The fact is that most of the "foreign" data bases are not only decades old, but sometimes a century old. Occasionally corrections are made. But there will be little difference between 1998, 2007 and 1988 bases. You need to get the current light lists, and then correct the charts yourself. The most up to date light lists and local notices to mariners (including those of Central American Countries) can be obtained on the internet. Some are good, others are not. Also looking at cruisers blogs may show some changes. We used the Ham radio as an excellent source of looking for changes.
One has to realize that there is little call for updating these data bases. The map makers have little requests, and the countries do not have resources to do surveys. The US only cares about the larger picture--which might affect their security and war vessels.
Good traveling--remember Columbus didn't have any good charts. Many folks do fine with 20 year old charts.
Regards,
Bob Austin
The fact is that most of the "foreign" data bases are not only decades old, but sometimes a century old. Occasionally corrections are made. But there will be little difference between 1998, 2007 and 1988 bases. You need to get the current light lists, and then correct the charts yourself. The most up to date light lists and local notices to mariners (including those of Central American Countries) can be obtained on the internet. Some are good, others are not. Also looking at cruisers blogs may show some changes. We used the Ham radio as an excellent source of looking for changes.
One has to realize that there is little call for updating these data bases. The map makers have little requests, and the countries do not have resources to do surveys. The US only cares about the larger picture--which might affect their security and war vessels.
Good traveling--remember Columbus didn't have any good charts. Many folks do fine with 20 year old charts.
Regards,
Bob Austin
