Garmin GPSMAP 531 Sounder with Dual Beam Transducer, GPSMAP 450S, GPSMAP 536s Sounder with Dual Beam Transducer, GPSMAP 546s Sounder, GPSMAP 541s Sounder Owner's Manual

GPSMAP® 400/500 series

owner’s manual

© 2010 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

Garmin International, Inc.
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Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA
Tel. [phone] or [phone]
Fax [phone]

Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Liberty House
Hounsdown Business Park,
Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9LR UK
Tel. [phone] (outside the UK)

Garmin Corporation
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Sijhih, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. [phone]

Fax [phone]
0808 2380000 (within the UK)
Fax [phone]

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must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly
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obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Visit the Garmin Web site (www.garmin.com) for current updates and supplemental
information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products.

Garmin®, the Garmin logo, GPSMAP®, AutoLocate®, BlueChart®, g2 Vision®, and MapSource® are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the USA and
other countries. Ultrascroll
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Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. XM

™

, myGarmin™, and GFS™ are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. These trademarks may not be used without the express permission

®

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®

and XM WX Satellite Weather® are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

January 2010 Part Number 190-01074-00 Rev. B Printed in Taiwan

Introduction

Introduction

This manual includes information for the following products:

GPSMAP® 430/430s GPSMAP 440/440s
GPSMAP 431/431s GPSMAP 441/441s
GPSMAP 530/530s GPSMAP 535/535s
GPSMAP 531/531s GPSMAP 536/536s
GPSMAP 540/540s GPSMAP 545/545s
GPSMAP 541/541s GPSMAP 546/546s

Tips and Shortcuts

Press HOME from any screen to return to the Home screen.

•

Press MENU from any of the main screens to access advanced

•
settings.

Press and release the Power key to adjust the display settings.

•

Manual Conventions

In this manual, when you are instructed to select an item, small
arrows (>) appear in the text. They indicate that you should highlight
a series of items on the screen using the Rocker, and press the

SELECT key after each item. For example, if you see “select
Charts > Navigation Chart,” you should highlight Charts, and

press SELECT. Then highlight Navigation Chart, and press

SELECT again.

Quick Links

Turning the Unit On or Off: page 3.

•

Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals: page 5.

•

Inserting and Removing SD Cards: page 6.

•

Restoring Factory Settings: page 6.

•

Using the Navigation Chart: page 8.

•

Changing the Chart Settings: page 12.

•

Navigating to a Destination: page 27

•

Creating and Using Waypoints: page 29.

•

Conguring System Settings: page 41.

•

Using Sonar: page 50.

•

Alarms and Messages: page 71.

•

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual i

Introduction

Table of Contents

Introduction ...........................................................................i

Tips and Shortcuts ........................................................................ i

Manual Conventions ..................................................................... i

Quick Links ................................................................................... i

Declaration of Conformity (DoC) ..................................................iv

Product Registration ....................................................................iv

Contact Garmin ............................................................................iv

Getting Started .....................................................................1

Unit Overview ............................................................................... 1

Turning the Unit On or Off ............................................................ 3

Initializing Unit Settings ................................................................ 3

Adjusting the Backlight ................................................................. 4

Using the Keypad ......................................................................... 5

Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals ................................................... 5

Using Simulator Mode .................................................................. 6

Viewing System Information ........................................................ 6

Restoring the Original Factory Settings ....................................... 6

Inserting and Removing SD Cards .............................................. 6

Understanding the Home Screen ................................................. 7

Using Charts ........................................................................8

Using the Navigation Chart .......................................................... 8

Changing the Navigation Chart Settings .................................... 12

Using the Split Navigation Chart ................................................ 15

Using Perspective 3D ................................................................ 15

Using Mariner’s Eye 3D ............................................................. 16

Using Fish Eye 3D ..................................................................... 18

Using Fishing Charts .................................................................. 19

Enabling High Resolution Satellite Imagery ............................... 19

Viewing Aerial Photos ................................................................ 20

Viewing Current-station Information ........................................... 21

Detailed Road and POI Data ..................................................... 21

Using Automatic Guidance ......................................................... 21

Using the Chart/Sonar Screen ................................................... 21

