International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea Transportation

Volume 4

Number 2

June 2010

165

1 INTRODUCTION

An electronic chart system, whether an Electronic

Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) or

an Electronic Chart System (ECS), is primarily

designed for safe navigation. But its ability to

display information selectively and relate it spatially

is considered a real-time GIS application in the

water environment. This paper describes the

potential of ECDIS for maritime, coastal, offshore

and inland applications.

Information technology has significantly changed

the concept of navigation, the introduction of the

latest computers and communication capabilities

facilitating communication with sea-going vessels

on the battlefield. Networking shipowners, vessel

traffic service centres, river information systems,

and individual vessels in ocean, coastal and inland

navigation is carried out with the latest state of-the-

art technology in computers and efficient

communication network systems and e-Navigation.

Most cartographic research relating to the use of

“soft copy” display considered the simple

reproduction of conventional charts, maps and

mapping techniques on CRT devices. Although the

resolution of the screen is the immediately

noticeable difference between the paper and the

video display medium, it is not the most important

factor influencing the quality of the display. The

value of the electronic chart’s development is not in

simply imitating the paper nautical chart, but in

providing a dynamic display which successfully

combines the real-time location of the ship with

radar/ARPA/AIS returns and chart information. To

maintain the visual simplicity of this more complex

display, the data format, organization and type of

chart features shown, and the way they appear on the

screen, must reflect the relative importance of the

information to safe navigation. Unlike the static

paper chart, the electronic chart can change the

display and emphasis of symbols, based on actual

real-time events and the viewing scale chosen. The

computer-based algorithms of the electronic chart

allow it to always include the least number of

symbols which are most relevant to a given

situation. This paper describes the different types of

electronic charts and electronic chart systems.

2 ELECTRONIC CHART SYSTEM AND ECDIS

The electronic chart system is a relatively new tech-

nology that provides significant benefits in terms of

navigation safety and improved operational efficien-

cy. More than simply a computer display, an elec-

tronic chart is a real-time navigation system that in-

tegrates a variety of information that is displayed

and interpreted by the navigator. It is an automated

Six in One or One in Six Variants. Electronic

Navigational Charts for Open Sea, Coastal, Off-

Shore, Harbour, Sea-River and Inland

Navigation

A. Weintrit

Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland

ABSTRACT: In the paper the author tries to explain problems connected with utilization of the GIS

(Geographic Information System) technology and more sensitively speaking its waterborne implementation,

ie. the ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) technology and the electronic navigational

charts (ENC) in the widely comprehended maritime (open sea, coastal and harbour) and inland navigation

which the author does not limit exclusively to river-reservoirs only, but widens also for channels, navigable

lakes and areas which can be defined generally as sea-river navigation areas. In the paper author presents the

classification of the electronic navigational charts, primary functions and performance standards for electronic

chart systems for open sea, coastal, off-shore, harbour, sea-river and inland navigation.

166

decision aid capable of continuously determining a

vessel’s position in relation to land, charted objects,

aids-to-navigation, and unseen hazards. The elec-

tronic chart represents an entirely new approach to

maritime navigation. There are two basic types of

electronic chart systems. Those that comply with the

IMO requirements for SOLAS class vessels, known

as the Electronic Chart Display and Information Sys-

tem (ECDIS), and all other types of electronic chart

systems, regarded generically as, Electronic Chart

Systems (ECS).

Figure 1. Two schools of ECDIS/ECS classification

ECS encompasses any electronic system that uses

digital chart data. There are standards being devel-

oped for ECS by the ISO and earlier by the Radio

Technical Commission for Maritime Services. EC-

DIS is system that is certified to meet a suite of in-

ternational standards: IHO Transfer Standard for

Digital Hydrographic Data S-57, IHO Specifications

for Chart Content and Display aspects of ECDIS S-

52, IMO Resolution A.817(19) Performance Stand-

ards for ECDIS, and IEC 61174: ECDIS - Opera-

tional and performance requirements, methods of

testing and required test results. An ECDIS must use

“official” ENC data to meet all of these standards

and may use “official” raster data where ENC data is

not yet available.

