Do we yearn for real-time chart data such as tides, weather, radar and navigation information? NOAA and its print-on-demand partner, Ocean Grafix (oceangrafix.com), are banking on us wanting that same level of online info when using paper charts.
Scan the QR code with a smartphone, and a menu with multiple selections appears. I like that the data are linked to numbered icons on the chart: Dividing the information by specific location makes sense. There’s to be no additional charge for the QR-enablement — POD charts cost between $27 and $30 — and since we use QR codes in this magazine to enhance printed content, I can’t help but endorse these QR-enabled print-on-demand charts.
See for yourself by visiting nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/qr/QR-Experiment.html. NOAA is seeking your feedback on whether to go “online” with this new chart format.