Automatic Identication System ................................................. 22

Where To? ..........................................................................27

Navigating to a Destination ........................................................ 27

Creating and Using Waypoints................................................... 29

Creating and Using Routes ........................................................ 30

Using Tracks .............................................................................. 31

Using BlueChart g2 Vision ......................................................... 33

Navigating with a Garmin Autopilot ............................................ 33

Viewing Information ..........................................................34

Viewing a Compass ................................................................... 34

Viewing Numbers ....................................................................... 34

Viewing Trip Information ............................................................ 35

Viewing Fuel Gauges ................................................................. 35

Viewing Tide-station Information ................................................ 36

Viewing Current Information ...................................................... 36

Viewing User Data ..................................................................... 37

Viewing Other Vessels ............................................................... 40

ii GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Introduction

Conguring the Chartplotter ............................................41

Conguring System Settings ...................................................... 41

Conguring Units of Measure .................................................... 41

Changing the System Language ................................................ 42

Conguring Navigation Preferences .......................................... 42

Conguring Communications Settings ....................................... 44

Setting Alarms ............................................................................ 45

Setting the Total Fuel Onboard Alarm ........................................ 47

Conguring My Boat .................................................................. 47

Conguring Other Vessels ......................................................... 48

Using Sonar .......................................................................50

Understanding the Full Screen .................................................. 50

Understanding the Split Frequency Screen ............................... 51

Understanding the Split Zoom Screen ....................................... 51

Understanding the Temp Log Screen ........................................ 52

Setting Up Sonar ........................................................................ 52

Advanced Sonar Settings .......................................................... 53

Using Digital Selective Calling (DSC) ..............................55

Using the Chartplotter with a VHF Radio ................................... 55

Adding a DSC Contact ............................................................... 56

Viewing the DSC List ................................................................. 56

Receiving Distress Calls ............................................................ 56

Man-Overboard Distress Calls Initiated from a VHF Radio ....... 57

Man-Overboard Distress Calls Initiated from the Chartplotter ... 57

Position Tracking ........................................................................ 57

Placing an Individual Routine Call ............................................. 58

Calling an AIS Target ................................................................. 59

Using XM WX Weather and Audio ....................................60

Using XM WX Weather .............................................................. 60

Viewing NEXRAD Precipitation Information ............................... 61

Viewing Forecast Information .................................................... 64

Viewing Fishing Information ....................................................... 65

Viewing Sea Conditions ............................................................. 66

Viewing Visibility Information...................................................... 67

Using XM Audio ......................................................................... 68

Appendix ............................................................................69

Specications ............................................................................. 69

Alarms and Messages ............................................................... 71

Capturing Screenshots .............................................................. 74

Caring for the Unit ...................................................................... 74

Weather Data Warranty ............................................................. 75

Software License Agreement ..................................................... 76

XM Satellite Radio Service Agreement ...................................... 76

Index ...................................................................................77

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual iii

Introduction

See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box

for product warnings and other important information.

Hg

- LAMPS INSIDE THIS PRODUCT CONTAIN
MERCURY AND MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF
ACCORDING TO LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAWS.

For more information go to:

www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/environment/disposal.jsp.

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

Hereby, Garmin, declares that the GPSMAP 400 series
and the GPSMAP 500 series is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive
1999/5/EC.

To view the full Declaration of Conformity, see the Garmin Web site
for your Garmin product: www.garmin.com.

Product Registration

Help us better support you by completing our online registration
today. Go to http://my.garmin.com. Keep the original sales receipt,
or a photocopy, in a safe place.

Contact Garmin

Contact Garmin Product Support if you have any questions while
using your unit. In the USA, go to www.garmin.com/support, or
contact Garmin USA by phone at [phone] or [phone].

In the UK, contact Garmin (Europe) Ltd. by phone at 0808 2380000.

