Unlock the Power of Simrad NSS evo3S: Blazing-Fast Charts & Smart Features

By Glenn, Aqua Lifestyle

Introduction

Have you ever been on the water, studying paper charts, wishing you had more info? With the new Simrad NSS evo3S, those days are over! This top-tier chartplotter delivers rapid performance and sharp displays for confident navigation. Part one of our three-part series dives into its charting capabilities.

1. Home Screen & Controls

The evo3S brings a bright SolarMAX IPS display, great even in full sun—yes, even with polarized sunglasses on! You can use the touchscreen or keypad and rotary controls. This hybrid interface means smooth operation, whether you're gloved up or in rough seas 

2. iMX 8 Processor = Instant Performance

Powered by the six-core iMX 8 processor, the evo3S redraws charts nearly twice as fast as previous models—no lag, just instant chart zooming, panning, and switching screens 

3. Cartography Built In

Comes preloaded with C-MAP US Enhanced charts, covering coastal and inland U.S. waters. If you're in Florida, you get C-MAP Reveal—a shaded-relief underwater map showing bottom contours in vivid color and depth shading (see shaded relief example below) 

4. Rich Chart Features

 The evo3S chart screen is loaded with helpful overlays:

• GPS waypoints and routes

• Radar overlay (with heading sensor)

• Active Weather and Sea Surface Temperature heat maps

• Restaurant, marina, and hazard icons from chart data sets

• 3D navigation view with look-ahead capability

  
  

  These layers can be toggled on/off for clarity

  
  

5. Smart 3D Mode

Want a modern touch? Tilt the chart for 3D perspective. Rotate the view with a swipe—it's like flying over your route. This offers great situational awareness, especially around shallow reefs, channels, or docks.

6. Split-Screen Power

The NSS evo3S supports up to six panels at once. You can combine NAV chart, radar, depth, engine data, etc. Just drag and drop displays—or choose from presets—and save your layout. It’s perfect for managing key data quickly 

* Each panel is like a mini window showing something different. You pick which ones you want and save it!

7. Customization for All Users

 Easily adjust chart settings:

• Toggle shaded relief on/off

• Turn contour labels, depth ranges, and icons on/off

• Add C-MAP or Navionics cartography with a micro-SD

  This lets anyone simplify or expand their map view based on comfort level and budget

8. Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Incredibly fast chart redraws & transitions 

• Bright SolarMAX screen, glove-friendly controls 

• Rich chart features including shaded relief & overlays 

• Dual touchscreen/keypad + tactile buttons = versatile use

  
  

  ❌ Cons

• High price—expect to spend extra on chart cards or accessories 

• Some may find the many menus overwhelming initially, but the UI is intuitive and learnable.

  
  

  9. Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Simrad NSS evo3S
Processor	iMX 8 six-core (2x faster)
Display	SolarMAX IPS, full daylight viewable
Chart Coverage	US Enhanced (incl. C-MAP Reveal, FL)
Split Screens	Up to 6 custom panels
Touch Control	Touchscreen + keypad + rotary dial
Connectivity	Ethernet, NMEA 2000, Wi-Fi, BT

Conclusion

The Simrad NSS evo3S is a charting powerhouse. Its speed, crystal-clear visuals, and smart mapping tools—especially the shaded relief in areas like Florida—give boaters new confidence on the water. Ideal for anglers and cruisers serious about navigation.