Cm93 V2 Charts Download [verified]
The world of CM93 v2 charts is a blend of maritime history and modern digital navigation. These charts are a legacy set of global vector nautical charts originally produced by C-Map. While they are technically obsolete and no longer officially supported, they remain a popular "underground" resource for cruisers using open-source software like OpenCPN. The Legend of CM93 v2
The CM93 format was designed for professional electronic charting systems. The "v2" edition is particularly famous because it was the last version that was widely accessible without advanced modern encryption, making it compatible with early versions of open-source navigation software.
Global Coverage: Unlike many modern chart sets that require buying individual regions, CM93 v2 provided a single, massive database covering the entire world.
Vector Detail: These are vector charts, meaning they contain data layers for depth, buoys, and shorelines that users can interact with.
Obsolete Status: Most experts agree the last official updates for v2 occurred around 2011 to 2014. Using them today is considered a risk, as they do not reflect recent changes in sandbars, buoyage, or new coastal structures. Installing Charts - OpenCPN
The CM93 v2 charts are a specific set of unencrypted vector nautical charts widely used by cruisers in open-source software like OpenCPN . However, obtaining them for download is complicated by the fact that they are considered obsolete and are often shared through unofficial channels . Where to Find CM93 v2 Downloads
Because the CM93 v2 format is no longer officially supported by its creator (C-Map), you generally won't find it on mainstream commercial sites. Instead, users rely on:
Cruiser Resource Sites: Community-maintained sites like SV Soggy Paws often provide links or instructions for obtaining alternative chart sets, including archived CM93 data .
Community Forums: Platforms such as the Cruisers & Sailing Forums frequently host discussions with links to p2p sites or direct downloads for various regional sets .
Open-Source Projects: Sites like SourceForge may host community-compiled nautical data that includes or is compatible with OpenCPN . Critical Considerations
Data Age: The last major updates to the CM93 v2 database were roughly around 2011 . While useful for general planning, they should not be used as your primary source for navigation in hazardous areas .
Compatibility: OpenCPN natively supports CM93 v2. To use them, you must point the software to the top-level directory containing the .EXD version file and the 144 geographical subdirectories .
Security: Always scan any downloaded chart files for malware, as these typically come from unverified third-party sources . How to Install in OpenCPN cm93 v2 charts download
Once you have downloaded the chart folders, follow these steps to use them: CM93v2 chart download - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
CM93v2 chart download they are derived from the official Aus Hydrographic charts. Cruisers Forum Installing Charts - OpenCPN
CM93 v2 charts are widely used legacy vector nautical charts, particularly popular among users of open-source navigation software like
. Since CM93/2 is no longer officially supported by C-Map (which moved to the encrypted CM93/3 format), these charts are primarily available through community-maintained archives and peer-to-peer sites. Finding and Downloading CM93 v2 Charts Archive Sources : Sites like Sailing Amazing Grace SV Soggy Paws
often maintain links to regional chart sets (e.g., SE Asia, Indian Ocean, Western Pacific) for the cruising community. Community Forums
: Users frequently share updated datasets on maritime forums like Marine Tracker (SeaTracker) , though these require a BitTorrent client to download. Version Identification : Ensure you are downloading . You can identify it by the presence of a file ending in 20110803.EXD
) in the top directory. Version 3 files are encrypted and will not work with most free software. Installation in OpenCPN Installing Charts - OpenCPN
CM93 v2 charts are global vector nautical charts originally produced by C-Map. Although officially obsolete and no longer commercially supported for the general public, they remain popular among cruisers and hobbyists using open-source navigation software like OpenCPN due to their worldwide coverage and small file size. Understanding CM93 v2 Charts
CM93 version 2 charts use a proprietary data structure that is distinct from standard S-57 ENCs.
Global Coverage: A full dataset typically includes approximately 144 subdirectories, each covering a 40° x 40° geographical area.
Scale Levels: The charts are organized by scale levels, ranging from 'Z' (overview) and 'A' (world scale) to 'G' (detailed harbor plans).
