User Manual

Map & Navigation

The heart of the application for total navigation control.

The Map screen allows you to view your position, plan routes, and consult nautical charts with interactive tools and quick-access buttons.

1. Map Interaction

• Explore: Drag to pan, use "pinch-to-zoom" or the +/- buttons to zoom.
• Center: The compass icon (top right) instantly re-centers the map on your GPS position.
• Center Cursor: The crosshair indicates exact coordinates (Lat/Lon) and distance from the center for targeting specific elements.

2. Left Toolbar (Functions)

• Weather: Local weather forecast view.
• Image Map: Overlay custom images (e.g., old maps or satellite imagery).
• ENC (S57): Activates official vector nautical charts.
• Tides: Tide data for the location under the cursor.
• Fish Forecast: Local fishing forecast.

3. Right Toolbar (Status)

• Trails: Shows/Hides your path history.
• Online/Offline: Toggle between live data and saved offline maps.
• Map Select: Choose map type (Satellite, Road, NOAA, etc.).
• REC: Start/Stop track recording.
• GPS: Signal quality indicator (Green=Good, Red=No Signal).

4. Waypoints & Routes

Expandable menu bottom-left:

• Waypoint: Create a point of interest or a special "Catch Waypoint" for catches.
• Route: Create complex routes. Tap points to edit them or view distances.

5. Info Panel

At the bottom, view real-time COG (Course Over Ground) and Speed. Clicking a marker allows you to open the location in Apple/Google Maps for driving directions.

Main Menu

The main menu provides access to all features:

ENC Map (S57)

Marine Navigation allows you to import, manage, and navigate with ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart) files directly on your device.

This capability—once limited to expensive professional systems—is now accessible to everyone.

You can generate ENC maps locally, view them at any zoom level, and explore detailed maritime data such as bathymetry, wrecks, buoys, and navigation aids.

Steps to Import and Use an ENC

1. Access the Upload Portal: Go to fishpoints.net/S57/upload.html. You can also receive a direct link via WhatsApp reminder or from the web.
   Upload ENC Files (S57)
2. Generate a PIN: Click Generate PIN and save it. You will need it later to access the upload page.
3. Upload the ENC File: Select the ENC file from your archive, enter your saved PIN, then press Upload and wait until the system completes the process.
4. Retrieve Your Upload: The system generates a unique upload code. Use the direct link, scan the QR code to return to the app, or enter the code manually in the Web Sync box.
5. Download the Remote File: In the app, press Download to retrieve the remote file and save it locally.
6. Import into the Database: After the download completes, press Import to save the ENC into the local database.
7. Activate Your ENC Map: Open the Settings menu to configure your preferences and press Apply. Alternatively, activate the map from the main map screen (bottom left, red button).
8. Start Navigating: Your ENC map is now ready. Zoom in/out and explore bathymetry, wrecks, and other maritime details.

How to Download and Use NOAA ENC Charts

1. Open the NOAA ENC Viewer: Go to the official ENC viewer: NOAA ENC Viewer.
2. Locate Your Area of Interest: Use the interactive map to explore regions. Each ENC cell is shown; click your area to see available charts.
3. Choose and Download the ENC: Download the correct chart directly from NOAA. More details and products at: NOAA ENCs.

Image Map Import and Alignment

This advanced function allows you to import your own image (e.g., a scanned nautical chart, a photographed map, a satellite image, or a treasure map) and overlay it onto the app's digital map for use during navigation.

The process is divided into two main phases: Selecting Points on the Map and Selecting Points on the Image.

1. Image Loading

• Press the Add (+) (Add Image) button at the top right of the bottom panel.
• Select an image from your device's gallery.
• The image will appear in the lower pane of the screen.

TIFF or PDF File Issues? If your image is in TIFF or PDF format, it is often not supported by mobile devices. Use our free and secure tool (client-side only) to prepare your file:

Note: The app will verify that the image is not too large. If it is, you may receive a warning.

2. Alignment Procedure (Georeferencing)

To match your image with the real map, you must indicate to the system 3 reference points that are recognizable on both the map and your image (e.g., a lighthouse, the tip of a pier, an intersection).

