39
1 INTRODUCTION
IMOhasdefinede‐Navigationas:
the harmonized collection, integration, exchange,
presentationandanalysisofmarineinformationonboard
and ashore by electronic means to enhance berth to berth
navigation and related services for safety and security at
seaandprotectionofthemarineenvironment.(MSCMSC
85/26/Add.1Annex20)
The termʹpresentationʹ perta
ins to the manner in
which something is displayed. In the case of e‐
Navigation, this is primarily through electronic
means. In a broader sense, the termʹportrayalʹ has
been defined as theʺpresentation of information to
humansʺ (ISO 19117:2012). This can include visual,
sound and through a sense of touch (hapt
ics).
However, as it relates to e‐Navigation, the term
‘portrayal’ primarily refers to visual means of
displayingnavigation‐relatedinformation.
2 BACKGROUND
In July 2006, the 81
st
Session of the IMO Maritime
Safety Committee (MSC) first decided to include e‐
NavigationintheworkprogrammesoftheSafety‐of‐
Navigation (NAV) and Communications and Search
and Rescue (COMSAR) Sub‐Committees. The
ʺDevelopmentofane‐Navigationstrategyʺ becamea
high‐priority item with a target completion date of
2008.
InDecember2008,MSC85adop
teda”Strategyfor
the Development and Implementation of e‐
Navigation” at MSC 85/26/Add.1 Annex 20. This
comprehensive document document defined e‐
Navigation and described the scope as being:
“intended to meet present and future user needs through
harmonization of marine navigation systems and
supportingshoreservices.” Inadditiontodescribingthe
need, case for, vision, and benefits of e‐Navigation,
the core objectives of the e‐Navigation concept were
Harmonised Portrayal of e-Navigation-related
Information
L.Alexander
UniversityofNewHampshire,Durham,NewHampshire,USA
S.Lee
KoreaMaritimeUniversity,Busan,RepublicofKorea
A.Baranowski
SprintS.A.,Gdańsk,Poland
T.Porathe
ChalmersUniversityofTechnology,Gothenburg,Sweden
ABSTRACT: A Guideline on the Harmonised Portrayal of e‐Navigation‐related Information was recently
completed by IALA. The purpose of this Guideline is to provide guidance regarding the presentation and
displayofe‐Navigation‐relatedinformation.Thebasic,over‐ridingpremiseofthisGuidelineistha
tshipborne
andshore‐basedequipment,systems,andservicesshouldportraye‐Navigation‐relatedinformationtoallusers
(bothonboardandashore)inaconsistentmanner.However,sincee‐Navigationisanevolutionaryprocess,this
goal‐basedguidelinedescribesover‐archingobjectivestobeachieved,whilefreedomtoinnovateislefttoboth
developersandusers.Anexp
lanationisprovidedaboutkeyaspectsoftheGuideline.Inparticular,awebsite
hasbeenestablishedtoshowexamplesofusefulwaystoportraye‐Navigationinformationforcurrentaswell
assomefuturetypesofequipment,systems,andservices.
http://www.transnav.eu
the International Journal
on Marine Navigation
and Safety of Sea Transportation
Volume 7
Number 1
March 2013
DOI:10.12716/1001.07.01.04
40
described. Included with this document was a
descriptionoftheresponsibilitiesthatcomewithIMO
ownershipandcontrol(Annex1),andasummaryof
potentialshipborneandshore‐basedusers(Annex2).
In2006,IALAcreatedane‐NavigationCommitte,
and established six working groups to advance the
work of the IALA e‐Navigation work progra
mme.
The IALA e‐Nav Information Portrayal WG was
establishedSeptember2010withtheoverallobjective
to:
”Recommend suitable “guidance” regarding how the
presentation and display of e‐Navigation related
information should be harmonized for both shipborne and
shore‐basedsystems/services,andtowhat extent.” (IALA
e‐NAV11‐19‐6)
Since e‐Navigation is an evolutionary process, it
wasfelttha
tshouldbedescriptive–notprescriptive.
Until more practical experience is gained, it was
premature to prescribe specific means to
present/display e‐Navigation related information. As
such,the intentwas to publish a general,goal‐ba
sed
guideline whereby over‐arching objectives are
defined, but freedom to innovate is left to both
developersandusers.
2.1 Coreobjectives
The85
th
SessionofIMOMSCagreedonanumberof
core objectives related to the e‐Navigation concept.
