Flexible and Easy-to-Use Toolkit Allows Map Development for B&G Navigation Products
Nashua, N.H. – B&G, the world leader in marine instruments, autopilot systems and tactical software solutions, announced today its Cartography Toolkit that enables developers to create mapping content for its renowned marine navigation products. The new, easy-to-use software tools and documentation allow experienced GIS engineers to convert content data into a format compatible with B&G Zeus multifunction displays as well as other Navico brands including the Simrad NSE and NSO, and Lowrance HDS and Endura product lines. Offering an open and flexible platform for third-party mapping content providers, the toolkit gives partners the ability to produce and sell B&G and Navico-compatible cartography on securely encrypted SD and MicroSD cards.
Incorporating all the tools required to build maps based on Navico’s Marine and Outdoor Database (NMOD) specifications, both raster and vector maps can be developed using the Cartography Toolkit. The kit consists of three tiers for different development needs. Each tier includes highly detailed documentation on the steps required to build a mapping solution, as well as sample projects for each type of map that can be created. Tier 1 provides tools to create inland marine vector maps in Navico’s proprietary AT5 and PSF formats. Tier 2 offers steps to build AT5 vector maps from S-57 formatted ENC data for marine products, and Tier 3 provides tools to create AT5 raster maps.
Offering versatile, user-friendly programming, the intelligent kit also provides a simple migration process that allows maps created in one tier to be ported to another tier without recreating data from scratch for each use.
“The Cartography Toolkit allows companies and individuals to build map content that will enhance the overall user experience with B&G, Lowrance and Simrad Yachting systems,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. “Providing an open and flexible platform for developers not only supports and creates business opportunities for third-party innovators, but also demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Navico customers have access to the most extensive, versatile and cutting-edge cartography and content options available.” The Cartography Toolkit is available for free to partners who have completed a Toolkit Licensing Agreement. Familiarity with GIS programs and basic GIS engineering skills are required for successful use of the toolkit. For more information on the Cartography Toolkit, please visit www.lowrance.com/Products/Mapping/cartography-toolkit. For more information on the B&G Zeus navigation system or the entire line of B&G marine electronics, contact 800-628-4487 (toll-free) in the USA or 800-661-3983 (toll-free) in Canada , or visit www.bandg.com.