Figure 2. Classification scheme for electronic charts systems

pretending to internationally standardised name of Electronic

Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) (Weintrit,

2001, 2009)

It is important to lay to rest right at the start the

difference between ECS and ECDIS. In simple

terms, an ECDIS is an ECS but an ECS is not neces-

sarily an ECDIS! Confused? Let's try to explain.

Any ECS is a navigation system utilising com-

puters and other electronic systems to plot and track

a vessel's position. It will consist of, at least, a cen-

tral computer, a library of electronic charts, a posi-

tion input such as Global Positioning System (GPS)

and a display screen. The electronic charts stored in

the library may be in either raster or vector formats

and they may be official or unofficial charts.

ECS cannot be the legal equivalent of the paper

navigational chart (since it does not meet all the

IMO, IHO and IEC standards for ECDIS), is already

in widespread use around the world, and is charac-

terised by being physically smaller, less sophisticat-

ed, and less expensive than fully compliant ECDIS.

ECS displays different types of chart data (vector or

raster) provided by hydrographic office, commercial

manufacturer or user. It is intended for the use in

conjunction with a current, updated paper chart. It

cannot function as an ECDIS system since it does

not meet the IMO standards for equipment which is

a legal substitute for paper charts.

The true ECDIS system displays information

from electronic navigational charts (ENC) and inte-

grates position information from the GPS/GNSS and

other navigational sensors, such as radar/ARPA,

echosounder and automatic identification systems

(AIS). It may also display additional navigation-

related information, such as Sailing Directions, Tide

Tables, etc. The ENCs themselves are as important

as the system that displays them. Again confusion

sometimes exists between official ENCs which have

to be produced by or on behalf of a government au-

thorised Hydrographic Office, and other commercial

electronic charts which, whilst they may be able to

be displayed on an ECDIS system, do not comply

with the IMO regulations for use as the primary nav-

igational chart system.

Only when official ENCs are run in a compliant

ECDIS system can it be called an ECDIS. All other

chart data used immediately downgrades the system

to an ECS, and non-compliant, under the terms of

the SOLAS regulations for use of Electronic Charts

as a primary means of navigation for merchant ship-

ping. This distinction is often over-looked by would

be purchasers, but those lawyers may not be quite so

ready to ignore the regulations.

ECDIS equipment is specified in the IMO ECDIS

Performance Standards (IMO Resolution A.817(19),

as amended by Resolution MSC.64(67) - Adoption

of New and Amended Performance Standards

(adopted in 1996), Annex 5 - Amendment to Resolu-

tion A.817(19) Performance Standards for ECDIS;

as amended by Resolution MSC.86(70) - Adoption

Two schools

of ECDIS/ECS classification

ECS

ECDIS

ECS

ECDIS

The term ‘ECS’ is wider

and includes the term

‘ECDIS’

Term ‘ECS’ and term ‘ECDIS’ are

to describe completely different

kind of systems;

they are quite separate

Author’s

point of

view

167

of New and Amended Performance Standards for

Navigational Equipment (adopted in 1998), Annex 4

- Amendments to the Recommendation on Perfor-

mance Standards for ECDIS; and as amended by

Resolution MSC. 232(82) - Adoption of the Revised

Performance Standards for ECDIS (adopted in

2006), Revised Performance Standards for ECDIS as

follows: "Electronic chart display and information

system (ECDIS) means a navigation information

system which, with adequate back up arrangements,

can be accepted as complying with the up-to-date

chart required by regulation V/19 and V/27 of the

1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, by display-

ing selected information from a system electronic

navigational chart (SENC) with positional infor-

mation from navigation sensors to assist the mariner

in route planning and route monitoring, and by dis-

playing additional navigation-related information.”

Within the ECDIS, the ENC database stores the

chart information in the form of geographic objects

represented by point, line and area shapes, carrying

individual attributes, which make any of these ob-

jects unique. Appropriate mechanisms are built into

the system to query the data, and then to use the ob-

tained information to perform certain navigational

functions (e.g. the anti-grounding surveillance).

The presentation of ENCs on the screen is speci-

fied in another IHO standard, the “Colours and

Symbols Specifications for ECDIS IHO S-52”, i.e.

in its Appendix 2, called ”ECDIS Presentation Li-

brary”. This style of presentation is mandatory.

