It's not often that common users find themselves driving boats, yachts, or ships, so it is understandable if you haven't really heard of StarNavPilot. Still, this application, dedicated to individuals who understand what navigation means, will help by offering a complete solution for driving your boat or ship safely to shore.

The developers consider it to be computer-aided maritime navigation software. Paired with powerful hardware, this piece of software could prove to be the missing piece in the captain's quarters.

Right from the start, with or without paired hardware, the software offers the user many instruments to play with. Things like the coordinates, general direction, speed, and orientation are the most basic of features included. There is also a gauge that shows potential water depth based on the information you have introduced into the app.

Aside from these basic features, StarNavPilot also works as a cartographic tool, being compatible with raster, GeoTiff, vector charts, and other navigation-specific file types. Using your own maps, you can create route overlays and have the app make use of your GPS and other location systems to keep an eye out for dangers while you are at sea.

The best part about this program is that you can add all sorts of markers to your imported charts and maps. These will serve as an even better guide the next time you pass through the same area. An interesting feature, although experimental, seems to be the autopilot program which makes use of satellite communication to chart and direct the boat on the right track. Of course, supervision is still required just in case of erroneous calculations.

Configurable displays make sure this type of software can also be used by traffic control towers or other stationary maritime points of interest. Connectivity spans the use of technologies such as USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth together with more maritime-specific protocols. Lastly, the use of GRIB files, specific to weather forecasts, will help in understanding your vessel surroundings even better, anticipating any problems the weather might be posing during navigation.

StarNavPilot is an interesting application for navigation purposes. Its flexibility makes it adaptable to a plethora of vessel-related scenarios, turning it into a smart choice for those on the move but also for port authorities seeking to offer as much guidance to the navigators out there.