Garmin Navionics Card

[ShellbackCVA59]

Isn't the beta test about sonar logs and Sonar Charts with Navionics??

No. Navionics wanted to have their mapping software compatible with Garmin electronics, so they developed a beta chip and sent it out to folks for testing. Once the chip was out for testing, Garmin made a software update to block it's use. Looks to now be a cat fight between Navionics and Garmin. Navionics wants to sell their mapping to Garmin customers, and I think before Garmin will allow it, they want something in return from Navionics. Doesn't make sense Navionics developing mapping for Garmin's without a contract of some kind. Maybe they were pulling a fast one on Garmin.

[skeeterbrain]

No. Navionics wanted to have their mapping software compatible with Garmin electronics, so they developed a beta chip and sent it out to folks for testing. Once the chip was out for testing, Garmin made a software update to block it's use. Looks to now be a cat fight between Navionics and Garmin. Navionics wants to sell their mapping to Garmin customers, and I think before Garmin will allow it, they want something in return from Navionics. Doesn't make sense Navionics developing mapping for Garmin's without a contract of some kind. Maybe they were pulling a fast one on Garmin.

Reply from a Navionics person on another forum

Originally Posted by pmnav
Stiletto,
Paul, national sales manager for Navionics. Let me clarify if I may your statement.

Garmin was made well aware of our intent to create SonarCharts for Garmin months ago. In fact they originally liked the idea from the sales team side giving them relevance in FW and outstanding contours and SonarCharts in SW. We used a software that is Garmin approved and given to other Garmin chart makers. This was actually told to us by Garmin. Other companies that use that same program have charts.

When we showed Garmin the charts at various boat shows, I don't know why (I'll let the forum speculate) after we showed them the chart, a coup months later they send out the press release. Garmin was well aware of us working on this chart.

The software they launch is to block all third party software which means all those other little guys that run charts in the plotter are also now blocked. Garmin charts only.

I'm not aware of which version software will block the use of the third party data but when a tester finds out please do pass along. It's a shame Garmin later decides it doesn't want to give it's customers options.

They knew about it

[ShellbackCVA59]

This is a Garmin response to a customer. As I said, looks like a cat fight. Garmin was looking for a contract with Navionics, which would be common business sense. Navionics jumped in with no type of contract. Shame on them.


More:

Garmin’s marine sector is a vertically integrated segment, meaning we do not have to wait for others to develop new features and wait for their input to develop strategic future plans to offer the best plotters and products possible. Garmin does not want to be chained in that way. Navionics wants simply to make their charts work in our units (I suppose that is their idea of licensing), and that is not something we can do as it will take away much of our freedom to innovate. That is why Garmin stopped using Navionics data (called G-Charts) roughly 15 years ago in the first place.

Garmin would like to be able to license raw data from Navionics and use it like we would data from hydrographic offices around the world as we now do, but they are not willing to allow us to license their data in that way. Garmin, of course, would pay fees and royalties to them if they would do this and if a contract could be struck. We have wanted that for years, but they have, for years, refused to discuss it.