Question 1

Will I lose any remaining credit on my (trial) subscription if I buy an extension?

Accepted Answer

If you already have an active (trial) subscription to the Nautical Maps app, we automatically add your new credit at the end of your current trial subscription. That means you can renew or extend your subscription at any time without having to worry about losing any existing credit.

You can see your current subscription credit at the top of your of your profile. To access it, tap on the profile symbol in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

Question 2

How can I edit, copy, rename or delete my saved routes?

Accepted Answer

If you plan a lot of trips in different countries and types of waterways, you'll end up with lots of saved routes over time. For simplicity, it might make sense to delete some of the old routes.

Even if you want to keep all your routes, you'll find the following instructions helpful. All of these commands are available in the same menu.

For example, you can add a stopover to an existing route, correct a name or plan a similar route to one you've done before.

Here's how to access the route menu:

Go to the menu item "Routes", which you'll find at the centre bottom of the screen.
Find the route you want in the list. Next to its name, you'll see two buttons: "Start" and a circle with three dots (…).
Tap the circle with three dots to open the route menu.
This is where you'll find all the commands you need:
- Start to start the route.
- Share to send the route to family and friends.
- Change name to correct a typo or amend a name.
- Edit route to change your plans after saving the route.
- Copy route to create a template for a similar trip to speed up the planning process.
- Delete route if you no longer need the route.

On an iPhone or iPad, these steps will look like this:

Step 1

This image shows what the route overview looks like in the Nautical Maps app

Step 2

Here's what the route menu looks like in Nautical Maps for iOS

And on Android devices, the menu looks like this:

Step 1

This is what the route overview screen looks like in the Nautical Maps Android app

Step 2

The route menu on the Android version of the Nautical Maps app

Question 3

How does the route planner work in the Nautical Maps mobile app?

Accepted Answer

There are three different ways to plan your route in the Nautical Maps mobile app:

Automatic route planning before your trip
- In the centre of the menu, tap "Routes" and then "Plan a new route". Select the first option: 'Automatic Route (beta)'.
- Move the map until the big blue arrow points at your desired departure location.
- Tap "Choose as starting point".
- To add stopovers, tap "Intermediate" and move the map so that the arrow points at the desired location. Repeat this step until you have added all the stopovers.
- Finally, set your destination. Move the map again until it points at your desired location. Once you tap "Destination", the app will automatically calculate your best route based on the boat data you entered.
- Now all you need is a name for your route so you can save it. Or if you prefer, you can start your journey straightaway.
Manual route planning before your trip
- In the centre of the menu, tap "Routes" and then "Plan a new route". Select the section option: 'Manual Route'.
- Move the map until the big blue arrow points at your desired departure location. Tap "Add".
- Move the map for each additional point you want to add to the route and tap "Add".
- Once your route is complete, tap “Done”.
- Now all you need is a name for your route so you can save it. Or you can start driving straightaway.
Simple route planning to a single destination (ideal when you're already out)
- This is for those times you want to naviagte to a location you've spotted along the way, for example to refuel or go out to eat. Move the map until you can see your destination.
- Tap on the related symbol (e.g. a bridge, lock or marina). Information about the location will appear at the bottom of the screen. You'll also find a handy 'Route' button.
- If you tap this button, you can choose your departure point in the next step. To do this, move the map until the blue arrow points at your desired starting point. You can also choose your current location.
- Your route will be calculated automatically based on the boat data you entered. Warning: if you schedule your route this way, you won't be able to plan stopovers.

https://youtu.be/kI55eviZ3rs

This video shows how the automatic route planner works.

The automatic route planner is currently still in beta, so you might encounter some teething problems. Please let us know if you find any errors on your route so we can keep improving the app.

Question 4

Which operating systems does the Nautical Maps mobile app support?

Accepted Answer

The Nautical Maps app is compatible with the following devices and operating systems:

Android smartphones and tablets running at least version 6
iPhones and iPads running iOS 10 or newer

Older operating systems might work, but the app will probably be slow or not display all information correctly.

Question 5

Can I transfer my routes between PC and app?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. From the app you can email a route to yourself and then import the route into the software on your PC. You can also email yourself a route from your PC. Then open this email on your mobile device to use it in the Nautical Maps app.

