Newsletter #5 - January 21, 2008
Inlets
ActiveCaptain Adds Inlets, Biggest Update Yet
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ActiveCaptain version 1.6 (www.activecaptain.com) adds the largest
group of Local Knowledge markers to date. Over 3,000 inlet markers
have been added throughout the US, its territories, and along parts
of Canada. Inlets are special markers. They include major ocean
entrances, harbors (large and small), rivers, coves, passages and
channels. Most of the markers include descriptions of the inlet
approach, hazards to be aware of, tide and current information,
general harbor guidelines, and much more. These new markers add
general guidebook information and compliment our huge database
of marinas, anchorages, boat ramps, and other existing information.
Check out some of the harbors you're familiar with - you've got to
see what we have in there!
Use this practical information to assist you in making your
cruising decisions. Which inlet is safest in the upcoming storm?
Is there a harbor of refuge up ahead? How should I make my
approach? Unlike traditional, static guidebooks, ActiveCaptain
provides a dynamic source of information on thousands of cruising
destinations. Dynamic because you and your fellow cruisers have
the power to edit, correct and add to the cruising information.
Now there's also a place to put general information about a
harbor - in the inlet marker.
All we need is our fellow Captains to add their knowledge and
experience. Let us all know what you have experienced at these
locations. It is your knowledge and unbiased opinions that make
ActiveCaptain's electronic guidebook truly useful to fellow
cruisers.
ActiveCaptain Mobile for Palm Goes Beta
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ActiveCaptain Mobile is finally ready to move into its beta
phase! For those new to ActiveCaptain, ActiveCaptain Mobile
is a companion product to the ActiveCaptain website.
ActiveCaptain Mobile runs on mobile phones displaying real
NOAA charts that can be overlaid with ActiveCaptain markers
using an Internet connection.
Three years in development, ActiveCaptain Mobile offers some
unique and valuable capabilities. Alone, it provides access
to every NOAA chart in the US for trip planning or chart
viewing. Coupled with a GPS, ActiveCaptain Mobile acts as a
chartplotter providing you with a backup to your onboard
system, a portable chartplotter for your dinghy, and a
reference tool when you go ashore. With an Internet data
plan on your phone, you can overlay markers, details, and
reviews from the ActiveCaptain website, giving you a powerful
chartplotter and guidebook on your mobile phone.
ActiveCaptain Mobile for Palm is scheduled for commercial
release in February. The software will include all of the
charting features AND all the NOAA charts all for one low
price. Imagine having every NOAA chart in your pocket!
A Windows Mobile version is also near completion and will
be available in a few more months.
The software has completed our internal testing. Now we
need some beta testers to hammer it and find the things
we've missed. If you use a Palm device or Treo/Centro mobile phone
and are interested in being a beta tester, please email
jeff@activecaptain.com.
The ActiveCaptain website will remain a free resource
for all registered Captains continuing to provide you
with valuable information from your fellow cruisers.
You can continue to access our extensive database from
your desktop system. That will not change. We hope many
of you will also see the value in a handheld companion
and will try ActiveCaptain Mobile. The proceeds will
help to defray our website costs - it has been getting
expensive!
Something You May Not Know About ActiveCaptain
==============================================
With 5,000 registered users and 150,000 user updates,
there have been lots of changes since ActiveCaptain went
live less than a year ago. We've had so many new users we
felt it was time to repeat our most common user question.
How do I change the position of a marker?
As you browse through the ActiveCaptain maps, you may
notice a marker that is out of place. Fortunately, it is
easy to indicate the correct position. Simply select
"Details" for the marker. For a marina, click the "Navigation" tab.
Now click the blue "Position" heading. This will display
a small map showing the current position for that marker.
Find the correct location and press and hold the mouse
button for a second. A new marker will appear labeled
"New position". If this location is correct, click the
"OK" button or press and hold in a new location to move
the marker again. Once we validate the new marker position,
it will be moved on the map. Remember, to maintain the
integrity of the database, your corrections are not
recorded until the ActiveCaptain Registrar has accepted them.
ActiveCaptain Statistics
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Wow! We have 5,000 registered users, 10,000 marinas, 150,000
user updates, 15,000 local knowledge markers, and we're growing
every day.
Top 4 ActiveCaptain Countries:
1. US
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Netherlands
We're currently negotiating a low cost license for United Kingdom,
Netherlands, and Bahamas charts for ActiveCaptain Mobile! We expect to
have that before Summer 2008. We're also working to get Canadian
charts and hope to have more information about it soon.
Coming Soon
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The "Going Mobile" section is coming! It has a unique user-interface
and will provide information about mobile phones, WiFi, and
ActiveCaptain Mobile. Watch for these additions in the coming weeks!
Thank you for continuing to support this project. And don't forget
to add your favorite anchorages!
==================================
Karen and Jeffrey Siegel
aCappella
Castine, Maine
www.activecaptain.com
Content, Communications, Community
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