OpenCPN
OpenCPN is an open-source marine navigation app for planning routes, viewing nautical charts, and using onboard GPS and AIS data on Mac.
What is OpenCPN?
OpenCPN is a marine navigation app designed for sailors, cruisers, and boaters who want chart-based route planning and situational awareness on a Mac. It helps users display nautical charts, create and manage waypoints and routes, and monitor vessel position using connected GPS data. The app can also work with AIS and other marine instrument inputs, which makes it useful for trip planning as well as real-time navigation support onboard. OpenCPN supports macOS along with Windows, Linux, and Android, and its Mac release is distributed from the OpenCPN project website. Many users install it to plan passages, review chart information, and connect marine data sources in one desktop navigation workspace. Pavel Kalian is a core contributor to the project and is commonly associated with its Mac and plugin ecosystem.
Key features
- View supported nautical charts on an interactive map
- Create, edit, and organize waypoints, routes, and tracks
- Use connected GPS input to show live vessel position
- Display AIS targets and related navigation data
- Add plugins to extend charting and onboard navigation workflows
- Work across macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android setups
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
OpenCPN is legitimate navigation software, but on Mac its installer may require extra approval because the project documents that the installer is not signed and notarized by Apple. That does not by itself mean the app is harmful, but you should download it from the official OpenCPN site and use current chart and navigation data from trusted sources. If you connect GPS, AIS, or other marine devices, the app may access serial or network data that is normal for its purpose.
Recommendation: Keep OpenCPN if you use your Mac for marine route planning, chart viewing, or onboard navigation support. If you no longer use it, you can remove the app like other desktop software, but do so only when you no longer need its routes, tracks, plugin setup, or related chart files.
Common paths
/Applications/OpenCPN.app
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