Here is the critical truth: There is no legal, free, official download of the complete CM93 v2 world chart set.
C-Map sells their charts through licensed resellers. A legitimate CM93 v2 chart card for a specific region (e.g., the Caribbean or Mediterranean) costs between $200 and $500 USD. The “worldwide” copies you see circulating on torrent sites, file-sharing forums (like CruisersForum or Reddit), and random Google Drive links are pirated software.
The phrase “cm93 v2 charts download” represents an era of early digital navigation—a time when free vector charts felt like a treasure chest for cruisers. Today, that treasure chest is filled with rust. The charts are outdated, the download sources are dangerous, and the legal alternatives are now so affordable and accessible that piracy is simply not worth the risk.
Instead of chasing abandoned torrents, invest €60 in o-charts or use NOAA’s free ENCs for US waters. Your life—and the safety of your crew and vessel—is worth more than a 2012 chart file.
Sail smart. Navigate with official data. And leave CM93 v2 where it belongs: in the digital museum.
Have you had any experience with CM93 v2 charts? Do you know of a legal source for historical chart data? Share your thoughts in the comments below—but remember, no direct links to pirated content.
CM93 v2 charts are a legacy set of global vector charts originally developed by C-MAP. While they were once a standard for maritime navigation, they are now considered outdated and are generally no longer maintained or officially updated. Understanding CM93 v2 Charts
Vector Format: Unlike raster charts (scanned paper), CM93 v2 is a vector format that allows for zooming without loss of clarity and the ability to toggle specific data layers.
Data Structure: A complete set typically consists of a "CM93" root directory containing approximately 144 subdirectories (e.g., "00300000" to "04501020") and an edition file with a .EXD extension (e.g., 20110803.EXD). cm93 v2 charts download
Compatibility: They are primarily known for being compatible with OpenCPN, which still supports this older format. Downloading and Installing
Since CM93 v2 is obsolete and subject to copyright, there are no official public download sources. They are often shared privately within the sailing community or found on legacy file repositories. Installing Charts - OpenCPN
The CM93 v2 charts are a legendary yet aging worldwide nautical chart set, primarily known for their compatibility with free navigation software like OpenCPN. While they remain a popular "backup" or "planning" resource for cruisers, they are officially obsolete and carry significant risks if used for primary navigation. Key Features
Broad Compatibility: CM93 v2 is an unencrypted vector format, making it one of the few global sets that works seamlessly with open-source platforms like OpenCPN and Locus Map.
Global Coverage: Most downloads provide a massive dataset (often ~1.7 GB) covering most of the world's oceans and coastal regions.
Scalable Detail: Users can adjust the "Detail Level" in software to balance screen complexity with processor speed.
Offline Use: Once downloaded, these charts are fully functional without an internet connection. Crucial Drawbacks & Risks Installing Charts - OpenCPN
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 Here is the critical truth: There is no
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 Have you had any experience with CM93 v2 charts
: 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 system used in various applications, particularly in the realm of technical analysis and trading. The "v2" suggests you're interested in a specific version of these charts. However, without more context, it's challenging to provide a precise guide on how to download CM93 v2 charts. Nonetheless, I can offer some general guidance and considerations that might help you achieve your goal:
CM93 v2 (also known as C-Map CM-93/2) is a widely used vector chart format for electronic chart systems (ECS) and certain electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS). This report outlines the standard methods for downloading or obtaining CM93 v2 charts, highlights the difference between authorized and unauthorized sources, and provides technical guidance for legitimate acquisition.
Instead of chasing an obsolete, illegal download, consider these modern, legal, and often free or low-cost alternatives:
If you have a valid license, the typical download workflow is:
Note: As of 2025–2026, C-MAP has largely phased out CM93 v2 in favor of their modern vector charts. Legacy access may require contacting support directly.
CM93 stands for C-MAP 93. It was a proprietary vector chart format developed by C-MAP Norway (now part of Insight/Navico). The "v2" refers to the second version of the database format, which offered significant improvements over the original, including better compression and more detailed data layers.
Unlike raster charts (which are essentially digital pictures of paper charts), CM93 charts are vector charts. This means they are a database of objects (buoys, depth contours, lights, land masses) that can be queried.
Key Features of CM93: