Humminbird Side Imaging Forums

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: chico_furley on January 07, 2016, 12:28:04 PM

Title: Need some advise concerning custom map software
Post by: chico_furley on January 07, 2016, 12:28:04 PM

Hi,  I'm a newbie to this site and SI so please excuse my ignorance on this subject.
I am looking for some advise on creating custom maps for several small lakes in my area.
I purchased a HB 698ci HD SI unit last fall and am quite impressed with the quality and clarity of the SI images it produces.
Each time I went out on the water, I recorded the trip on a SD card so I could review them over the winter months in my spare time.
All of these record files were transferred to my PC and I have been using the Humviewer software to learn more detail about the lakes that I fished.
I know that I can purchase the Autochart software and use my recorded data to make custom maps for the lakes that I have fished.
However, I'm located in eastern Canada and the lakes I fish are not included in the Autochart software package so I would have to create my own.
Also, at $400+ for just the Autochart software, it seems a bit pricey since I have to do all of the work anyway.
I have browsed through these forums and have downloaded several pieces of software to convert and view my files but can't seem to figure out how to bring it all together to create my own custom maps.
I'm not looking to load these custom maps back into my HB unit, just create and maybe print them for my own use on the water.

So now my questions:

a) What is the best alternative software that I could use to download my record files into and create 2D or 3D contour maps?  3DFmaps looks interesting.
b) Is there a step by step tutorial somewhere that I haven't seen yet that shows me how to do this?
c) Should my data be first converted to .csv, gpx or some other format?
d) Would cloud sourced map creation be better than stand alone?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

b.t.w. Great site, lots of interesting topics and information.

Title: Re: Need some advise concerning custom map software
Post by: Bob B on January 07, 2016, 03:26:58 PM

Reefmaster will create some good maps for offline viewing ..... It's been a while since I used it, so can't help much with tutorial info.....but that will give you something to look into.

It will also create a topographic display on the unit by using track lines....If Wayne is watching, he will be angry if I call it a "map" on the unit. ;D

Not as good as Autochart for Humminbird, but should do what you are looking for.

Title: Re: Need some advise concerning custom map software
Post by: chico_furley on January 10, 2016, 09:05:19 AM

Thanks Bob,

I've downloaded the Reefmaster software trial version and have been playing with it for the last couple of evenings.
Nice software.  Looks like it will do everything that I was looking for and then some.
I think I may purchase the full version at the end of the evaluation period and fill in some holes from my current recordings.
Can't wait to load these contour maps back into my HB and get back out on the water fishing.
If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks again for the advise.

Title: Re: Need some advise concerning custom map software
Post by: Bob B on January 10, 2016, 04:05:15 PM

Thanks......Let us know how it works out for you