Question 6

Can the software receive AIS?

Accepted Answer

We're still in the test phase of coupling AIS receivers with transponders. We hope to have all the testing finished by the start of the 2020 sailing season so we can release this feature for everyone.

Question 7

How can I link my licence?

Accepted Answer

You can use the app and software version with the same licence. By the start of the 2021 sailing season you should be able to do this without any extra steps. But until then, you'll need to use an annual licence with an additional code. Email us to request your code for free.

Question 8

Does the software also work with an internal GPS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the software will work with internal GPS if it's supported by Windows. But there aren't any PCs on the market just now that have built-in GPS. The advantage of a separate GPS is that you can place the receiver or antenna in a place with good reception. What's more, a separate GPS is often much cheaper than a PC with internal GPS.

Question 9

What kind of GPS do I need?

Accepted Answer

The Nautical Maps software works with almost any GPS that supports the NMEA protocol and is connected to the PC via a USB cable. Install the driver or software that comes with the GPS and is compatible with your version of Windows. We don't recommend using a wireless GPS.

Question 10

What are the system requirements?

Accepted Answer

The software version works on a PC with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 and a minimum of 2 GB of internal memory and 3 GB of free space on the hard disk.

Question 11

Where can I find current information that affects navigation?

Accepted Answer

If there are any updates on waterways, bridges and so on, you'll see a warning triangle () on the map. Tap the icon to read the message.

Navigation messages for the Netherlands come from Rijkswaterstaat and we update them every hour – assuming you have an online internet connection. If you're not connected, you'll see the messages from the last time you were online.

Question 12

Where does the information in the app come from?

Accepted Answer

For the Netherlands, we work with waterway info and guidelines from ANWB Almanac. Every year, they send us updated data on waterways, including marinas, bridges and locks. And Nautical Maps is the only app allowed to use this information.

In addition, we use public sources like Rijkswaterstaat. We also work with organisations such as Varen Doe Je Samen and harbour masters.

The maps themselves are based on the water maps of the ANWB (2018). Since then we've been keeping them up to date and developng them.

Last but not least, our source for current information is you, our users. A lot of people who use Nautical Maps send in updates and corrections. That way we can review them and include them in the maps.

More than 50,000 people use our app each year. Having such a large number of users helps keep our app more accurate and up to date than others on the market.

See also: How can I report an error or correction?

Question 13

Where can I find the map legend?

Accepted Answer

Tap the 'i' icon in the corner of the 'Map' view. This can be in the top right or bottom right corner depending on your phone. (On iPhone X it's in the bottom right.)

Question 14

Where can I find information from the Dutch ANWB Almanac?

Accepted Answer

The Nautical Maps app includes all the information from the Almanac.

For instance, we've fully integrated points of interest (POIs). Tap a marker to learn more about the POI. Pull up the window to see more information such as opening times, rates and prices.

From the POI screen you can navigate to the point you've chosen. If we've listed the phone number or email address, you can contact the POI straight from the app.

The search function also lets you find out more about the waterways.

Question 15

How can I let the map ‘run’ with my boat?

Accepted Answer

If you tap the arrow icon in the top left corner of the map (on Android, tap the visor icon), the map will centre on your current position. And from then on it will follow your position.

As soon as you move the map to display a different area, for example, it will stop following your position.

Question 16

What is the boat dimensions feature for?

Accepted Answer

The reason we ask for your boat dimensions is to show you routes you navigate safely. Bridges you can pass through will appear in green on the map view.

If your boat is too wide or too high, you will see a red bridge symbol instead. And if you have to modify your boat to pass – for instance, if you have to fold up the mast – you'll see an orange bridge symbol.

To set the dimensions of your boat, go to your profile at the bottom right of the menu bar. Then select 'Maps' and 'My boat'.

Tip: you can enter two different heights for your boat:

With the mast upright / flag pole / windshield, etc. (Enter these dimensions under 'Boat height').
With the mast/flag folded/windshield, etc. removed (enter those dimensions under 'Minimum height').

Question 17

How do I plan, change or share a route?