The following are those that are directly associated
withthepresentationanddisplay(i.e.,portrayal)ofe‐
Navigationinformation.
facilitate safe and secure navigation of vessels having
regardtohydrographic,meteorologicalandnavigational
informationandrisks;
integ
rateandpresentinformationonboardandashore
through a human‐machine interface which maximizes
navigationalsafetybenefitsandminimizesanyrisksof
confusionormisinterpretationonthepartoftheuser;
integrate and present information onboard and ashore
to manage the workload of the users, wh
ile also
motivating and engaging the user and supporting
decision‐making;
facilitate global coverage, consistent standards and
arrangements, and mutual compatibility and
interoperability of equipment, systems, symbology and
operationalprocedures,soastoavoidpotentialconflicts
betweenusers;
While these core objectives appear to be straight‐
forward, what constitutes e‐Navigation informat
ion,
and how this information should be portrayed is
moresubjective. Asitpertainstothedevelopmentof
a Guideline, theʺeʺ in e‐Navigation refers to
ʺ...electronicmeanstoenhanceberthtoberthnavigation
and related services.ʺ As such, the intent is to provide
practical guidance on how to achieve aʺharmonized
presentationʺofe‐Navigationinformat
ionbothaboard
andashore.
2.2 Basicpremiseandcaveats
Thebasic,over‐ridingpremiseoftheGuidelineis:
Shipborne and shore‐based equipment/systems/services
should portray e‐Navigation‐related information to all
users(bothonboardandashore)inaconsistentmanner.
However,thereareseveralcaveats:
1 How informat
ion is portrayed onboard or ashore
depends on the particular tasks, function, and
needsoftheuser.
2 Thecurrentsituationortask‐at‐handcaninfluence
the amount of information necessary to make
informeddecisions.
3 The portrayal of information onboard ships or
ashoredoesnotnecessarilyhavetobeident
ical.
3 DEFINITIONS
When deveoping any type of guideline, there is
benefitinusingagreed‐uponterminologyinorderto
have a clear understanding of what various terms
mean. This is particularly important when making a
distinction between such terms as data and
informat
ion, as well as display, présentation, and
portrayal.The following terms were defined and
examples provided based on what are contained in
widelyrecognizeddictionariesortechnicalreferences.
ThisincludedtheOxfordDictionary
1
,MerriamWebster
Dictionary
2
, IALA Dictionary, IHO Dictionary
3
, and
relevantISOstandards.
3.1 Basicdefinitions
Consistent‐ showing steady conformity to
character;constant
Example/context: The use of consistent symbology
across on all displays helps to reduce
misunderstandingandconfusion.
Data‐informationin numerical form that can be
digitallytransmittedorprocessed.
Example/context: Data are a raw collection of facts
which can exist in any form without any evident
mea
ningorsequenceofusability.
Display‐anelectronicdevice[used]forthevisual
presentationofdata
Example/context:An ECDIS display is capable of
portraying both chart and navigation‐related
information
Feature‐abstractionofrealworldphenomena
Featureattribute‐characteristicofafeat
ure.
Geographic information‐implicitly or explicitly
associatedwithalocationrelativetotheEarth.
Icon‐ a graphic symbol on a computer screen or
display
Example/context:Theown‐shipicon(i.e.,symbol)on
ECDIS represents the location of the vessel in real‐
time.
Information‐the communication or reception of
knowledgeorint
elligence
Example/context:Data becomes information when it
presented in a manner which is understandable to
humans
1
http://oxforddictionaries.com
2
http://www.merriam‐webster.com
3
http://hd.iho.int/en/index.php/Main_Page
41
Intuitive‐readilylearnedorunderstood
Example/context:Showingwaterasblueandlandas
orange/brown is an intuitive electronic chart colour
scheme.
Obvious‐clear, self‐evident or apparent; easily
discovered,seenorunderstood;apparent
Example/context: The use of blue for water and
orange/brown colours for land is both intuitive and
obviousastomeaning.
Portrayal–presentationofinformationtohumans
Example/context: e‐Navigation information can be
portrayedinavarietyofways
Presentation‐the manner in which something is
displayed; a symbol or image that represents
something
Example/context:The IHO S‐52 Colours and
Symbols Presentation Library is a
prescriptive
standardforECDIS.
Symbol‐a mark or character used as a
conventionalrepresentation of anobject,function, or
process
Example/context:Thereshouldbeacleardifferencein
what symbol is used to represent something that
physically exists in the real‐world (e.g., physical)
versusa‘virtual’representation.
Unambiguous‐clear, precise;
apparent;
unmistakable,
Example/context: the use of both ‘standard’ and
‘simplified’symbolscouldleadtoambiguity.
Uniform‐not changing in form or character;
havingalwaysthesameform;consistent;constant
Example/context: Portraying information a uniform
mannerreducesconfusionastomeaningorintent.
Uniqueness‐beingtheonlyoneofits
kind;unlike
anythingelse
Example/context:Portraying e‐Navigation in a
unique manner should be avoided, particularly if it
causesconfusionastomeaningorintent.
User selected presentation‐An auxiliary
presentationconfiguredbytheuserforaspecifictask‐
at‐hand.