Version Identification: A top-level directory usually contains a file with a .EXD extension, which acts as a version marker (e.g., 20110803.EXD represents an August 2011 edition). How to Download CM93 v2 Charts The world of CM93 v2 charts is a
Because C-Map transitioned to version 3 (CM93/3), which is encrypted and incompatible with most free software, CM93 v2 is no longer sold or officially distributed. Users typically find these charts through: Installing Charts - OpenCPN
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
Part 4: How to Install and Use CM93 v2 Charts in OpenCPN
Assuming you have acquired a legitimate (or legacy) copy of the CM93 v2 folder, here is the standard installation process for OpenCPN (the most common compatible software):
1. Copyright and Legality
CM93 charts are copyrighted material owned by C-MAP/Navico. They are proprietary commercial products.
- Official Sources: Historically, you would purchase these charts on CD-ROMs or USB sticks from authorized dealers.
- Unofficial Sources: There are many websites and peer-to-peer networks hosting "cracked" or unauthorized copies of the CM93 database (often seen as folders named
CM93containing files likeC_MAP.93).
Warning: Downloading copyrighted chart data without a license is illegal in many jurisdictions.
8. Conclusion
While CM93 v2 charts can still be downloaded legitimately through official C-MAP channels, the format is deprecated. Unauthorized downloads are unsafe, illegal, and unreliable. For operational navigation, always use a licensed, updated chart source.
Appendix A: Example of Legitimate Download Page
- URL:
https://www.c-map.com/charts/downloads(requires login) - File naming:
CM93_v2_Europe_2023.zip(digital signature present)
Appendix B: Legal Disclaimer
This report does not encourage any unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted nautical charts. Users must comply with all applicable maritime and copyright laws.
CM93 v2 charts are a legacy set of global marine vector charts originally produced by C-Map. They have become a cornerstone for amateur mariners and cruisers due to their extensive coverage and compatibility with open-source navigation software like ⚓ The Role of CM93 v2 in Modern Navigation Part 4: How to Install and Use CM93
While official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) are the standard for commercial shipping, CM93 v2 remains popular in the sailing community for several reasons: Global Coverage
: They provide a comprehensive, worldwide database of maritime data in a single package. Format Compatibility
: Unlike later versions (v3 and beyond), which use proprietary SENC formats, v2 is easily readable by various navigation platforms. Software Flexibility : These charts are the primary choice for users of and were historically used on mobile apps like Offline Capability
: They allow for full navigation without requiring an active internet connection, which is critical for long-distance ocean crossings. 📂 Identifying Genuine CM93 v2 Files
Because many "updated" versions found online are actually older data with new dates, it is important to verify your files: Directory Structure : A full world set typically contains 144 folders with 8-digit numeric names (e.g., File Extension
: The top-level directory must contain an empty file with the extension, such as 20110803.EXD , which indicates the release date. Chart Detail Level : Folders are sub-divided into categories from (world overviews) to (highly detailed harbour plans). ⚠️ Safety and Security Warnings
Users should exercise extreme caution when attempting to download these charts from unofficial sources: Outdated Data : The last official update for CM93 v2 was reportedly in
. They should only be used as a secondary aid to navigation and never as a sole source for entering unfamiliar or hazardous waters. Malware Risks
: Many "free download" links on forums or file-sharing sites are deceptive and may attempt to install malicious software or browser hijackers. Legal & Official Status
: These are "unofficial" charts. For primary navigation, mariners are encouraged to use official S-63 encrypted charts available through authorized providers like o-charts.org
You're looking for information on downloading CM93 v2 charts. CM93 is a popular charting tool used in sailing and navigation, providing detailed sea charts for various regions. The "v2" likely refers to a specific version of the chart data or software.
7. Recommendations
- Do not download CM93 v2 from unofficial forums, Telegram, or torrent sites.
- If you need legacy CM93 v2 for an older system, contact C-MAP support directly to request a legacy download link (proof of previous purchase may be required).
- Migrate to a current chart format (C-MAP Reveal or S-63 ENCs) within 12 months for safety and compliance.
- For training or simulation only, use the C-MAP Simulator License (available to instructors/institutions).
Why are They Still Used?
Despite the rise of modern formats like S-57/S-63 (the official ENC standard) and proprietary formats from Garmin and Navionics, CM93 remains a staple in the cruising community for one main reason: Software Compatibility.
Popular open-source navigation software like OpenCPN has native support for the CM93 format. It is stable, fast, and many older integrated bridge systems still rely on this format. For many long-term cruisers, CM93 is the "old reliable" of chart plotting.