Getting Started

Bristol Maps is a navigation platform specifically designed for commercial fishermen operating in dynamic terrain such as Bristol Bay and Prince William Sound.

Device Recommendations

There are many hardware solutions that support Bristol Maps however for the best experience an Apple iPad Cellular model is recommmended. The cellular model is recommended because it comes equipped with an integrated GPS chip. Wifi models DO NOT have integrated GPS and will require an external device for location data.

For mounting solutions there are various companies that offer quality solutions. Ram mounts are the most common. Joy Factory mounts are recommended for a high end mount.

Installation

It is available for download on Apple iOS and Google Android phones and tablets via the App and Play stores. It is also available on newer Apple laptops equiped with an 'M' series processor, this requires a separate GPS antenna for location data.

Subscription/Pricing

A subscription is required for all use of Bristol Maps. To simplify the subscription and billing process a yearly subscription is offered. This subscription includes access to all maps and features. By default it will auto renew yearly. A two week subscription is included to test features and functionality. The associated account will be charged at the end of the two week period.

Pricing: $150/yearly

To manage this subscription please see the subscriptions settings.

Usage

By default Bristol Maps streams a basemap from an online source. The chosen basemaps are selected for various qualities and will be updated as newer better images are collected. Because these images are streamed an internet connection is required. For offline access please see below.

Offline Access

Images/maps can be downloaded via the overlays tab. A currated selection of images are included for use. If other locations are required please reach out to support@bristolmaps.com to discuss options.

The goal of Bristol Maps is to provide a better navigation experience with the latest satellite imagery available.

Weather

Current weather is available via the navigation page by double tapping on a location. A sub menu with the option to get current weather is available. Internet access is required to download current weather.

Tides

Tides are available via the navigation page by double tapping on a location and selecting the tides option. A list of nearby tide stations show available options. Selecting a station will show the available tide data chart and graph. For viewing a stations charts for the first time an internet connection is required. Once a station has been viewed a years worth of tide data will be stored on the device for offline access.

Tide Overlay

A tide chart is available as an overlay on the navigation page. Selecting the tide chart icon will enable or disable this overlay from the top navigation bar.

Various settings and overlays can be adjusted via the navigation menu available on the Navigation bar. The following settings can be adjusted. More information is available in the advanced section.

Select district grid overlay options + grid search
Online base map overlays
Boundary Lines
Log entry overlays
Waypoints/Routes
View tide stations
Enable a boundary proximity alarm

Access to the Advanced settings menu is also available.

Daily Logs

Bristol maps offers a daily logging tool for tracking a fishing vessels most important data including the following.

Location
Weather
Tides
Catch tracking

This data can be used to log the best and worst days to improve operational efficiency. Please see the logs page for more information.

Disclaimer

This page and subsequent pages contain Amazon affiliate links.