The award, created "To bestow recognition and honor upon those whose names and deeds are synonymous with pursuit of quality, innovation, and perfection within the sphere of their expertise, and those who have or continue to make substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry, " was presented at the 2005 MAATS Convention in Las Vegas.

"Navionics' charting system dissolves charts into a satellite photo of the local area, enabling navigators to see features that may not be visible on an ordinary chart, " the judges wrote. "So if there is a water tank that is not visible on a chart, the charting system can locate the tank allowing the boater to easily take a bearing."