In Europe, go to www.garmin.com/support and click Contact

Support for in-country support information, or contact Garmin

(Europe) Ltd. by phone at +44 (0) 870.8501241.

iv GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Unit Overview

Getting Started

Getting Started

POWER/
BACKLIGHT

GPSMAP 536/546

RANGE (-/+)

ROCKER

MARK

SELECT

MENU

Power/Data

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 1

External GPS antennaNMEA 2000

GPSMAP 531

SD card slot

GPSMAP 546 shown

HOME

Getting Started

GPSMAP 530/535/540/545

GPSMAP 430x/440x

NMEA 2000

®

XM antenna with

audio adapter

External

GPS antenna

Power/Data

External

GPS antenna

GXM 31 antenna

Power/Data

GPSMAP 441/541

GPSMAP 430/431/440

2 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Getting Started

Turning the Unit On or Off

To turn on the unit, press and release the Power key. When the
Warning screen appears, select I Agree to view the Home screen.

NOTE

: The rst time you turn on your unit, you must congure the

initial settings. See “Initializing Unit Settings.”

To turn off the unit, press and hold the Power key.

Home Screen

Initializing Unit Settings

The rst time you turn on your unit, you must congure the initial

settings.

NOTE:

You can change these settings later using the Congure

screen (page 6).

Language—select the language to display on your screen.

Welcome

Store Demonstration

the rst time the unit is turned on.)

NMEA 0183 Devices

to a serial port, specify which ports are connected.

AIS Receiver
Devices)—Select Yes if one of the devices connected to a serial port

is an AIS (automatic identication system) receiver.

Position Format

readings.

Time Format
12-hour, 24-hour, or UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) format.

—select OK.

—select NO. (This option is only available

—if you have NMEA 0183 devices connected

(is not available if you select None for NMEA

—specify the coordinate system to use for location

—specify whether you want the time shown in a

System Units—specify units for on-screen measurements as
Statute, Metric, or Nautical.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 3

Getting Started

Minimum Safe Depth—select the minimum safe depth for your

boat. Refer to your boat specications for more information.

Shallow Water Alarm

—only available if you are receiving NMEA

NOTE: Press the Power key repeatedly to cycle between
maximum backlight, minimum backlight, and your manual setting.

sonar depth data. Select Yes or No.

Minimum Overhead Clearance—select the minimum overhead

clearance for your boat. Refer to your boat specications for more

information.

AIS Alarm Range

(is not available if you select No for AIS

Receiver)—select the distance within which an alarm will sound if

an AIS vessel nears your boat (page 49).

AIS Alarm Time To

(is not available if you select No for AIS

Receiver)—select the time within which an alarm will sound if an

AIS vessel is on track to intersect the Safe Zone around your boat
(page 49).

If a water speed wheel is detected, a message will ask if you want to
calibrate it now. Select Yes or No.

Adjusting the Backlight

1. Press and release the Power key.

2. Select Backlight.

3. Press left or right on the Rocker to manually adjust the backlight.

To allow the unit to automatically adjust the backlight based on
ambient light, select Auto Backlight (automatic backlight is
available only on the GPSMAP 535, 536, 545, and 546).

To switch between Day mode and Night mode:

1. Press and release the Power key.

2. Select Color Mode.

3. Press left or right on the Rocker to switch between modes.

4 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Getting Started

POWER/BACKLIGHT—Press and hold to turn the unit on or off.
Press and release to adjust the backlight and day and night modes.

Using the Keypad

POWER/
BACKLIGHT

RANGE (-/+)
ROCKER
MARK

SELECT

MENU

HOME

RANGE (-/+)

—Press to adjust the range of the sonar. Press to zoom

in or out on a chart. Press to page up or down on lists.

ROCKER—Press to adjust the range of the sonar, to zoom in or out
on a chart, to page up or down on lists, to scroll the map, or to adjust
the backlight level.

MARK

—Press to mark a waypoint at your current location.

SELECT—Press to select highlighted items.

HOME—Press to return to the Home screen.

MENU—Press to access additional settings and conguration

options. Press to return to the previous screen when indicated.

Acquiring GPS Satellite Signals

When you turn on the unit, the GPS receiver must collect satellite
data and establish the current location. When the unit acquires
satellite signals, the signal strength bars at the top of the Home
screen are green . When the unit loses satellite signals, the
green bars disappear and the position icon displays a ashing
question mark.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 5

Getting Started

For more information about GPS, visit the Garmin Web site at

Restoring the Original Factory Settings

www.garmin.com/aboutGPS.

