Our History
The Leader in Electronic Charts - Since 1984
In The Beginning
In 1984, Navionics established itself as the pioneer in electronic charting, introduced the first electronic charts to the world, and opened a new era of navigation. Navionics quickly established an early lead in electronic cartography followed by a series of technological innovations, and continues to be a leader in quality, coverage and value. The benefits of electronic charting to the safety of navigation have created a large and enthusiastic market that continues to grow each year.
20 years ago, microprocessors were very slow and vector charts were simple stick maps of coastline with limited geographic coverage and simple representations of navigation symbols. Today’s plotters, with powerful embedded microprocessors, can display large volumes of data very quickly and clearly.
In 2002, Gold Charts were introduced as the latest generation of Navionics cartography. These charts provide boaters with enhanced performance, advanced features and the familiar appearance of a paper chart. In 2003, Navionics unveiled XL3 Charts, triple the size of our XL charts, all on a single cartridge. XL3 gives Navionics customers the largest coverage area available on the market today at a price that competitors cannot match.
In 2004, Navionics celebrated its 20th anniversary. We have grown from a small group of engineers and entrepreneurs to a multi-national team operating from four continents that prides itself in developing the best products for safer and easier navigation.
In December of 2008, Navionics introduced yet another innovation in marine electronic charts providing iPhone users with award-winning Gold marine charts and HotMaps Premium lake maps at their fingertips that can be accessed anywhere and at anytime. Navionics Mobile – “The coolest app boaters will find on iTunes!” – recently won the 2009 Innovation Award at the MAATS (Marine Accessory Aftermarket Trade Show).
Navionics is very proud of its superb cartographic database comprising more than 25,000 charts and port plans; the largest privately owned database of its kind, and the only one using full seamless technology.
Electronic Cartography
Before electronic charts became available; navigators were challenged with using very basic tools for navigation, having to transpose positions derived from visual sightings onto a paper chart. This process was time consuming, complicated and at times inaccurate.
Navionics electronic charts provide more information than paper charts and provide it on easy-to-use plug & play cartridges that work with the most popular chart plotters. Navionics works closely with the leading manufacturers of marine electronic plotters to provide the best electronic charts. Navionics charts are now a fundamental tool of navigation, featuring water depths, navaids, obstructions, and other information necessary for safe navigation. Key benefits include:
- Ease of use
- Integration of important data in addition to the official paper charts
- Automatic detection of possible dangers
- Real-time display of position, course, speed and track
- Layered data allows the user to choose the information to be displayed
Company Profile
Navionics is based in Massarosa, Italy, and operates sales and manufacturing facilities in seven countries conducting research & development, operations, production, sales & marketing and distribution. Navionics headquarters in Massarosa, Italy serves Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, and manages the R&D and production facilities globally. Navionics US headquarters based in Wareham, Massachusetts oversees the Americas. Navionics Australia, Navionics France and Navionics UK provide sales and distribution to their local regions. For over 25 years, Navionics has developed and manufactured electronic navigation charts and systems for marine coastal areas, inland lakes and rivers, and for outdoors use.
Navionics Spa
C.so Magenta, 43
I-20123 Milano
Vat IT 01661250462
R.I. 00260950456
Paid Up Capital €1.032.000,00
