Cm93 V2 Charts Download Install May 2026

Let’s assume you have a legitimate copy (e.g., you ripped it from an old C-MAP cartridge you owned). Here’s how to make it work in OpenCPN 5.10+:

While CM93 v2 charts were a staple of electronic navigation for years, they are now considered legacy technology. If you are using them for recreational purposes on older software, the installation involves simply pointing your navigation software to the extracted directory. However, for safety and legality, always prioritize purchasing legitimate chart data or using free, official government ENC files for real-world navigation.

To download and install CM93 v2 charts, you primarily use OpenCPN, a free open-source navigation software that supports this legacy global vector chart format. 1. Download OpenCPN and CM93 v2 Charts

OpenCPN Software: Download the latest version of the chart plotter from the Official OpenCPN Website.

CM93 v2 Chart Database: Official distribution of these charts ended years ago, but legacy versions (often from 2012–2015) are frequently shared in cruising communities. You can find links on sites like S/V Soggy Paws or via community threads on the Cruisers & Sailing Forum. 2. Prepare the Chart Files cm93 v2 charts download install

Extraction: CM93 v2 files usually come in a compressed .zip or .rar format. Use a tool like 7-Zip to extract them into a dedicated folder on your computer (e.g., C:\Charts\CM93).

Verification: Ensure the extracted folder contains many subdirectories with numeric names (e.g., "00300000") and a file ending in .EXD (e.g., 20110803.EXD), which indicates the database version. 3. Install in OpenCPN Installing Charts - OpenCPN

The CM93 v2 charts are legacy global vector nautical charts that remain popular among the yachting community for their broad coverage and compatibility with open-source navigation software like OpenCPN. While they are technically outdated, they serve as a valuable reference tool for planning and secondary navigation. Understanding CM93 v2 Charts

What they are: Originally produced by C-Map, CM93 Edition 2 charts are a professional global chart database designed for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). Let’s assume you have a legitimate copy (e

Format: They use a unique data structure rather than standard S57 formats, typically consisting of 144 subdirectories covering 40° x 40° geographical areas.

Current Status: These charts are largely considered obsolete and are no longer officially sold to the general public, though legacy versions (often dated around 2011–2012) are frequently shared within the sailing community. How to Install CM93 v2 Charts

To use these charts, you generally need a navigation program that supports the CM93 format, such as OpenCPN. CM93 V2 marine vector charts - Locus Map - help desk

Let’s be blunt: CM93 v2 charts are pirated 99% of the time. C-MAP stopped licensing them to individuals years ago. Any “free download” link on forums or torrent sites is sharing copyrighted material. Let’s be blunt: CM93 v2 charts are pirated

Ethical alternative: Use official NOAA ENC charts (free for U.S. waters) or S-63 charts from your national hydrographic office. OpenCPN handles both perfectly.

That said, many cruisers use CM93 v2 for trip planning or backup in remote regions. If you choose that path, understand the risks (stale data, missing ports, zero legal liability).

If you see gray squares instead of charts, you’re zoomed out too far (CM93 has no overview charts). Zoom in below ~1:500,000.

Official CM93 v2 is obsolete. C-MAP has long since moved to subscription-based, updated vector charts (e.g., C-MAP MAX, C-MAP Reveal) with continuous updates, high-resolution bathymetry, and official hydrographic data. However, for many users, the barriers are significant:

Thus, the search for "cm93 v2 charts download install" is driven by budget-conscious cruisers, students learning navigation, and sailors equipping backup systems. However, it must be stated clearly: most freely available copies of CM93 v2 are pirated. C-MAP has never released this edition as freeware.

This guide shows how to obtain and install CM93 v2 vector charts for OpenCPN (or other compatible navigation software) on Windows, macOS, and Linux.