Using Simulator Mode

Simulator mode turns the GPS receiver off for use indoors or for
practice. The unit does not track satellites in simulator mode.

CAUTION: Do not try to navigate using simulator mode because the

GPS receiver is turned off. Any satellite signal-strength bars shown
are only simulations and do not represent the strength of actual
satellite signals.

To turn on Simulator mode:

1. From the Home screen select Congure > System > Simulator.

2. Select Setup to set speed, track control, and position.

1. From the Home screen, select Congure > System > System

Information > Factory Settings.

2. Select Yes to restore all factory settings, or select No to cancel.
The unit reboots and prompts you to adjust unit settings (page 3).

Inserting and Removing SD Cards

Your unit supports Secure Digital (SD) cards. Insert optional
BlueChart® g2 Vision® SD cards to view high-resolution satellite
imagery and aerial reference photos of ports, harbors, marinas and
other points of interest. Insert blank SD cards to transfer data such as
waypoints, routes, and tracks to another compatible Garmin unit or
a computer (page 38). The SD card slot is located on the lower-right

Viewing System Information

You can view the software version, the basemap version,
supplemental map information (if applicable), the unit ID number,
and your XM® WX Satellite Weather® Radio ID (if available).

corner of the unit.

To insert the SD card, open the access door and press the SD card in
until it clicks. Press the card in again and release it to eject it from
the chartplotter.

You may need this information to update the system software or to
purchase additional map data information.

From the home screen, select Congure > System > System

Information.

NOTICE: This procedure deletes any information you have entered.

6 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

NOTE: If using an SD card to transfer waypoints from MapSource®,
update to the most-current version of MapSource by clicking Help
> Check for Software Updates, or check the Garmin Web site at

www.garmin.com.

Understanding the Home Screen

Use the Home screen to access all other screens. Press HOME from
any screen to return to the Home screen.

Charts—selects Navigation, Fishing, Perspective 3D, Mariner’s

•

Eye 3D, Fish Eye 3D, and Split Navigation charts.

Mariner’s Eye 3D, Fish Eye 3D, and Fishing charts are

NOTE:

available only if you use a BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.

Getting Started

Sonar—set up and access sonar information (page 50).

•

NOTE: You must have an “s” series unit (such as a GPSMAP 441s)

with a connected transducer or have a connection to a Garmin
sounder via CANet to use sonar features.

Chart/Sonar—set up the screen to view a chart and sonar in a

•

split screen (page 21).

•

Where To?

•

Information

—access navigation features (page 27).

—view information including dashboard options,
tides, currents, celestial data, user data, and information about
other vessels (page 34).

Congure—access unit and system settings (page 41).

•

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 7

Using Charts

Mariner’s Eye 3D—provides a view from above and behind

Using Charts

•

the boat as a three-dimensional navigation aid. The BlueChart

Your chartplotter has a worldwide map and a built-in detailed map
of US inland lakes, or BlueChart g2 cartography for the USA and

g2 Vision Mariner’s Eye 3D is more detailed than the preloaded
data.

Bahamas shoreline.

Navigation Chart—displays all relevant navigation data

•

available on your preloaded maps, including buoys, lights,
cables, depth soundings, marinas, and tide stations, in an
overhead view.

•

Perspective 3D

—provides a view from above and behind the

Using the Navigation Chart

Use the Navigation chart to plan your course, to view map
information, and as a navigational aid.

To access a Navigation chart, from the Home screen, select

Charts > Navigation Chart.

boat (according to your course), and provides a visual navigation
aid.

Split Navigation Chart—displays two different zoom levels of

•

Your boat

the Navigation chart at the same time.

Fishing charts, Fish Eye 3D, and Mariner’s Eye 3D views are
available when using optional BlueChart g2 Vision preprogrammed
SD cards.

Fishing Chart

•

—provides a view of the chart with enhanced

bottom contours and without navigational data. This chart works

well for offshore deep-sea shing.

•

Fish Eye 3D

—provides an underwater 3D view that visually

Exposed

wreck

Light

Exposed

rock

Tide station

Beacon

Marina
services

Zoom scale

represents the sea oor according to the information on the chart.