Example/context: Based on the current situation or
task‐
at‐hand, a watchstander can decide if the
presentation should include radar and/or chart
information,incombinationwithothernavigationor
ship‐relateddata.
3.2 Datavs.Information
Portrayal
In addition to specific, individual definitions, it is
importanttomakeacleardistinctionbetweenwhatis
“data” and what is “information”. In the strictest
sense, data can be simply a raw collection of facts
which can exist in any form without particular
meaning sequence of usability. In terms
of e‐
Navigation equipment, systems and services, “data”
is usually in alpha‐numeric form that is output by a
sensing device and then digitally transmitted via
electronic means. Some examples include navigation
sensor data (e.g., GPS and radar) conforming to
NMEA 0183 (IEC 61162‐1/‐2) or AIS binary message
formats
(IMO SN.1/Circ. 289). However, when this
datais converted intoa human‐readableformat(i.e.,
portrayal) it then becomes “information” capable of
being understood by shipborne and shore‐based
users.Thisinformationcanbeportrayedinavariety
of ways, including alpha‐numeric text, point, line or
polygon, symbols or
icons, and geo‐spatial (map or
chart).
4 BASICGUIDANCEONPORTRAYAL
4.1 Therearesix(6)basicwaystovisuallyportray any
typeofe‐Navigationinformation:
1 Alpha‐numeric‐Unlessthereisaneedtodisplay
pre‐formatted text or numbers, use a ‘san‐serif’
font.To avoid ambiguity, use lower‐case
letteringforactualwords(e.g.,radar),andcapital
letters only for abbreviations (e.g., AIS for
AutomatedIdentificationSystem).
2 Graph‐In some situations, a time‐series graph
may be a preferred instead of a table format.In
particular,isausefulwaytoshowbothpredicted
andreal‐timeinformation(e.g.,waterlevels).Itis
alsoausefulmeanstoindicatetrends(e.g.,rising
orfallingwaterlevels).
3 Point,line,orpolygon‐Thistypeof‘vectordata’
isoften displayedas anoverlay onchart or map‐
related background. An Area Notice that is
transmitted via AIS Application Specific Message
isoneexample.
4 Symbol‐SimilartotheguidancecontainedinIMO
SN.1/Circ.290, the following guiding principles
applytothedisplayofsymbolsoricons:
5 Useconsistentsymbologyacrossalldisplays
6 Uniqueness–onlyonepossiblemeaning
7 Non‐ambiguous–abilityto determinedifferences
(i.e.distinct)
8 Intuitivelyobvious–aneasilyrecognizedsymbol,
icon,orpattern
9 Have a
basic symbol for different categories.
Further attributes should be enhancements (not
changes)tothebasicsymbol.
10 Geo‐spatial‐Many types of geo‐spatial
informationarebestprovidedintheformofamap
orchart.The electronic chart displayofan ENC
in ECDIS is one example.Another example
wouldbearadardisplaywithchartfacilities.
11 Imagery‐This is a broad category that includes
various typesofimages.A still photograph of a
fixedor floating Aid to Navigation (AtoN) is one
example.Other examples include radar or
satelliteimageryofseaiceweatherconditions.A
video recording/replay of a past or simulated
voyageistypeofdynamicimagery.Thereisalso
increasinginterestin
theuseof3‐Dimagery.
4.2 GuidingPrinciples
Inordertoachieve‘harmonization’intheportrayalof
e‐Navigation information for both shipborne and
shore‐based e‐Navigation users, there are several
guidingprinciplestoconsider:
The data content and format of e‐Navigation
related data should be
similar (e.g., GPS/DGPS,
AISASMs,ENCs,etc.).However,howthedatais
42
displayed as ‘information’ depends on the
particulartasks,function,andneedsoftheuser.
There should be a means to achieve a similar
portrayal of e‐Navigation information on key
equipment/systems(e.g.,ECDISandradar).One
possible means of achieving this is to have a
defaulte‐Navigationportrayal
modethatcouldbe
usedtoportraynavigation‐relatedinformationina
similarmannertothatofshipbornedisplays.
The portrayal of e‐Navigation information
onboardshipsorashoredoesnotnecessarilyhave
to be identical.However, there is benefit to all
users if information is displayed in a
consistent
and unambiguous manner. This includes the use
ofstandardsymbology,icons,andcolourschemes.
With new types of e‐Navigation related
information becoming available, there will a
tendency to add more information to existing
navigation displays (e.g., ECDIS and radar).
Displaying too much supplemental information
can obscure critical information
or lead to
confusion.
5 OPERATIONALREQUIREMENTS
5.1 Informationrequirements
The type or amount of e‐Navigation‐related
information that will be portrayed by shipborne or
shore‐based users falls into two main categories:
strategicoverviewandtactical.
