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Map Spinning on a Garmin Chartplotter
Why is the map spinning on my chart
If the map page of a Garmin chartplotter appears to be spinning, or if the boat icon is spinning, this is typically due to GPS accuracy. Garmin chartplotters have a built-in consumer-grade GPS antenna but do not have a built-in heading sensor. If the vessel is moving slowly or stopped and orientation is set to Course Up or Track Up, the map will likely spin. Consumer-grade GPS antenna accuracy is generally 3 meters (but can be more significant at times). When map orientation is set to Course Up or Track Up, the program attempts to display the boat's heading at the top of the screen. There are a few steps that can resolve this issue.
Step One
Current GPSMAP series1 Follow the directions listed to change the Map Orientation to North Up. When set to North Up the chart displays North at the top.
From within the Navigation Chart > Options > under the Layers options choose Settings (right side) > Map Orientation > set to North up
Step Two
If North Up orientation is not preferred, install a heading sensor to provide constant heading information. Garmin has a few devices that will provide a constant heading the SteadyCast , GPS 24xd, or the MSC 10. It is also possible to use a third-party heading sensor.
Step Three
If a heading sensor is not an option, Garmin chartplotters have a Speed Filter setting that may correct the issue. The Speed Filter allows the unit to average the speed readings to make it appear more gradual than fluctuating at considerable intervals. The setting will be different depending on which antenna is used.
To change the Speed Filter setting on a current chartplotter with a built-in GPS Select Options > Settings > System > GPS > Speed Filter > ON - enter a value of 2 seconds > Done to save settings.
1Legacy chartplotters have different steps to set map orientation and speed filters. See, Owner's manual for specific steps