Navigation Chart with g2 Vision

8 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Navigation Chart Menu

To access additional settings or options for the Navigation chart,
press MENU.

Using Charts

Full Screen Map

—view the Navigation or Fishing chart in full-

screen mode, without numbers.

Waypoints & Tracks

—view, add, and congure waypoints

Data

bars

(page 29) and tracks (page 31).

Other Vessels—view information about other vessels if
your chartplotter is connected to an external AIS (Automatic

Identication System) or DSC (Digital Selective Calling) device

(page 55).

Stop Navigation—stop navigating to your destination (only
available while navigating).

Data Bars

—show or hide cruising, navigation, shing, fuel, or

sailing numbers.

Cruising—turn the GPS Speed, GPS Heading, Depth, and GPS

•

Position data bar on or off. Select Data Bar Setup to congure
the position of the data on the screen.

Navigation—turn the Distance to Destination, Arrival, Off

•

Course, and Bearing data bar on or off. Select Auto to turn on the
Navigation data bar whenever you are navigating to a destination.
Select Data Bar Setup to congure the Route Leg, Next Turn,
and Destination options.

•

—turn the Depth, Water Temperature, and Water Speed

Fishing

data bar on or off.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 9

Using Charts

Fuel—turn the Fuel Rate, Remaining Fuel, Range, and Fuel

•

Economy data bar on or off.

Sailing—turn the Water Speed, Wind Speed, Wind Angle, and

•

Wind Velocity Made Good (VMG) data bar on or off. Select

Wind to toggle between True and Apparent wind speed and wind

angle.

•

XM Audio

—displays an XM audio bar at the bottom of the

screen if XM audio is available (page 68).

Compass Tape—displayed at the top of the screen to provide a

•

graphical representation of heading.

Understanding How Wind VMG and Waypoint
VMG Appear in the Data Bars

The chartplotter automatically switches between displaying Wind
Velocity Made Good (VMG) and Waypoint VMG in the data bars.

Waypoint VMG appears under these conditions:

The Route Leg data bar displays Waypoint VMG when you are

•
navigating a route or an automatic guidance line.

The Sailing data bar displays Waypoint VMG when you are

•
navigating a route or an automatic guidance line and you turn off
the Route Leg data bar.

Wind VMG appears under these conditions:

The Sailing data bar displays Wind VMG when you are not

•
navigating a route or an automatic guidance line.

The Sailing data bar displays Wind VMG when the Route Leg

•
data bar is on.

Chart Setup—customize the Navigation chart settings (page 12).

Understanding Chart Data

BlueChart g2 and BlueChart g2 Vision charts use graphic symbols
to denote map features that follow the standards for USA and
international charts.

Other features common to most charts include depth contour
lines (with deep water represented in white), intertidal zones, spot
soundings (as depicted on the original paper chart), navigational aids
and symbols, and obstructions and cable areas.

Navigating to a Point on the Chart

1. From the Home screen, select Charts.

2. Select Navigation Chart, Fishing Chart, or Split Navigation

Chart.

3. Use the Rocker to select the point on the chart to which you
want to go.

4. Press SELECT.

10 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Using Charts

5. Select Navigate To.

6. Select Go To (or Guide To when using a preprogrammed
BlueChart g2 Vision card for Automatic Guidance).

7. Follow the colored line on the screen to the destination.

To pan the map, press up, down, right, or left on the Rocker.

To create a route to a point on the chart, see page 30.

Panning the Navigation Chart

Use the Rocker to move the map pointer ( ) away from your
current location and to scroll to other areas on the Navigation chart.
As you pan past the edge of the current map display, the screen
scrolls forward to provide continuous map coverage.

As you move the map pointer, you can view the distance and
bearing from your current location and the map pointer’s location
coordinates in the lower-right corner of the map.

To stop panning, press MENU, and then select Stop Panning.

Zooming In and Out on the Map

The Range (-/+) keys control the zoom level, indicated by the scale
at the bottom of the Navigation chart ( ). The bar under the
number represents that distance on the map.

