Master Navigator Software

Master Navigator Software (MNS) is a navigation software developed and sold by Sapper Oy. It runs on an ordinary Microsoft Windows PC. For example, a laptop can be used as the vehicle navigator (see also automotive navigation system). It uses scanned or downloaded images and orthophotos as the map background (see also image scanner). The drawback that a continious internet connection would be required to download information is avoided since the maps are locally stored in the user's computer.
The map is repositioned and new maps are loaded automatically as needed. Tracks may be saved to file for later reviewing and log book entries can be entered with the points. Unlimited number of routes and waypoints can be created and used to assist the navigation. The screen area for maps may be maximized with most functions accessed with the right mouse button or the keyboard. Zooming is provided with support for mouse wheel. MNS can be used for most navigation needs, for example as a chart plotter.
MNS can also be used for large construction site planning and navigation, such as airport planning and construction. For example, it can be used to verify airport navigation aids and coordinates of construction sites.
When used as a pure navigator, if one adds a GPS, GLONASS, GNSS receiver or sensor to one of the computer's input ports (), it is able to show the (current position), altitude, speed and direction (compass) on the map (bird's-eye view). It can also use any standard NMEA 0183 instrument such as vehicle radar, depth sounder (sonar), speed sensor etc. as the source of the navigation, position, situation and orientation information.
It can also create an artificial "fly on map" view (perspective projection) on the computer screen which corresponds to the vehicle's external orientation and position in the real world. External moving objects and emergency guidance are available.
The amount of tracking is only limited by the computer hardware (not software). Continuous tracking of very long periods can be shown, typically this can be several years 24 hours a day. Limits are set by the actual graphics acceleration devices (see also hardware acceleration).

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