Strategicoverview is associated with maintaining
overall situational awareness within the
surrounding areas.This can include both
monitoringoractiveengagement.
Tacticalinvolves moredirect action and decision‐
supportwithintheimmediateordesignatedarea.
5.2 Informationneeds
Current situation includes the various phases of
navigation during a voyage or can be related to the
prevailing conditions.Examples of different
navigation phases include open‐ocean, coastal, and
approach.Prevailing conditions include, daytime
vs. nightime transits, calm vs. stormy weather
conditions, good vs. poor visibility, light vs. heavy
vesseltraffic,etc.).Regardlessofthecurrentsituation,
the
Task‐at‐Hand can be the determining factor in
what information is crucial to making informed
decisions. This includes time‐critical information
necessary for grounding avoidance, collision
avoidance, or maintaining overall situational
awareness.
5.3 Shipborne‐perspective
The International Chamber of Shipping “Bridge
ProceduresGuide” (2007)providesa usefuldescription
of the personnel, activities, equipment, and
procedures that “reflect best
navigational practice on
merchantshipsoperatingtoday,inallsectorsandtrades.”
As explained in the Forward to the publication, the
new 4th edition has been revised to address the
increasing use of modern electronic navigation and
charting systems. In particular, it is pointed out that
“increased sophistication brings
its own dangers and the
needtoprecautionarymeasuresagainstunduerelianceon
technology.”
5.4 Shore‐based
The IALA VTS Manual 5
th
Edition (2012) is a
comprehensiveguidetoVesselTrafficServices(VTS).
As described in the Introduction, “the contents are
aimedatawidereadershiptoencompassallwhoareinany
wayinvolvedintheprovision,operation,andeffectiveness
ofVTS,including thosewithmanagementresponsibilityat
national level, and
those who deliver services to the
mariner.”Forbothshipborneandshore‐basedusers,
themanualprovidesusefulinformationonthetypeof
VTS service and functions, VTS‐related equipment,
androlesandresponsibilitiesofVTSpersonnel.
5.5 Levelofinformation
There are at least three different levels of e
‐
Navigation related information, both at the present
timeandlikelyinthefuture:
Level1‐RequiredbyIMO
This pertains to equipment or systems that are
required to meet mandatory carriage requirements
(e.g., under SOLAS V).At the present time, this
includesthefollowing:
ECDIS
Radar
AIS
INS
GMDSS(orequivalent)
Level2–MaybeRequiredbyflagorportstatesin
nationalwaters
Potentially,theremaybecertaintypesofequipment,
systems, or operational capabilities that would be
requiredforcertainareas.Atthistime,thereareno
mandatory requirements.However, in the near
future there could be situations where ‘e‐Navigation
capable’ vessels are recognized as having an
additionaloperationalcapability
thatenablesthemto
safely proceed in navigation‐challenged areas.
Possible examples of these areas include the Torres
Strait (Australia), The Belt (strait between Sweden
andDenmark),andArcticregions(Canada,Denmark,
Norway,Russia,andUSA),
Level3‐InnovativeorFutureApplications
In conjunction with a number of government‐
sponsored R&D projects and testbeds, there are an
increasing number of commercially‐available,
innovative applications (e.g., iPod) that have been
developed and used to ‘improve’ navigation
practices.
6 EXAMPLESOFE‐NAVIGATIONPORTRAYAL
TheIALAGuidelineincludesanAnnexthatprovides
examplesof
newapplicationsorsystemsthatmaybe
e‐Navigation‐related. The compilation is a collection
43
ofsingle‐page summariesthat includeextractsand a
small thumbnail picture.More detail on each
summary as well as a higher resolution image (i.e.,
portrayal example) can be found on the companion
websiteat:http://www.e‐navigation.net
The collection of e‐Navigation related portrayal
examples will continue on the
companion web site,
thus making the Annex and website a living
document. In the near term, the web site will be
maintained though the Danish Maritime Authority.
Interestedpartiesareencouragedtosubmitportrayal
examplesthoughaninterfaceonthewebsite.
REFERENCES
IMO MSC 85/26/Add.1 Annex 20 – Strategy for the
development and implementation of e‐Navigation
(section 1.1). London: International Maritime
Organization.
ISO 19117:2012 – Geographic information – Portrayal.
Geneva:InternationalOrganizationforStandardization.
IALAe‐NAV11‐19‐6DraftTermsofReference,Information
Portrayal Working Group (WG 6). Saint‐Germain‐en
‐
laye: International Association of Marine Aids to
NavigationandLighthouseAuthorities
ICS Bridge Procedures Guide, 4
th
Edition (2007). London:
InternationalChamberofShipping.
IALA VTS Manual 5
th
Edition (2012). Saint‐Germain‐en‐
laye: International Association of Marine Aids to
NavigationandLighthouseAuthorities.