Map

pointer

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 11

Using Charts

Accessing Additional Object Information

Use the map pointer ( ) to view information about on-screen map
items, waypoints, and charts.

To access additional object information:

1. On the Navigation chart, highlight an item with the map pointer,
and press SELECT.

Viewing Tide-Station Information

Tide-station information appears on the chart with a detailed icon
showing the relevant tide level. You can view an in-depth graph for
a tide station to help predict the tide level at different times or on
different days.

Use the map pointer ( ) to highlight a tide-station icon ( ), and
press SELECT.

For more information about tides, see page 36.

Selected

item

Changing the Navigation Chart Settings

To change chart settings from the home screen, select Charts >

Navigation Chart > MENU > Chart Setup.

Photos—sets the high-resolution satellite images to Off, Land
Only, or On. High-resolution satellite imagery is only available

while using a BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.

Tides/Currents—turns tides and currents on or off (page 36).

Service Points—turns marine service points on or off.

2. Select the item. If more than one item is in the area, select

Review, and then select the item.

Roses—displays a compass rose around your boat, indicating
compass direction. True wind or apparent wind direction displays if
the unit is connected to a compatible marine wind sensor.

12 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Using Charts

Weather—sets up and displays various weather parameters,
including precipitation (NEXRAD), cloud cover, visibility, WX

buoys, and the weather legend. Sea temperature and sh species can

be displayed on the Fishing chart (page 19).

The Weather feature is only available if the chartplotter is
connected to a weather module and you have an XM

®

subscription.

See page 60 for additional information.

NOTE:

If Weather is set to Off, none of the weather options will

be visible on the chart.

Wind direction

indicator

Compass rose

Changing the Chart Appearance

From the Home screen, select Charts > Navigation Chart >

MENU > Chart Setup > Chart Appearance.

Orientation—changes the perspective of the map display.

North Up—sets the top of the map display to a north heading.

•

Head Up—sets the map display to the current track heading.

•

Course Up—sets the map so the direction of navigation is

•

always up. The heading line appears vertically on the screen if
shown.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 13

Using Charts

Detail—adjusts the amount of detail shown on the map at different
zoom levels.

Spot Depths—turns spot soundings on or off and sets a dangerous
depth.

Safety Shading—identies a selected depth. Areas with depths
shallower than the specied value are shaded in blue, while areas
with depths greater than the specied value are shaded in white. The

Press left on

the Rocker to

decrease map

detail.

Press right on
the Rocker to
increase map
detail.

shading is always drawn at, or deeper than, the selected depth.

Symbols—changes symbol preferences.

Navaid Size—adjusts the size of the navaid symbols shown on

•

the map.

Navaid Type—selects the navaid symbol set (NOAA or IALA).

•

•

Land POIs

—turns the display of land POIs (points of interest)

on or off.

Light Sectors—turns the sector in which a navigational light

•

Heading Line—draws an extension line from the bow of the boat in

the direction of travel.

Off—turns the heading line off.

•

•

Distance

Time—sets the amount of time until you reach the end of the

•

—sets the distance to the end of the heading line.

is visible on or off. Selecting Auto lters out light sectors,
depending on the zoom level.

•

Chart Borders

—turns chart borders on when using a BlueChart

g2 Vision SD card and you want to see what area the maps cover.

Photo Points—turns camera icons (page 21) on or off when

•

using a BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.

heading line.

World Map
Full World Map

14 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

—displays a basic world map or satellite imagery (when

is selected).

Using Charts

Using the Split Navigation Chart

Use the Split Navigation chart to view two different zoom levels of
the Navigation chart at the same time.

Using Perspective 3D

Perspective 3D is a visual navigation aid that provides a view from
above and behind the boat (according to your course). This view is
helpful when navigating tricky shoals, reefs, bridges, or channels,

and is benecial when trying to identify entry routes and exit routes

in unfamiliar harbors or anchorages.

To access the Perspective 3D screen from the Home screen, select

Charts > Perspective 3D.

Press the Range (+) key to move the view closer to your boat and
lower to the water. Press the Range (-) key to move the view away
from the boat.