Phase A: Select points on the Map (Upper Pane)

• Move and zoom the map in the upper pane until you find your first reference point.
• Place the exact point under the central crosshair.
• Press the Add Point button. A red dot will appear on the map.
• Repeat the operation for 2 more points (total 3 points).

Tip: Choose points far apart from each other and not aligned for greater precision.

Phase B: Select points on the Image (Lower Pane)

• Now work on your image in the lower pane. You can move and zoom using your fingers.
• Bring the central crosshair exactly onto the same reference point you chose earlier on the map.
• Press the Add Point button. A red square will appear on the image.
• Repeat the operation for the same 3 points, in the same order.

3. Map Creation

• Once the 3 points are inserted on both sides, the Affine button will appear.
• Pressing it, the system will calculate how to "stretch" and adapt your image to match perfectly with the real map.
• A detailed estimate of dimensions and time required will be shown. Click Start to proceed.
• The app will generate the overlay map. Upon completion, you can use it on the main screen by selecting "Image Map" or "FishPoints Map".

Useful Tools

• Reset: In the top right menu, allows you to clear all points and start over.
• Delete Last Point: If you make a mistake inserting a point, you can use the trash icons (or "x") present in each pane to remove the last inserted point.
• Zoom: Use the +/- buttons in both panes for precise positioning.
• Counter Info: At the bottom of each pane, red text reminds you how many points you have inserted (e.g., "Map Points: 2 / 3").

This function transforms any static image into an active navigation tool, allowing you to leverage historical charts or detailed plans not present in standard maps.

Offline Maps

Download maps for navigation without internet.

The Download Map screen is a fundamental tool for preparing your device for navigation in areas without internet connection. Here you can select specific map portions to download to your device's memory or delete old ones to free up space.

1. Area Selection & Analysis

To download a map, you must first define the area of interest:

• Draw Area: By clicking the Include Map (Add Map) button, you can draw a rectangle on the map by touching and dragging.
• Size Limits: The system automatically checks the size of the selected area. The diagonal cannot exceed 40 miles. If the area is too large, it will display a warning and you'll need to draw a smaller rectangle.
• Space Check: Before downloading, the app calculates the storage required and verifies if you have enough free memory.

2. Map Download

Once a valid area is selected:

• Start Download: The Download button appears. Click it to start saving map "tiles" for all necessary zoom levels.
• Wi-Fi Only: By default, downloading is restricted to Wi-Fi to save mobile data. You can change this in Settings ("Download 3G/4G" option).
• Progress: A bar shows completion percentage and file count.
• Errors & Resume: If connection drops, download pauses and notifies you. Already downloaded files are kept.

3. Map Deletion (Space Management)

If you need to free up storage:

• Delete Area: Use the Delete Area button to activate deletion mode.
• Selection: Draw a rectangle over the map area you no longer need.
• Analysis & Deletion: The system calculates file count in that area and asks for confirmation before permanent removal.

4. Navigation Tools

You have basic tools available while selecting areas:

• Zoom: +/- keys to zoom view in/out.
• Position Data: At the bottom, your current Course and Speed are displayed if available.

Important Notes:
Screen Active: During download, the app keeps the screen on to ensure the process isn't interrupted.

Add New Waypoints

This screen allows you to customize in detail a point you have saved on the map, especially if it is a fishing "catch". Here you can transform a simple marker into a detailed and visually immediate report.

1. Visual Customization

To recognize your points on the map at a glance, you can modify their appearance:

• Mark Color: Choose the background color of the marker selecting it from a palette. (e.g. Use blue for offshore catches, green for coastal ones).
• Icon: Select the image that best represents the point (e.g. a specific fish, an anchor, a boat). The preview at the top will show you exactly how it will appear on the map.

2. Fundamental Data

In addition to appearance, you can modify essential information:

• Name: Give a recognizable name to the point (e.g. "Seabream Shoal").
• Position: You can manually correct the Latitude and Longitude coordinates if you have more precise data.

