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Downloading the Auto Guidance+ Feature for use with Garmin Marine Charts

Some chartplotters require a supplemental chart to have the Auto Guidance+™ technology feature. Before it can be used on the device, the chart must be downloaded using the ActiveCaptain® app or the Garmin Express™ program on a computer. If using Garmin Express, the chart is downloaded using a computer and installed on an SD card. The SD card is loaded and inserted into the chartplotter, and the chart reads from the SD card. Download the ActiveCaptain App from the Google Play or Apple App Store. Download the Garmin Express program for Windows or MAC computers. 


Chartplotter Series with built-in Auto Guidance+


  • GPSMAP© 90xx chartplotters | GPSMAP© 92xx chartplotters

  • GPSMAP© 84xx chartplotters | GPSMAP© 86xx chartplotters

  • GPSMAP© 7x3 chartplotters | GPSMAP© 9x3 chartplotters | GPSMAP© 12x3 chartplotters | GPSMAP© 16x3 chartplotters

  • ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 chartplotters

  • ECHOMAP™ UHD2 7" chartplotters | ECHOMAP™ UHD2 9" chartplotters


Purchasing and Downloading Charts using the ActiveCaptain app


    1. From the chart screen of the app, select the Menu option in the upper right corner of the screen

      AC Menu button 3 lines

    2. Select Download Charts on the new menu that populates

      Download Charts Button

    3. Select the Chart to download from.

      Chart Selection AC

    4. Select the area to download using the selection tool. Once the area is selected the Download button becomes available

      Chart Selection optionsVisable Download button

    5. The selected area begins downloading

      Chart downloading progress shown

    6. After the download completes, there will be a message stating there are Additional Setup Steps. This will require the mobile device to be connected to the chartplotters Wi-Fi

      Sync with Plotter AC

    7. Once connected and Sync with Plotter is selected the transfer between ActiveCaptain and the chartplotter begins

      Transfer to Plotter Transfer Complete message on chartplotter

    8. Once the transfer is complete, the Auto Guidance+ Feature is now available for use

      Auto Guidance Plus feature activated


Purchasing and Downloading a marine chart using Garmin Express


For instructions on using Garmin Express to download charts see; Downloading Marine Charts to a Chartplotter with Garmin Express™


Getting Started with ActiveCaptain

Downloading Charts with ActiveCaptain