To view details about navaids such as beacons, lights, and
obstructions:

1. Use the Rocker to point to the navaid. When the cursor is over

Split Navigation Chart

(with a BlueChart g2 Vision card)

The top half of the screen is zoomed in 10 times closer than the
bottom half of the screen. The Range (-/+) keys control the zoom

2. Press SELECT to view details about the navaid.

Perspective 3D Settings

To access additional settings or options from the Perspective 3D
screen, select MENU.

level.

Waypoints & Tracks

Press MENU to view additional settings (page 9).

tracks.

the navaid, the navaid is highlighted.

—view, add, and congure waypoints and

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 15

Using Charts

Tracks—turn tracks on or off (page 31).

•

•

Waypoints

—view, sort, or lter existing waypoints, or create

new ones.

•

New Waypoint

•

Active Tracks

Saved Tracks—view a list of tracks that have been saved.

•

—edit, delete, or create a new waypoint.

—manage tracks (page 31).

Other Vessels—view information about other vessels. To view
information about other vessels, your unit must be connected to an

external AIS (Automatic Identication System) or DSC (Digital

Selective Calling) device.

Weather Radar

—turn the display of NEXRAD weather on or

Lane Width—adjusts the width of the course line drawn when

•

navigating. This setting also affects routes (Route To), but does
not affect automatic guidance (Guide To).

Using Mariner’s Eye 3D

A BlueChart g2 Vision SD card offers Mariner’s Eye 3D, which
provides a detailed three-dimensional view from above and behind
the boat (according to your course), and provides a visual navigation
aid. This view is helpful when navigating tricky shoals, reefs,

bridges, or channels, and is benecial when trying to identify entry

and exit routes in unfamiliar harbors or anchorages.

off. (The Weather feature is only available if the chartplotter is
connected to a weather module and you have an XM subscription.)
See page 60 for additional information.

Data Bars

(page 9)—show or hide cruising, navigation, shing,

fuel, sailing numbers, or compass tape.

Chart Appearance

Range Rings—toggles the range rings on or off to provide

•

—customize the Perspective 3D chart.

distance measurement.

Mariner's Eye 3D Navigation Chart

16 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Using Charts

Press the Range (+) key to move the view closer to your boat and
lower to the water. Press the Range (-) key to move the view away
from the boat. The scale ( ) temporarily appears at the bottom
of the screen.

To view details about navaids such as beacons, lights, and
obstructions:

1. Use the Rocker to point to the navaid. When the cursor is over
the navaid, the navaid is highlighted.

2. Press SELECT to view details about the navaid.

Style—Selects how chart data is displayed over 3D terrain.

Classic—uses color schemes to indicate 3D terrain.

•

Charts—provides chart information in a 3D view.

•

Photos—provides satellite photo imagery in addition to chart

•

information.

Hazard Colors—Turns hazard colors on or off. The Off setting
shows the land as seen from the water. The On setting indicates
shallow water and land with a color scale. Blue indicates deep water,
yellow is shallow water, and red is very shallow water.

Mariner’s Eye 3D Settings

To access additional settings or options from the Mariner’s Eye 3D
screen, press MENU.

Weather Radar

off. (The Weather feature is only available if the chartplotter is
connected to a weather module and you have an XM subscription.)
See page 60 for additional information.

For settings and options related to Waypoints & Tracks, Other
Vessels, and Data Bars, see “Navigation Chart Menu” on page 9.

To customize the appearance of the Mariner’s Eye 3D screen, select

MENU > Chart Appearance.

—turn the display of NEXRAD weather on or

Mariner’s Eye 3D (Water Hazard Colors)

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 17

Using Charts

Range Rings—toggles the range rings on or off to provide distance
measurement.

Safe Depth

—adjusts the depth at which red indicates dangerous

depths.

Lane Width

—adjusts the width of the course line drawn when

navigating. This setting also affects routes (Route To), but does not

Sonar Cone (only available if sonar is present)—turns a cone that
shows the area covered by your transducer on or off.

Fish Symbols

suspended targets (such as sh). Targets are indicated by red, green,

and yellow spheres. Red indicates the largest targets and green
indicates the smallest targets.

affect automatic guidance (Guide To).

