Just got a new to me ride this past September guys and it came with 2 of the elite 7 HDI sonars, neither included a nav chip, there are several on the market and I am looking for some input on which way to lean with the different options, best place to purchase etc..., I am new to this Nav chip deal, never had a sonar before that offered this option, thanx in advance !!

Navionics has digital mapping that works in Lowrance units. You can view the current maps on the Navionics website's Web App. Both Nautical Charts ( Navionics data) and Sonar Charts ( user provided data) are on the App. Toggle between those maps with the circle at the lower left of the panel. Blue is Sonar Charts, and Grey is Nautical Charts.

The Lowrance map product is Insight, not familiar with the quality of coverage for Va or if you can get a list of waters covered.

The Elite models have somewhat slow processors and a large capacity mapping product bogs it down at speed. Depends on how fast your boat is.

What some do is get the Navionics+ cards and only have the waters they want on the map card so it doesn't bog down the unit.

If you only need Lake Anna, only put that on the card. Additionally with the Navionics+ card, you can download the Sonar Charts map layer in HD and get the contour mapping I did for Hunting Run, and with the assistance of others, Sandy River Res. and Briery Creek Lake.

Most map products don't have coverage on the hot side of Lake Anna since it is private. Some have been uploading sonar logs to the Sonar Charts program and are gradually producing HD contour mapping on that side.

Very helpful Wayne, I fish five lakes in Va. Kerr (Buggs Island) Claytor, Smith Mountain, Moomaw, and mostly Anna, the private side does not bother me not having any kind of coverage, it's very rare that I get the opportunity to fish that side anyway, the plus card sounds like the way to go, I had no clue that you could download only the lakes that you want or have a need for, how does this work? they send me a blank chip and I call a number to download maps that I want? as I stated, I am brand new to this game so please forgive the elementary questions.

I'll send you a PM with more detail.

Many thanks Wayne !!!