The GE chart pictures are in general very accurate--usually more accurate than even the latest available charts we have in Tonga and Fiji.

However, we know of a least 3 real issues possible with these 'home-made' charts.

1.  If the chart maker person moved on to the next Google Earth view before the chart capture program (GE2KAP) finished capturing the geo-reference points, the chart can actually be located in the wrong place.  Always always always do a cross reference between known waypoints before you trust any of these home-made charts.

2.  Google Earth sometimes has remote reefs 'missing' or painted out.  Not sure why this is, but don't assume an empty expanse on a GE chart is really empty.  Try to find S Minerva Reef, Rose Atoll, and Fonua One One (Tonga, S Vavau Group) on a GE chart.  So again, always be cross-referencing with a regular chart when using these charts.

3.  In Vavau Tonga, I have noticed that sometimes clouds form right over reeflets and small island.  You think--"Oh, that's just a cloud.", but there's a good possibility of something solid underneath that cloud.  (the reef warms the water and causes the small cloud, which obscures the reef in the sat pic).  Always be suspicious of clouds.

DISCLAIMER DISCLAMER--these are homemade charts off Google Earth pictures.  Don't trust your boat to these charts without lots of other corroborating evidence (other charts, your own eyes, depthsounders, etc).

These charts were made with GE2KAP, a free utility available on the internet.  Hundreds and hundreds of hours went into development of this tool.  If you find them useful, go to the website and Paypal the author $10 to thank him for his incredible contribution to 'off the beaten path' cruising.

http://www.gdayii.ca/index.php