How to save a trail from a Simrad NSS or GO chartplotter as a GPX file and open it on your iPhone.
Simrad's NSS and GO displays record where your boat has been as trails. You can export them as a GPX file (the open format other apps, plotters and mapping tools read) onto a memory card, and from there onto your iPhone.
Before you start
- A memory card the display accepts (on most models a microSD card) with free space, formatted FAT32
- Trail recording switched on, otherwise the plotter has nothing to export
- A way to get the file onto your phone: an SD card reader for the iPhone, or a computer
Export the trails as GPX
- Insert the card into the display's card slot.
- From the Home screen, open the menu for files, usually called Files, on newer software often Storage.
- Open your user data, on many models listed as Waypoints, routes and trails, and choose Export.
- Pick GPX as the format, not Simrad's own user data file.
- Choose the card as the destination and confirm.
Menu names differ by model and software version. If you can't find an entry, look for Export in the files or storage menu, or check the manual for your display.
Get the file onto your iPhone
- SD card reader: plug it into the iPhone and open the card in the Files app.
- Computer: copy the file from the card, then AirDrop or mail it to your phone.
Open it in Manta
Tap the GPX file in Files (or in Mail) and choose Manta. The guided import splits a long recording into trips, leaves out the hours in harbour, skips trips you already have and asks which boat sailed them. Each trip then gets its map, replay and statistics.
Live data over WiFi
NSS evo2, evo3 and evo3S, NSO evo3 and the GO XSE displays can stream their data over WiFi. Connected that way, Manta Pro records the trip, with wind, depth and speed through the water, while you sail, so there is nothing to export afterwards. See Connect your plotter. A Simrad Cruise has no WiFi; a WiFi gateway does the job there.
Questions
Is the export the same as on a B&G or Lowrance?
Very nearly. Simrad, B&G and Lowrance displays share the same software family, so the export follows the same route. Menu names can still differ between models and software versions.
Why is there no trail for my last trip?
The plotter can only export what it recorded. If trail recording was switched off, nothing was saved for that trip. Check the trail settings before you next cast off.
Can my Simrad send its data to my iPhone without an export?
Many can. NSS evo2, evo3 and evo3S and GO XSE displays stream their data over WiFi, and Manta Pro records it live while you sail.
Which format should I choose?
GPX. It is the open standard nearly every navigation app, chartplotter and mapping tool reads. Simrad's own user data format only makes sense for moving data between Simrad, B&G and Lowrance displays.
Manta does this for you
Import and export GPX tracks
Bring in old tracks from your plotter or other apps; long recordings are split into trips. Export any trip as GPX.
