The days of seeking a CM93 v2 charts download are numbered. While nostalgia and the desire for a single, offline file are understandable, the risks of malware, legal consequences, and—most critically—outdated navigation data make it a fool’s errand.
Embrace modern, legal alternatives. Free ENC charts from hydrographic offices, coupled with software like OpenCPN, provide the same (or better) functionality without breaking the law or endangering your vessel.
Sail smart, chart legally, and keep your data current.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The author does not condone software piracy. Mariners are legally required to carry up-to-date official nautical charts for their area of navigation.
CM93 v2 charts are a legacy worldwide vector chart database frequently used with
. While the format is technically obsolete and no longer officially sold for public use, it remains popular due to its wide coverage. Finding CM93 v2 Charts
Because these charts are no longer officially distributed by C-Map, they are typically found through third-party cruising community sites or archive links: Cruising Community Archives: Sites like S/V Soggy Paws
and other regional cruising blogs often maintain links to specific geographic sets (e.g., SE Asia, Western Pacific). Nautical Communities:
Marine forums and file-sharing sites occasionally host "vintage" versions (such as the 2011, 2015, or 2018 editions). Verification: Ensure you are downloading . You can identify it by looking for a file (e.g., 20110803.EXD
) in the top-level directory. Version 3 is protected and typically incompatible with open-source software like OpenCPN. How to Install in OpenCPN Installing Charts - OpenCPN Dec 30, 2567 BE —
The CM93 v2 charts (C-MAP 93 edition 2) are a widely used set of global vector charts in the maritime community, particularly among users of open-source navigation software like OpenCPN. Technical Overview
CM93 v2 charts are based on the S-57 standard but use a proprietary format developed by C-MAP. Unlike newer versions (like v3), the v2 format is "unencrypted," meaning it does not require a hardware dongle or digital license key to view once you have the files. This accessibility has made them a staple for cruisers and hobbyists using OpenCPN. How to Use CM93 v2 Charts
To utilize these charts for navigation, follow these standard steps:
Software Installation: Install a compatible chart plotter. OpenCPN is the most popular choice for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Chart Organization: Place the CM93 folder (usually containing numerous subfolders labeled 030, 060, etc.) in a dedicated directory on your computer. Loading the Charts: Open your navigation software. Navigate to Options/Settings > Charts > Chart Files. Click Add Directory and select the main CM93 v2 folder.
Select Update Control Database or "Scan Charts" to index the data. Important Considerations cm93 v2 charts download
Data Currency: CM93 v2 charts are outdated. C-MAP ceased official updates for the v2 format years ago in favor of newer, encrypted versions. They should be used for situational awareness and planning, but not as your primary means of navigation in restricted waters where recent hydrographic changes (like shifted sandbars or new buoys) are critical.
Legal Status: While the software to read them is free, the chart data itself was originally a commercial product. Most copies found online are distributed via community forums or peer-to-peer sites rather than official storefronts.
Modern Alternatives: For up-to-date official data, many sailors now use o-charts, which provides affordable, licensed S-57/S-63 charts specifically for OpenCPN users.
Because C-MAP no longer sells or supports CM93 v2 (it was replaced by C-MAP Embark and other cloud-based services), the only way to obtain it is through unofficial channels:
No official download exists from Navico/C-MAP. Legitimate users would have purchased MaxSea with the chart DVD, but that product is discontinued.
Search sites like The Pirate Bay, 1337x, or LimeTorrents for terms like:
Typical file size: 2.5 GB to 4.5 GB (compressed). The extracted folder usually contains a series of numbered .000 files and a chart list.
If you possess a legitimate copy of CM93 charts (
The CM93 v2 is a widely known global nautical vector chart database that remains a popular "legacy" choice for passage planning and secondary navigation. While it is celebrated for its world-wide coverage, users should be aware that it is essentially a frozen snapshot of historical data. Key Features & Performance
Extensive Global Coverage: It covers almost all of the world's oceans and coastal regions within a single 1.7GB database.
Vector Scalability: As a vector format, these charts can be zoomed without losing clarity, offering different levels of detail from world-scale overviews (1:3.5M) to harbor plans (up to 1:3,500).
Broad Compatibility: CM93 v2 is the standard vector format for OpenCPN, and it is also compatible with other platforms like MaxSea (older versions) and Locus Map. Critical Limitations CM93 Versions - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
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charts are a specific set of legacy digital nautical charts that have long been a staple in the world of amateur sailing and marine navigation. Understanding what they are—and the risks involved in using them today—is essential for any mariner looking to integrate them into their workflow. What are CM93 v2 Charts?
CM93 refers to a proprietary vector chart format originally developed by The days of seeking a CM93 v2 charts download are numbered
. The "v2" (Version 2) iteration became famous because it was widely used by early PC-based navigation software, most notably
. Unlike raster charts, which are essentially digital pictures of paper maps, CM93 vector charts are composed of database layers. This allows users to zoom in without pixelation and toggle specific details, like depth soundings or light sectors, on and off. Why are they still discussed? The primary appeal of CM93 v2 charts is their portability and coverage
. A single "world" set of CM93 v2 files provides global coverage in a relatively small file size. For cruisers on a budget or those sailing in remote areas where official ENC (Electronic Navigational Charts) are expensive or hard to license, these legacy files offered a "good enough" baseline for planning. The Critical Risks
While they remain popular in the sailing community, several significant drawbacks exist: Stale Data:
The v2 format is no longer officially updated by C-MAP. Most CM93 v2 datasets circulating online are from the mid-2010s. They do not account for new wrecks, shifted sandbars, or updated buoyage. Accuracy Issues:
Because these charts are often sourced from older surveys, "datum shifts" are common. This means your GPS position might show you on land while you are actually in a channel, or vice versa. Legal and Safety Compliance: CM93 v2 charts do not meet the
(Safety of Life at Sea) requirements for carriage. Relying on them as a primary means of navigation is risky and often illegal for commercial vessels. Modern Alternatives Today, most sailors have moved toward official ENCs
or subscription services. OpenCPN, for instance, now supports the
system, which provides up-to-date, licensed vector charts at a very low cost. These modern charts are far more accurate and are updated regularly via the internet.
In summary, while CM93 v2 charts are a fascinating piece of maritime computing history, they should be treated as a secondary reference
at best. For safe passage making, updated, official cartography is the only reliable choice. Should we look for a guide on how to install official, up-to-date charts into OpenCPN as a safer alternative?
You can purchase an official C-Map MAX or Reveal chart card for your region. These work in modern plotters and software like Coastal Explorer or TimeZero. Cost: $200–$500.
This is the most critical aspect for navigation safety. The "v2" format is legacy technology. Many of the CM93 chart sets found online are based on hydrographic data from the 1990s and early 2000s.
The Golden Rule: Never rely solely on old vector charts for primary navigation. Always cross-reference with official, up-to-date paper charts or recent electronic charts.