Mobile navigation apps are important backups to most skippers. In some instances, boaters use them exclusively to augment their course-plotting and routing. Many of the apps are more sophisticated than ever. Of special note are iNavX, SEAiq Pilot and Aqua Map. These mobile app designers and engineers have distinguished themselves as dedicated and forward thinking in providing solid functionality and multiple options for users.

Waterway Guide was founded over 70 years ago and remains committed to providing expert-generated information and content for the seven regions it covers. Now, selected data is being delivered to each of these mobile apps and presented as overlays on their charts and maps.

Unlike random user-generated information, Waterway Guide data is verified, updated, culled and packaged by a team of paid writers, skippers and on-the-water cruising editors from Cuba, to the Bahamas, to the ICW, Great Lakes and in between.

The same data being delivered to these leading mobile apps is also available inside Waterway Explorer, our web app, which is a planning tool that’s available without subscription or sign-in.

In addition to expert-generated content, Waterway Guide also collects reviews and comments for posting in the data fields. The reviews are confirmed, cleaned up and posted for those who want to read what others are saying. Reviews are also available in some of the mobile apps.

Aqua Map is the latest to join up with Waterway Guide to provide expert generated content and has developed a superb graphic user interface. Bob Sherer, (aka Bob423) a contributing editor to Waterway Guide and longtime skipper, assists in updates to Aqua Map and provides crucial information to Waterway Explorer through his postings of Navigation Alerts and reviews. Read his article here (.pdf) on the enhanced functionality of Aqua Map’s use of Waterway Guide data.

Stay tuned for more news on data distribution to other apps and chart plotters from Waterway Guide Media as “the cruising authority” continues its journey into our eighth decade.