The use of ENCs in a tested approved and certi-

fied ECDIS (according to IEC 61174/2008) and with

appropriate back up arrangements, is the only paper-

less chart option for vessel navigation.

3 ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL CHART

An Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) is a digital

representation of the paper charts, a digital file that

contains all the chart information necessary for safe

navigation, as well as supplementary information re-

quired to plan voyages and avoid groundings (route

planning and route monitoring).

ENC boasts electronic features that paper charts

lack. For instance, a navigator can integrate GPS da-

ta - which tells a navigator his or her precise latitude

and longitude - with ENC data. The navigator can

also integrate data from Geographic Information

Systems (GIS), real-time tide and current data, and

wind data to enhance the capabilities of the ENC.

Table 1. Electronic navigational charts versus paper charts

__________________________________________________

Paper Chart Electronic Chart

__________________________________________________

fixed scale sheet, fixed display size,

fixed North-up orientation fixed resolution,

(usually), variable display scale,

fixed symbol definition, variable types and amount

fixed symbol arrangement of information,

and application with various orientation with

respect to North, respect to North,

limited paper size, various symbol arrangement

limited types and amount and application,

of information, various symbol definition,

limited number of colours various number and use of

and combined use. colours.

__________________________________________________

Incorporating these features can create a fuller,

more accurate picture of the marine environment. A

vessel using ENCs can detect an obstruction in ad-

vance and check planned travel routes to avoid

crossing hazardous areas. The electronic charting

systems used to view ENCs can display warnings

and regulations that pertain to areas in which a ves-

sel transits, and can sound an alarm if the vessel's

projected course veers too close to a dangerous fea-

ture.

3.1 Types of electronic charts

3.1.1 Vector charts

Vector charts are the chart databases for ECDIS,

with standardized content, structure and format, is-

sued for use with ECDIS on the authority of gov-

ernment authorized hydrographic offices. ENCs are

vector charts that also conform to International Hy-

drographic Organization (IHO) specifications stated

in Special Publication S-57.

ENCs contain all the chart information necessary

for safe navigation, and may contain supplementary

information in addition to that contained in the paper

chart. These supplementary information may be con-

sidered necessary for safe navigation and can be dis-

played together as a seamless chart. ENCs are intel-

ligent, in that systems using them can be

programmed to give warning of impending danger in

relation to the vessel's position and movement.

Figure 3. Classification scheme for data bases pretending to in-

ternationally standardised name of electronic navigational

charts (ENC) and raster navigational charts (RNC) (Weintrit,

2001, 2009)

168

3.1.2 Raster charts

Raster navigational charts are raster charts that

conform to IHO specifications and are produced by

converting paper charts to digital image by scanner.

The image is similar to digital camera pictures,

which could be zoomed in for more detailed infor-

mation as it does in ENCs. IHO Special Publication

S-61 provides guidelines for the production of raster

data. IMO Resolution MSC.86(70) permits ECDIS

equipment to operate in a Raster Chart Display Sys-

tem (RCDS) mode in the absence of ENC.

Not all electronic charts are in same format; many

different formats exist for electronic charts. However,

two major types are now in use on merchant ships,

they are vector chart and raster charts. Raster charts

(RNC), in fact, are scanned paper charts into the pic-

tures with adjustment made suitable for display on the

RCDS. This RNC is also known as Admiralty Raster

Chart System (ARCS Charts) which is produced by the

British Admiralty (UKHO).

Figure 4. Various types of raster and vector charts

Table 2. The differences between raster charts and vector

charts

__________________________________________________

Raster Chart (RNC) Vector Chart (ENC)

__________________________________________________

Chart data is a digitized Chart data is organised into

“picture” of a chart. All data many separate files. It contains

in one layer and one format. layer information to produce

certain symbols, lines, area,

With raster data, it is difficult colours, and other elements.

to change individual element

of the chart since they are not With vector data, it can change

separated in the data file. individual elements with

additional data.

__________________________________________________

Vector charts are digitized charts. Countries are

producing unique digital charts based on their interpre-

tation of IHO standards (i.e. S-57 standards).

