GPS for dive sites and access points

[2airishuman]

I've been using my favorite mapping/GPS application on my phone (Copilot) to capture and store diving-related waypoints. It doesn't work out well -- there's no easy way export, import, view, store, and manage waypoints.

Perhaps my situation is unusual compared to other Scubaboard participants, so let me explain. Most of my dives are shore dives in Minnesota and surrounding states. The lakes and rivers I dive are widely separated. Access to the lakes can be problematic in some cases as sites are often unimproved and therefore do not have a street address. Upon entering the water, it can be difficult to find the point of interest for the dive. Since there are so few dive charters in the area, in the rare event that I am diving from a boat, chances are I'm at the helm.

I'd like to be able to capture GPS coordinates for some of these locations and use them to navigate back when revisiting a site. I'm willing to use my phone or consider a stand-alone device, especially one water-resistant enough to be left in the float for my dive flag.

Suggestions?

 

[fireboat]

Although I have only used it occasionally as a backup for my boat, the paid $9.99 Navionics app is very good.
You can add markers to detailed cartography that you can navigate to.

Other than that, I like the handheld Garmin GPSMap, it is water resistant and floats. I have an old version also for backup on my boat that still works great. I think they are about $200-250.

 

[Jessica Anderson]

I second that. Navionics has a mobile app and you can add markers. It's also more up-to-date than any of its competitors. I use Navionics+ because it includes SonarCharts which is an HD bathymetry map with incredible bottom contour details so you can accurately check your depth to the foot.

 

[rhwestfall]

MemoryMap software (multiple platforms), SeaClear (Windows), & NOAA had an android platform program under beta for a number of years, but I think it isn't available (though it works very well) .... couple others I can't offhand remember....all use the free NOAA Charts... I use many of them....

(Any of those and a Pelican case for your device, and life is good)

I also have (and have a love/despise relationship) Garmin products - proprietary maps & charts, but use them as they are greatly functional (Rino, Colorado, etc.)...