Covering all UK waterways, offline access to all POI’s, request RCR advice or assistance, route planning
River Canal Rescue has launched a web version of its mapping tool – WaterNav – enabling users to route plan and search data on more devices, instead of relying solely on the smartphone app.
Previously, inland waterway navigations were only available to view and route plan on the WaterNav app, which due to smartphone screen sizes, could be problematic. The new online version makes journey planning easier as people can access bigger screens, such as PCs, laptops and i-pads etc.
Once the route’s planned, it can be saved and loaded onto the app, for use on the boat. And while out on the water, the app has a function for cruisers to update waterway facilities, points of interest and obstructions/issues as they arise. Marinas and local waterway businesses are also encouraged to input their feedback.
WaterNav can be used offline, providing the route’s downloaded, giving access to vital information, such as pubs, shops, vets, diesel, moorings, as well as all the waterway information on locks, bridges, turning points etc, preventing boaters from going down non-navigable routes and potentially causing damage to marine environments.
plotting the phone’s GPS co-ordinates and What 3 Words location, to summon RCR help. Identifying the user’s position within a 5m radius is invaluable in emergency situations or when cruising on rivers with no access.
However setting up an account enables users to update route information and save routes once they’re cruised. Other benefits – keep logs of where they have been and share on social media, add photos and share with friends?
RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton, comments: “We’re keen for WaterNav to be the ‘go-to’ navigation and information tool for boaters, and these changes give people more choice on how they view and plan routes.
“We’re also keen to provide a function that updates customers on our engineers’ arrival time, so watch this space.“