4 CONFUSION OVER THE CHARTS

The by far major problem in the use of ECDIS lies

in the charts to be used. The confusion appears to be

complete amongst shipping lines and chart distribu-

tors and even among the various authorities around

the world. You must use an ENC in order to use the

system as an ECDIS. If no complete ENC coverage

is available for the ships area of operations you have

to use other available charts, and then your system

turns into an ECS.

The ENC coverage was at this point in time very

limited, and it was difficult to get an overview over

which parts of the world that are covered by ENCs.

It was merely stating the fact that the availability of

ENCs was limited, and thus the possibility to use

ECDIS in practice was limited. The confusion be-

gins, when we start speaking about other types of

charts than ENCs, in particular RNCs.

4.1 Non-official charts

There is a number of alternatives to the aforemen-

tioned ARCS charts. E.g. Transas and C-Map have

almost worldwide coverage of vector charts where

the data is based on existing paper charts. Unfortu-

nately these charts have not obtained the status as of-

ficial, because of the frequency of the updates and

the lack of a controlling authority to approve the

contents.

Figure 5. Summary of ENCs (Arts, 2003)

How big a part of the scales is weighed by these

facts more or less depends on the flag of the ship and

thus the flag state administration. The obvious ad-

vantage by using C-Map charts is therefore in the

available safety features, which are inherent in the

vector charts.

Vector charts

DNC (VPF) Jeppesen NavData S-57

(AML) S -57(ENC) GRIB

Raster charts

ARCS CADRG (1M) CADRG (250K) CIB Raster Imagery

169

4.2 Data from private data providers

Examples of raster navigational chart producers are:

NOAA, Maptech, SoftChart and Laser Plot in the

United States, NDI in Canada and British Admiralty

(ARCS) in England. Vector marine charts for chart

plotters are produced by C-Map and Navionics.

Garmin’s MapSource BlueChart and Magellan’s

MapSend BlueNav charts are derived from Navion-

ics vector charts. Other vector marine charts come

from Passport and Transas.

If it is so expensive to produce and update ENCs,

how then have private companies succeeded in

building what seems to be decent world coverage?

Please let’s not get involved in another discussion

about the legality of their products; everyone knows

that SOLAS, Chapter V regulation 2.2 states that

‘Nautical chart or nautical publication is a special-

purpose map or book, or a specially compiled data-

base from which such a map or book is derived, that

is issued officially by or on the authority of a Gov-

ernment, authorised Hydrographic Office or other

relevant government institution and is designed to

meet the requirements of marine navigation’. There-

fore we know that only the ENCs produced by HOs

may be used by commercial vessels of more than

500 GRT.

4.3 Assessment standard ISO 19379

In order to meet the requirement mentioned above

an (international) standard for privately manufac-

tured data was developed over the past ten years.

The standard, ISO 19379, was prepared by Tech-

nical Committee ISO/TC8 (Ships and Marine Tech-

nology, subcommittee SC6, Navigation) and adopted

in 2003.

ISO 19379 is the international standard that speci-

fies the requirements for ECS databases, especially

as regards the elements relevant to safety of naviga-

tion, such as content, quality and updating. The

standard was developed by ISO (International Or-

ganization for Standardization), with the contribu-

tion of Hydrographic Offices, Classification Author-

ities, and the Marine Industry, and is being adopted

by Maritime Administrations to regulate the use of

ECS – in Italy, for example, it is part of the require-

ments for approved Electronic Chart Systems, which

can replace paper charts on certain types of craft

(Malie, 2003).

ISO 19379 provides guidance on production and

testing of an ECS Database. It does not provide de-

tailed coverage of the methods and techniques re-

quired for database design and development, nor

does it address specific quality management proce-

dures.

4.4 Use of the standard

The standard is applicable to both vector and raster

charts. It is envisaged that national regulatory au-

thorities may wish to require compliance with this

standard as guidance for data used in ECS or other

systems of electronic navigation in their countries.

The Standard has been developed to make the ECS

chart display as reliable as the official paper chart

and its equivalent ENC. The aim of the working

group has been to develop a standard easy to inter-

pret but with content and accuracy levels at least

equal to those of the ENC of the same area, carefully

avoiding, however, any over-specification or rigid

structure.