Accepted Answer

If you tap 'Routes' in the menu bar, you'll see the 'Plan a new route' option. Once you've saved your first route, you'll also see the option to share it when you tap the circle with three dots next to the 'Start' button.

Selecting 'Plan a new route' will take you to a screen with three more options:

Automatic route (beta)
Manual route
Record route

Planning a new route

Plan and save your trip by entering a departure point, a destination and, if it's relevant, a stopover. For more information on the differences between automatic and manual route planning, see this FAQ article.

You can find all your saved routes by tapping on 'Routes' in the bottom menu bar.

Record your route

If you choose this option, the app will record and save your route will sailing.

You can find all your recorded routes by tapping on 'Routes' in the bottom menu bar.

Share your route

You can share your saved routes with others. To do this, first tap 'Routes' in the bottom bar and then 'Share' next to the route you want to share. There are a variety of sending options, including WhatsApp and email.

Edit your route

To edit a route, first tap 'Routes' in the bottom bar and then 'Edit route' next to the route you want to share.

See also: Are my routes available on all paired devices?

Question 18

How do I connect my iPad WiFi (without GPS) to my iPhone?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the iPad WiFi doesn't give your accurate location on the water. That's because this model doesn't have a GPS chip. Instead, it uses something called Assisted GPS to give a rough estimate of your position via internet.

But the good news is you can share the GPS location of your iPhone with your iPad via Bluetooth. Here's how:

Turn on Bluetooth on both iPhone and iPad.
Open the Nautical Maps app on both devices.
Go to your Nautical Maps 'Profile' on your iPhone (at the bottom right in the menu bar in the app).
Tap on 'Devices' and switch on 'Share GPS with iPad WiFi-only models'.
After a few seconds the connection will be established and you'll see the message: 'Connection established'.
You can now close this message. Tap on the 'Map' icon at the bottom left in the menu bar to return to the maps.

Warning: your iPhone must always be within Bluetooth range of the iPad (approximately 2 to 3 metres).

Question 19

How do I open a shared route (.kmz file)?

Accepted Answer

You can open or import a route in iOS or Android in 3 steps:

Opening a shared Nautical Maps route on iOS:

Tap on the .kmz file.
Tap on 'Share file via...' and then on 'Open in...'.
You can now open the file with the Nautical Maps app. When you select the Nautical Maps app, the app imports the file automatically and displays the message 'A route has been loaded'.

Opening a shared Nautical Maps route on an Android device:

Tap on the .kmz file.
Open it with the Nautical Maps app.
You'll receive confirmation in the app that the route has been successfully imported.

Question 20

Are my routes available on all paired devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ever since version 5.1.10 (iOS) and 5.2 (Android), we've made it possible for you to view all your saved routes on any paired device. The only thing you'll need is access to the internet.

Question 21

How can I download the maps to use offline?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, you can't guarantee a good connection on the water. With the Nautical Maps app, you can download the maps to your device so you're not caught out in dead spots.

After installing the app, a pop-up in the map view will ask if you want to download the maps.

You can also find this option in your 'Profile' (on the bottom right-hand side in the menu bar). Select 'Download maps' from the 'Maps' list to save them to your device.

Question 22

How can I customise the map display (and/or the look of the route line)?

Accepted Answer

You can define the look and route line within the Nautical Maps app. Go to 'Profile' in the bottom right of the menu, 'Maps' and 'Map Options'.

There are a variety of elements you can customise including:

Units

You can display your speed in km/h or knots and your distances in kilometres or nautical miles. To do this, select the 'Units' option.

Directional arrow, scale and coordinates

Under 'Display', choose if you want to show a directional arrow at your position by activating 'Show directional arrow'. This is the black dotted line on your position arrow.

You can also specify whether you want to see the scale and coordinates.

Turning the map

When you have 'Turn on map rotation' activated, you can rotate the map yourself. You can find this option under 'Display' in your 'Profile'.

Route line thickness and colour

Under 'Display' you can also define the thickness and colour of the line that reflects your planned route.

Rotate arrow with phone

If this option is activated, the arrow turns along with the phone. When you turn it off, the arrow follows the direction of the GPS. You can find this setting under 'Map options'.

