Lain says that days of paper maps and secret spots are long gone. The technology now exists to connect GPS, depth finders, and mapping software together to build better maps for entire lakes or areas that have never been charted before. Additionally, Lain streams his favorite music that is stored in his iPhone via a connection to the Lowrance Sonic Hub. This technology is simply AMAZING!
How are real time maps built?
The data from the trails and the depth readings from the fish finder are used to update the contours of the areas driven over based on the estimated outside cone angles from the transducer. Areas of focus can be crossed over as often as it takes to get the detail that angler’s desire. This process is known as charting or sonar logging. In either case, it offers anglers an opportunity to access detailed electronic mapping.
Anglers who are concerned about sharing all of this great information with others (you know how secretive fishermen are) can rest assured that information can be stored and saved the data to electronic devices so that it is not
WINTER 2016
accessible to the public. “I use the winter to store up my data on lakes.” Lain says, “I decide what data I want to keep to myself and I store it on my tablet and iPhone. I keep all of my way points on my phone or tablet, so that I no longer rely on paper maps or outdated chips.”
Anglers truly have to experience real time mapping to appreciate it. The sight of watching someone drive over a spot only to have a live feed via Wi-Fi and mapping software allow the spot to be added to an existing map in real time is without a doubt groundbreaking technology.
LOWRANCE UPDATES
According to Lain, many
anglers have never updated
the software in their fish
finders or their mapping
cards. Having Wi-Fi allows
anglers to perform software
update without having to take
fish finders out of the boat.
Anglers can simply connect
their fish finders to the internet
via a wireless connection on
their phone, tablet or local
hotspot. Updating fish finders
just got a lot simpler. There
is no more need for a SD card for downloads or uploads. All of the data can be transferred via wireless connection to the internet or an electronic device such as a phone or tablet.
65