Here are some of the major differences between version 4.0 and 4.5:
Version 4.5 is installed for the current user rather than all users of a device. This allows the program to be installed and updated without requiring administrative privileges.
The programs are now built for 64-bit processors which gives them full access to your computer’s memory and other capabilities.
The programs are now compatible with both Windows and Mac devices, with both Intel and Arm processors.
Rose Point ECS v4.5 complies with the new RTCM Class B ECS standard which will soon be required for many commercial vessels.
Voyage Plan Documents (“NOB Files”) are no longer supported directly, but may be imported into Cloud-Synchronized Layers.
Raster charts are no longer available for the US or Canada, and the programs do not have any support for displaying raster charts.
The C-MAP MAX/PC chart format is no longer supported by Coastal Explorer as C-MAP is planning to discontinue that format soon. We are looking into various alternatives, including a newer C-MAP format.
Vector charts can now be used online without installing them. Any available vector charts will appear on the display as you pan and zoom while connected to the internet. These charts will not be “installed” so they will not be available when your device is no longer connected to the internet. Use the “Settings > Charts and Add-Ons” pages to install the charts you need for offline use (just like in v4).
Installation and maintenance of extra layers of data that may be overlayed on the charts such as US Coast Pilot places, tide and current stations, and Active Captain markers for Coastal Explorer is now more adjustable. Use “Settings > Charts and Add-Ons > Additional Layers” to select the area and data you want to maintain for offline use.
Tide and current prediction updates now happen incrementally rather than annually. This allows changes made by NOAA and CHS to be incorporated faster, removes any gaps in the predictions caused by delays in processing the annual predictions, and eliminates the very large downloads of the annual database. The programs will maintain the current and next month’s worth of predictions for offline use but more predictions are available while online.
“Synchronization” (the “Sync” command) works a bit differently now. The option to “automatically synchronize when started” has been removed and a sync will always be attempted at startup. The options to automatically download chart and program updates or wait until you click a download button have also been removed and updates will always be downloaded when possible. Charts are now updated as they are downloaded but since a program update requires a restart, you are given the option to update when a download has completed, but you can wait until its convenient.