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OpenCPN/OpenCPN

Free

A concise ChartPlotter/Navigator. A cross-platform ship-borne GUI application supporting * GPS/GPDS Postition Input * BSB Raster Chart Display * S57 Vector ENChart Display * AIS Input Decoding * Waypoint Autopilot Navigation

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About OpenCPN/OpenCPN

OpenCPN (Open Chart Plotter Navigator) is a free, open-source cross-platform ship-borne GUI application designed as a primary navigation interface for vessels. It supports GPS/GPS position input, BSB raster chart display, S57 vector ENC chart display, AIS input decoding, and waypoint autopilot navigation. Built with wxWidgets for portability, it runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Developed with a focus on quick startup/shutdown and a streamlined toolbar for essential daily operations, OpenCPN is used in real-world cruising and is licensed under GPL (with multiple license options).

Key Features

GPS/GPDS position input
BSB raster chart display
S57 vector ENC chart display
AIS input decoding
Waypoint autopilot navigation
Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Quick startup and shutdown
Streamlined toolbar for essential daily operations
Open source (GPL licensed)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free and open source with no licensing costs
  • Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android)
  • Supports popular chart formats (BSB raster, S57 vector ENC)
  • Includes AIS decoding and autopilot navigation
  • Lightweight with fast startup/shutdown
  • Active community and development on GitHub
Cons
  • May lack advanced features for offline route planning, tide/current prediction, and online logging (per project notes)
  • User interface may be less polished compared to commercial alternatives
  • Setup and configuration require some technical knowledge

Best For

Primary navigation interface for vessels with helm-visible navigational suitesRecreational boating and sailingNautical chart plotting and route planningAIS vessel tracking and decodingAutopilot waypoint navigationMarine navigation with weather and GRIB data integration

FAQ

What is OpenCPN?
OpenCPN is a free, open-source chart plotter and navigator software designed for marine use. It provides GPS position input, raster and vector chart display, AIS decoding, and autopilot navigation capabilities.
What platforms does OpenCPN run on?
OpenCPN is cross-platform and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
What chart formats does OpenCPN support?
OpenCPN supports BSB format raster charts and S57 ENC format vector charts.
Is OpenCPN free?
Yes, OpenCPN is free and open source, distributed under GPL licenses (GPL-2.0, GPL-3.0, LGPL-2.1, LGPL-3.0).
Can OpenCPN be used with AIS?
Yes, OpenCPN includes AIS input decoding for tracking vessels.