Waterways community helps shape WaterNav
VISITORS to this year's Crick Boat Show will probably have seen the latest version of River Canal Rescue's WaterNav app being promoted.
The free app, available via Google Play or Apple's App Store, was initially launched last year but now features a number of updates intended to help users plan and specify a journey's length or time taken.
Users can also select preferred routes that take into account locks and points of interest and include other canal or river information. As you might expect, you can also find the nearest available mooring or marina.
The problem of a lack of good internet connectivity has been overcome by the app allowing the user to download a map covering their part of the world. Therefore, no connection is needed to use the app; only to receive automatic updates. These can then happen when the user is within a wi-fi hotspot.
The app was developed by Brandon Briggs, who says he looked to NASA, and the systems it uses to navigate the rovers on Mars as the inspiration for WaterNav.
“We are continually developing the app and taking on board feedback from users, so don't be surprised if we regularly ask users to update their version," he said.
As a result, both the developers and RCR are looking to the app as the focal point of a community of users who can all have a hand in helping to keep the information updated.
All UK waterways, mapping, and route planning have been incorporated into the app, and, as you might also expect, there's also a help/SOS function which is linked to RCR.
The aim is to provide support and help to boaters by plotting their position to within a 5m radius. This ability will undoubtedly be invaluable in emergencies or when cruising on rivers with no access.
In use, the app downloaded and was installed easily. Setting up an account and selecting a location was also a straightforward process, and the resulting location information was comprehensive. By avoiding the need for continued internet access, the app responds quickly and provides a wide range of information for each area. This information will undoubtedly increase as more users add to the database that already exists.
As to the future, RCR is apparently in talks with Scottish Canals and the CRT about further developing WaterNav to allow users to notify authorities of issues or problems within its systems. Brandon has also said that in future, “boaters will be able to flag up any problems or issues they come across, such as debris in the waterways, lock closures, busy hot spots or pubs that may have closed down, etc.”
RCR managing director Stephanie Horton added: “We are planning to add some really exciting features to WaterNav over the coming year to encourage new interest from the younger generation, help share some of the amazing features on our canals and rivers, and build the community spirit our UK waterways are synonymous with. Funding this app means we are giving something back, too, and helping reconnect the community.”
First impressions of WaterNav are certainly favourable, and if RCR manages to forge links with the Canal & River Trust and so on, the app could become an essential part of most regular boater's kit.
There is always a place for a paper map as a back-up for times when smartphones end up in the canal, but a system's added functionality offers far more than paper and ink can do.