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.