3. Fishing Details (Optional)

By checking "Show Fishing Details", a section dedicated to fishermen opens to register:

• Fishing Type: The technique used (e.g. Trolling, Bottom Fishing, Spinning).
• Species: The type of fish caught or sighted.
• Weight: An estimate of the catch weight.
• Bait: The bait that worked at that point.
• Notes: A free space to write personal observations (e.g. "Rising tide", "Wind from North").

4. Verification on Map

At the bottom of the screen, a mini-map shows you in real-time exactly where the point you are modifying is located.

• The map updates automatically if you change coordinates manually.
• You can use the zoom buttons (+/-) to verify with precision the position in the geographical context.

Saving

Changes are saved automatically when you exit the screen (pressing "Back" or navigating elsewhere).

Route Management (Route View)

The Route screen allows you to create, view, edit, and manage in detail the route you have planned. It is designed to give you complete control over every single point of your navigation.

1. Route Interaction

• Route View: The map shows the complete route, connecting the various points (waypoints) with a red line.
• Start and Finish Point:
  - The first point is marked with the label "Start".
  - The last point is marked with the label "Finish".
• Point Selection: You can tap any intermediate point (red dot) to select it. The selected point will turn green, indicating it is "active" for editing.

2. Editing Tools (Left Bar)

On the left, you find three main buttons to modify the route in real-time:

• Add (+): Inserts a new point after the currently selected one (or at the end if nothing is selected), positioning it in the center of the map.
• Move (Arrow): Moves the currently selected point (the green one) to the new position indicated by the center of the map.
• Delete (X): Permanently deletes the selected point from the route.

3. Details Panel (Right/Bottom Bar)

Here you can manage the route's metadata:

• Name: Change the route name to recognize it better (e.g. "Island Tour").
• Notes: Add useful details (e.g. "Watch out for shallows in the second leg").
• Save: Stores all changes made.
• Navigate: Starts active navigation along this route.
• Delete: Deletes the entire route.

4. Real-Time Information

By double-clicking a point or selecting it, an info box appears with crucial navigation data:

• Total Distance: The overall length of the route.
• Partial Distance ("Start"): How much distance you have already "covered" (theoretically) from the start up to that point.
• Remaining Distance ("End"): How much distance is missing from that point to the end.

5. Trails Function

Top right, the footprint icon (Trails) allows you to overlay existing trails or routes from the database on the map, useful for comparing your route with standard ones.

This view is the "engine room" of your planning: use it before leaving to refine the route or during navigation to correct the course based on real conditions.

Import GPX Files

You can import Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints via the secure Temporary Upload Portal.

Option A: From the App

1. Go to Menu > Import/Export.
2. Tap Upload GPX file > Load file.
3. Select the file from your device. The system will generate a numeric code.
4. Enter this code in the "Use import code" box and tap Import.

Option B: From Desktop

1. Visit the Temporary Upload Portal.
2. Upload your GPX file to receive a code.
3. In the app, go to Menu > Import/Export.
4. Enter the code and tap Import.

Active Navigation (Navigate)

This is the screen you will use while actually at the helm to reach a destination. Compared to the classic map (which is still valid), here everything is optimized to give you immediate indications on the route to follow.

1. Your Position and Destination

• Current Position: You are represented by an icon (arrow) moving on the map in real-time.
• Destination (Waypoint): The point you need to reach is clearly marked on the map.
• Course Line: A line connects your position to the destination, showing you the ideal route.
• Tracking (Trail): As you move, the app draws a line (trail) showing the path you have actually taken, so you can see if you are deviating.

2. Orientation Tools (The Compass)

Top right (or in a dedicated corner) you find a fundamental tool: the Direction Indicator (Needle).

• This needle does not indicate North, but always points towards your destination.
• How to use it: Simply turn the helm until the needle points straight ahead of you (towards the top of the screen). If the needle points right, you must steer right. If the needle is straight, you are going in the right direction!

3. Navigation Data (Dashboard)

A dashboard panel provides essential numbers for the trip:

• Distance: How many kilometers or miles remain to arrival.
• Heading (Degrees): The exact compass course (in degrees) to reach the point.
• Coordinates: Latitude and Longitude of the destination.

