I am running 1198 console and bow now.

 

I want to get a map card. How many do I have to buy? can I just get 1 and connect the 2-1198 to show the same map?

Based on what I have read you will need two.

No, mapping is not shared with Humminbird or Lowrance. Each has to have its own.

 

Before you purchase any map software check the built-in ContourXD mapping. It may have what you need.

 

Additionally Humminbirds read Navionics and Lakemaster software. One may be better than the other for some locations.

thanks Wayne

 

I want the Lakemaster but they don't have the HD on the lakes I want yet.....and the Lakemaster "normal" really aint that good IMO on some lakes.

 

I guess I will have to spend more and get the Navionics platinum for the time being, the 3d bottom imagining look fun... 

The "3D" is a gimmic IMHO. The accuracy of the surveys is not enough to trust what is displayed.

 

Navionics or no other mapping company surveys every square foot on the bottom. Some of the lakes I fish have large prominate bottom features that are not represented by contour lines.

When a raised highway or railroad bed is not shown on their maps, it's pretty obvious that the contour lines are computer generated to match the shoreline shape between the actual path the survery boat covered.

 

Don't use your "fun" at the expense of your hull and lower unit. Trust what you sonar is showing you.