) and keep zooming until it popped up, then scroll along the waterway until I got to the area I wanted to see.

It's easier if you're already there. Just keep zooming in until it appears.