Electronic chartplotters are by nature processor[[Central Processing Unit|CPU]] (and GPU) intensive applications. TheyChartplotters need to retrieve the Navigation Signal (GPS, Glonass, WAAS etc) signal and overlay that on a map. updatingMap everyupdates fewon milliseconds.dedicated hardware vary from 5hz to 30hz.
Some GPSnavigation software can run on standard computers (and mobile phones, etc) but most of the higher end issystems are dedicated equipmenthardware. Especially when the chartplotter generates three-dimensional displays, as used for fishing, considerable processing power and video memory may be required.
As with all marine systems, chart-plotters generally are not used alone. In commercial ships, they are integrated into a full system of marine instruments that can guide the ship under any conditions. These other instruments include Sonar transducers, integration with 2 Way Radio communication devices and emergency locators (EPIRB).
