ReefMaster version 1.6 has been released, along with the brand new Bottom Composition module.

Please be aware that the upgrade from version 1.5 to 1.6 is not automatic. Details on how to upgrade to version 1.6 can be found on this page. Upgrading takes just a couple of minutes, and is free for all existing ReefMaster users.

All new Bottom Composition module


bottom composition of a patch of reef, shown in 3D

• Create overlays for your map projects showing changes in the nature of the sea or lake bed.
• Support for layers including roughness, hardness and peak signal return.
• Export bottom-composition layers in a range of file formats, including Navico AT5, Google Earth KML and ESRI Shapefile.
• Switch bottom-composition layers on or off in Navico™ units using the chart categories feature.
• Select just the regions you want for display and export.

Bottom-composition is an add-on module, priced at US$49. To access the new module, you'll need a ReefMaster PRO license and to be running the latest v1.6 version.

ReefMaster version 1.6
Version 1.6 of ReefMaster has been released with a host of new features and improvements.
ReefMaster v1.6 is a free upgrade for all existing users. Upgrading is quick and easy, although no longer automatic. Please visit this page for details on how to upgrade ReefMaster.

Vector depth areas


vector backgrounds in a map project

A powerful new feature in ReefMaster v1.6 is the addition of vector depth backgrounds, known as isobaths.
Isobaths open up a host of possibilities, including full colour maps for older Navico™ units (e.g. Elite, LMS, LMX) and stunning KML vector maps for Google Earth (including on mobile devices). Isobaths can also be exported as ESRI Shapefiles for use in further GIS applications, including cgpsmapper, which can be used to compile maps for Garmin devices.



vector map shown on a Lowrance HDS5, exported directly from ReefMaster


KML vector map on an Android smart-phone, exported directly from ReefMaster

WYSIWYG editing for AT5 maps


bottom-composition layer shown in an editable ReefMaster User Map

Vector maps allow a huge advance in map editing options within ReefMaster. User Maps now offer What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editing for Navico™ AT5 maps. Easily edit depth colours in any way you want; for example, highlight all areas within a certain depth-range with just a few clicks of the mouse. Add tracks to maps and style them as you would like them to appear on your GPS units, or draw or import paths or polygons to highlight areas of interest.

Automatic AT5 map generation by integrating with the Navico™ Insight Map Creator
AT5 is a map format that displays on Navico GPS devices including Lowrance and Simrad. AT5 maps are created by running map data through a free Navico tool called the Insight Map Creator.
ReefMaster can now run the Insight Map Creator automatically, taking the pain out of generating AT5 maps. Vector and raster layers can be generated directly to a memory card; simply click the export option in ReefMaster, wait for the map to generate and then insert the memory card into your Navico unit.


Map directly exported by ReefMaster and shown on a Lowrance HDS5

ESRI Grid export
Export the generated map grid in the ASCII ESRI Grid format, for use in further GIS applications.

64 Bit native deployment
ReefMaster now runs as a 64 bit application on 64 bit operating systems, which, memory permitting, allows even bigger maps to be created. We have beta testers creating maps over 15km square with a 1m grid resolution!

Volumes and Areas Module
The Volumes and Areas add-on module provides area and depth calculations for map projects. Calculate the volume of water or sediment, over the whole map, or for configurable depth-bands, with configurable reference depth for sediment volume calculations.
Volumes and Areas is an add-on module, priced at US$49. To access the new module, you'll need a ReefMaster PRO license and to be running the latest v1.6 version.

A really nice job, Matt. Congratulations.
Reefmaster is becoming like we would like to see it. Reefmaster has really been growing fast.
Still one more wish to go : sidescan viewing ...

Simply wonderful!

Very good job! Hardness and depth areas work great :)

Spectacular Matt,

You are setting a standard and achieving a level of functionality that nobody has ever seen before.

congratulations on the new release.

T

Congratulation Matt,

this program is what the fisherman/angler need. Developed in shortest time from an angler with help of other anglers, chart specialists and with ideas of You and many peoples.

It is simply the best on market.

Best wishes
Jörg

VERY, VERY NICE!!!!

From the previous posts I guess you are getting the message already, but...

Great work!

Thanks guys - we really appreciate the feedback!
Onwards and upwards now - live mapping improvements next, and then the side-scan module, which is already under development. It should be good!

Matt

Great job! Very nice!

Is there a tutorial for the bottom composition module?

I am eager to see the bottom composition in my project but when I hover mouse over the bottom classification drop down, it does not highlight. (Maybe doing something wrong here?)
I am trying in project view, edit......
Please let me know how to use my new module.

Looking forward to buying the side scan too when it is up and running. I am using this for a Dive Rescue team and am really excited about that module!

The bottom composition expander (and button in the graphical view) are only enabled when there is bottom composition information available in the project/track. You do need to reimport tracks to get bottom composition information, and the tracks have to be sonar logs.
Side-scan is coming - we have started work already, and I hope it will be worth waiting for!

Matt