Points of Interest (POIs)

On the map you can find symbols for different POIs. Tap an icon to see more information about this POI.

The POIs fall into different categories, such as moving bridges, locks, marinas, leisure and sports activites. You can choose which categories you want to show on the map. To do this, choose 'Select POIs' under 'Map options'.

The Nautical Maps app even lets you know if your boat can pass under a bridge or not based on its size. Find out how to input your boat data into boat settings.

Question 23

It's not showing the right number of days left on my balance. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

You might have just bought a subscription but it's not showing the right number of days left in your profile.

Make sure the email address you sign in with is the same one you used to pay for your subscription. You can find this address in your confirmation email.

Question 24

What payment options are there?

Accepted Answer

You can set up a subscription directly in the app. This is called an in-app purchase. To do this, go to your profile and tap on ‘renew’ or ‘buy’ (if your subscription has already ended). To pay for your subscription, you'll need an Apple or Google account.

You can also set up your subscription right here on this website. To do this, sign in at the top right of this screen with the same email address and password that you use in the app.

Not sure which email address you use for Nautical Maps? You can find this info in your profile (icon at the bottom right in the menu bar of the app). It's under the number of days left on your subscription.

You get a confirmation email every time you pay for a subscription.

Question 25

How can I request a refund?

Accepted Answer

You can request a refund if you're not satisfied with the app or if you accidentally paid for it twice.

The refund process varies depending on where you bought your subscription.

Did you buy your subscription in the Apple App Store or in your iPhone app? See information from Apple.

Or did you set it up in the Google Play Store or on your Android phone? See information from Google.

If you bought your subscription here on the Nautical Maps website, please email us.

Before requesting a refund, please check the terms and conditions from the platform you bought your Nautical Maps subscription from.

Question 26

How do I sign in with a second device?

Accepted Answer

When you install the app on a device, you automatically have a Nautical Maps account. Your username is the email you used to register or buy the subscription. If you're not sure which email you used, you can find it at the top of your profile screen.

You can download the app on a second (and third) device and then sign in with the same email address and password.

Forgot your password?

Sign out, then enter your email address in the screen and tap on ‘Continue’.
Next, the app will ask for your password. If you tap ‘Forgot?’ in the bottom left, you will receive an email to reset your password (please also check your spam folder).

You can sign in on up to three devices with a single subscription and single account.

Question 27

How can I report an error or a correction?

Accepted Answer

If you come across incorrect information, please send us an email to let us know:

The location that's affected
The incorrect information as it appears in the app
The correct information.

We'd also be grateful for an accompanying photo or extra details to help us review the information.

It's thanks to your enthusiasm and generosity in sharing these updates and corrections that we can keep Nautical Maps the most up to date and accurate navigation app for boating in Europe. Thanks in advance!

Question 28

How do I change my email address?

Accepted Answer

You can't change your email address in the app. But the good news is, we can change it for you. Tell us your old email address and the one you'd like to use in future. Where possible, please email from the address you used to set up your subscription.

Question 29

How many times can I install the app (or use it on other devices)?

Accepted Answer

You can use the app on up to three devices with a single subscription and single account.

From 2020, you can also use Nautical Maps with an annual subscription on 2 PCs (in Dutch only, covering only the Netherlands). You'll need to use Windows software and have at least 11 months left on your app subscription. Email us to request the software licence key.

See also: How do I sign in with a second device?

Question 30

Can I choose another language?

Accepted Answer

Our app is available in English, German and Dutch. But the water maps and the ANWB Almanac part 2 are only available in Dutch at the moment.

How to change the language:

Tap on the profile icon at the bottom right in the menu bar of the app.
Go to 'Account'. Under 'My Language' / 'Mijn Taal' / 'Sprache' you can customise the app.
Select your preferred language and the app automatically updates.

Question 31

How can I centre the map on my position?

Accepted Answer

In the map view, tap the arrow icon in the top left corner (on Android, tap the visor icon). The map will centre on your current position and follow it.

But as soon as you move the map to show a different area, the arrow won't be keeping you in focus and following your position.

Only in April

20% DISCOUNT

on a year subscription