4. Quick Management

• Quick Add Point: If you see something interesting during navigation, you can tap the map to add a new point (waypoint) on the fly without interrupting navigation.
• Auto Zoom: The app tries to keep both you and the destination visible on screen, adjusting zoom automatically (if the option is active).

In short: set the destination, watch the compass needle and follow it. This screen is your digital co-pilot.

Fish Forecast

Fishing Weather, Waves, Sun & Moon — with Major & Minor Times

Fish Forecast helps you plan fishing trips with an Activity Score (0–100) built from Solunar (Sun & Moon) plus real fishing weather and ocean conditions. You don’t just get a number: you also get an hour-by-hour activity curve and the day’s Major and Minor feeding windows, so you can choose the best hours—not just the best day.

What you get

• Activity Score (0–100): a quick summary of expected activity for the selected location. Higher scores usually mean better conditions, lower scores suggest a tougher bite.
• Hourly activity curve: shows how conditions improve or worsen during the day, helping you time your session.
• Major & Minor Times: highlights the strongest and secondary feeding windows; even on an average day, these windows can still be productive.
• Conditions at a glance: temperature, waves, wind, current, pressure, salinity—useful to understand why the score looks the way it does.
• Estimate Confidence: a simple reliability indicator based on the available data.

How to use it (3 modes)

• Smart GPS: the “click & go” mode. Offshore it uses your exact coordinates; on land or in port it automatically selects the nearest maritime port so you can plan before casting off.
• My Spots (Waypoints): check the forecast for each saved spot to compare locations and avoid burning fuel on a low-potential day.
• Map Exploration: move the map cursor anywhere and tap the fish icon to scout new areas and preview fishing potential before you go.

Fish Forecast provides estimates, not guarantees—local factors and rapid changes can affect fish behavior. Use it to pick the best time and place, then confirm safety with wind and waves, especially offshore.

Settings

The Settings screen allows you to configure global application preferences, from unit management to memory and offline map handling. Options are grouped into thematic sections for ease of use.

1. Units & Coordinates

Define how geographic data and distances are displayed.

• Distance Units: Choose your preferred unit for distances:
  • Km: Kilometers.
  • Mi: Statute Miles.
  • Nmi: Nautical Miles.
• Coordinate Format: Select the GPS coordinate display format:
  • DD.DDDDD: Decimal Degrees.
  • DD,MM.MMMM: Degrees and Decimal Minutes.
  • DD,MM,SSSS: Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds.

2. Map & Navigation

Options to customize the map navigation experience.

Tracking:

• Num Track: Text box to define how many track points to store.
• Track Active: Switch to enable or disable navigation track recording.

Other options:

• Sea Markers: Switch to show or hide marine markers on the map.
• Compass - Magnetic/True: Choose whether to orient the compass to Magnetic North or True North.
• Tide Standard: Option to set the tide reference level (Datum).

3. Screen & Interface

Manage device appearance and behavior.

• Interface Scale: A slider to enlarge or shrink UI elements (buttons, text) to better fit your preferences or screen visibility.
• Screen Alive: Premium Feature. If enabled, prevents the device from going into standby while the app is running, useful during navigation.

4. Memory & Offline Map Management

This is a critical section for managing storage and data usage.

Offline Maps:

• Populate Offline: Activates map data saving for offline use.
• Cache Max (MB): Sets the maximum limit in Megabytes for the map cache.
• Download 3G/4G: If enabled, allows map downloading via mobile data (with data usage warning).
• Zoom Offline: Defines the maximum zoom level to download for offline use (value between 1 and 18).
• File Path: Shows where offline data is saved.
• File Browser: Allows changing the folder for offline map storage.
• Reset: Restores the default path.

Storage Management:

View current occupied space and free up memory:

• Delete Cache: Clears the temporary map cache.
• Delete Offline Maps: Clears downloaded maps for offline use.
• Delete All Info: Performs a complete reset, clearing maps, cache, and parameters.

5. Language

Change the interface language. Flags are available for quick selection: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese (Brazilian), Turkish, and Indonesian. Note: Language switching for some localizations may require the Premium version.