A chartplotter is a sophisticated electronic device utilized in marine navigation that integrates GPS data with an electronic nautical chart. This device allows the accurate real-time positioning of the vessel to be superimposed onto a digital chart that is displayed on a monitor, eliminating the need for manual navigation procedures. The chartplotter collects, collates, and displays data from various shipboard electronic instruments which may include depth sensors, radar, and weather information, among others. Its interface provides comprehensive situational awareness to the navigator by presenting a holistic view of the ship's surroundings. In many modern systems, the chartplotter is also interfaced with the ship's autopilot, offering the capability for direct control and facilitating a seamless voyage by initiating course changes based on the plotted route. By providing all these features, a chartplotter greatly enhances navigational accuracy and safety at sea.

1. The Garmin GPSMAP series is an excellent example of a chartplotter. These models come with preloaded charts and can display the ship's current location on a large, high-resolution screen. They can also be connected to other devices on the ship to display various types of data and control the autopilot function. 2. The Raymarine Axiom Pro series is another example of a chartplotter. These models come with RealVision 3D sonar and digital switching capabilities, effectively providing a more comprehensive depiction of the ship's environment and position. 3. Another example of a chartplotter is the Furuno NavNet TZtouch3 series. These models not only display high-resolution nautical charts but also provide 3D chart rendering. This helps in providing a better visual representation of the ship's current location and the surrounding area. 4. The B&G Vulcan series of sailing chartplotters are also an excellent example. Apart from basic navigation, they also have advanced sail features like SailSteer and RacePanel. They can also integrate with various onboard instruments for a unified control experience. 5. The Simrad GO series is another brilliant example of a chartplotter. These models come with a user-friendly touchscreen display and can connect to a broad range of marine sensors to offer data like depth, speed, wind, and temperature, in addition to GPS navigation data. Most of these models can also control autopilot directly from the chartplotter display.

Fun Fact: While Chartplotters dramatically reduce the manual tasks involved in sea navigation, they offer much more than just a digital version of a traditional paper map. Modern Chartplotters are among the most complex of all marine electronics, and they pretty much serve as the brain of a ship. Not only do they show the ship's position on a digital nautical chart, but they're also capable of incorporating other vital data such as weather, tide, current, sea surface temperature, and even information from radar, sonar, and AIS (Automatic Identification System) for safety purposes. Some advanced models can even be integrated with the autopilot to automatically steer the ship along a predetermined route! This all-in-one versatility, layered with real-time precision, makes the Chartplotter an essential tool for both professional mariners and recreational boaters. Imagine being able to "see" underwater obstructions, neighboring vessels, or weather changes on your Chartplotter screen... It's like having a superpower to see the invisible!