Using Fish Eye 3D

Using the depth contour lines of the BlueChart g2 Vision
cartography, Fish Eye 3D provides an underwater view of the sea
oor or lake bottom. Use the Range keys to adjust the view.

NOTE: You must have an “s” series unit (such as a GPSMAP 430s)
with a connected transducer or have a connection to a Garmin
sounder via CANet.

Fish Eye 3D Settings

To access additional settings or options for the Fish Eye 3D screen,
press MENU.

View—selects a sh eye view of fore, aft, port, or starboard.

Tracks—turns the track log on or off.

(only available if sonar is present)—displays

Suspended
targets

Fish Eye 3D

Data Bars

—show or hide cruising, navigation, shing, fuel, or

sailing numbers (page 9).

18 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Using Charts

Using Fishing Charts

Use the Fishing chart for a detailed, unobstructed view of the bottom
contours on the chart.

The Fishing chart uses detailed bathymetric data on a
preprogrammed BlueChart g2 Vision SD card, and is best for

offshore deep-sea shing.

From the Home screen, select Charts > Fishing Chart.

Navaids—displays navigational aids, such as beacons, lights, and
obstructions.

For settings and options related to Full Screen Map, Waypoints &
Tracks, Other Vessels, and Data Bars, see “Navigation Chart Menu”
on page 9.

To customize the appearance of the Fishing Chart screen, select

MENU > Chart Setup (page 12).

Enabling High Resolution Satellite Imagery

You can overlay high-resolution satellite images on the land, sea, or
both portions of the Navigation chart when using a preprogrammed
BlueChart g2 Vision SD card.

To enable satellite imagery:

1. While viewing the Navigation chart, press MENU.

2. Select Chart Setup > Photos.

3. Select one of the following:

Off—standard chart information is shown on the map.

•

Land Only—standard chart information is shown on water

•

with photos overlaying the land.

On—photos overlay both the water and the land at a specied

•

To access additional settings from the Fishing chart, press MENU.

opacity. The higher you set the percentage, the more the
satellite photos will cover both land and water.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 19

Using Charts

NOTE: When enabled, the high-resolution satellite images are only
present at closer zoom levels. If you cannot see the high-resolution
images in your BlueChart g2 Vision region, either zoom in further
using the Range (+) key, or set the detail level higher (page 14).

Viewing Aerial Photos

Preprogrammed BlueChart g2 Vision SD cards contain aerial
photographs of many landmarks, marinas, and harbors. Use these
photos to help orient yourself to your surroundings or to acquaint
yourself with a marina or a harbor prior to arrival.

Photo Overlay Off Land Only Photo Overlay

NOTE: Use the Range (-/+) keys to zoom in and out while viewing
the aerial photo on the full screen.

Aerial Photo

Photo Overlay at 50% Photo Overlay at 100%

20 GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual

Using Charts

Current-station

icon

To access aerial photos from the Navigation chart:

Use the Rocker to highlight a camera icon with the pointer, and

select Aerial Photo or Review.

Perspective

Overhead

Viewing Current-station Information

If current stations are available in your BlueChart
g2 Vision region, they appear on the Navigation
chart as highlighted arrows. These detailed icons
show the speed and direction of the current at a
glance. Select Review or the name of the station to
display a current graph.

Detailed Road and POI Data

BlueChart g2 Vision contains detailed road and points of interest
(POI) data, which includes highly detailed coastal roads and
POIs such as restaurants, lodging, local attractions and more. For
instructions on searching for, and navigating to, these POIs, see the
“Where To?” section beginning on page 27.

Using Automatic Guidance

Automatic Guidance automatically creates and suggests routes based
on available BlueChart g2 Vision chart information. See page 43 for
instructions on setting up Automatic Guidance for your boat. The
“Where To?” section on page 27 contains more information on how
to use Automatic Guidance.

Using the Chart/Sonar Screen

NOTE: The Chart/Sonar screen, like the Sonar screen, is only
available when using a sonar-capable unit with a transducer
attached.

Use the Chart/Sonar screen to view the Navigation chart, Fishing
chart, Mariner’s Eye 3D, or Fish Eye 3D and sonar at the same time.

GPSMAP 400/500 Series Owner’s Manual 21