4.4.1 Contents of the standard

The contents of the chart are very much in line

with the requirements as described in IHO S-52

(Specifications for Chart Content and Display As-

pects of ECDIS, Dec. 1996).

4.4.2 Quality

This covers, among other items, product specifi-

cation, process control and correctness and com-

pleteness of encoding.

4.4.3 Updating

This covers, among other items, the responsibility

of the database producer to provide updates.

4.4.4 Testing

This covers the recommended methods of testing.

Testing procedures shall ensure the accuracy and

completeness of the entire data production process.

The manufacturer may be required by national au-

thorities or similar to have its testing procedures cer-

tified by an appropriate testing body. The standard

does not prescribe a specific data format for private-

ly manufactured data. Data producers are responsi-

ble for providing updates in their own format. A Per-

formance Standard for ECS, including the display of

data, was developed by the Radio Technical Com-

mission for Maritime Services (RCTM). It should be

noted, however, that some flag states have also indi-

vidually developed Performance Standards for ECS.

170

Figure 6. Relationship between electronic chart systems ECS/

ECDIS and data bases (Weintrit, 2009)

4.5 Filling the gap?

In areas with no ENC coverage navigators have the

choice either of using official raster data or privately

manufactured vector data. No doubt the first option

offers, next to the use of ‘official’ charts, the ad-

vantage that the number of paper charts carried may

be considerably reduced, whereas the second re-

quires a full set but retains full ECDIS functionality

(including the alarm functions) that can only be ob-

tained using vector charts.

4.6 Instead of ENC?

This option is at present preferred by several ship-

owners, particularly those operating their ships glob-

ally. Although most ECDIS do support privately

manufactured data produced by the major manufac-

turers, many users prefer (for cost reasons) ECS,

particularly as many of these systems nowadays (al-

so) meet the software requirements laid down in IEC

61174 (ECDIS Operational and Performance Re-

quirements) and are less expensive. In this case, of

course, paper charts are used for primary navigation.

The time consuming (IMO) mandatory passage

planning however can be done using the ECS and,

where applicable, copied to the paper chart.

4.7 ENC and the private data manufacturer

As mentioned before, there is no doubt that the

number of ENCs will increase with time. Although

still expensive compared with privately manufac-

tured vector data, prices have come down considera-

bly recently. This may move the market to purchase

more ENC. Most helpful will be the support of pri-

vate manufacturers in acting as value-added re-

sellers and in providing ENC in SENC format. No

doubt they will be keen to ‘fill the gap’ with their

own data if necessary.

4.8 Replacing paper charts

National authorities could consider accepting pri-

vately manufactured data meeting ISO 19379 as pa-

per chart equivalent for certain (non-SOLAS) ves-

sels. The US and Italian governments have already

amended the law to allow fishing vessels and leisure

craft fitted with ECS and electronic navigational da-

ta that meets the ISO standard, to sail without paper

charts in their waters.

Figure 7. Relationship pyramid between electronic chart sys-

tems ECS/ECDIS and data bases (Weintrit, 2001, 2009)

4.9 IMO MSC approved mandatory ECDIS

In July 2008, the IMO Safety of Navigation Sub-

Committee agreed to implement the mandatory car-

riage of ECDIS; this was approved by the IMO Mar-

itime Safety Committee at its meeting in December

2008.

A comprehensive phase-in schedule will begin on

1 July 20-12 with mandatory carriage of ECDIS for

newbuildings of passenger ships of 500gt and above

and for tankers of 3000gt and above.

Mandatory carriage for existing ships will be

phased in from 1 July 2014 to 1 July 2018.

5 INLAND ECDIS

ECDIS is the basic system for generation and

presentation of the digital maritime charts. Charts

based on the maritime standards are officially equal

to analogic charts in equipment duties. Within Euro-

pean research and development projects, this world-

wide standard was adopted to the needs of inland

navigation. The Inland ECDIS standard has been

continuously revised and finally passed by the Cen-

tral Commission for the Navigation on the Rhine

(CCNR) in summer 2001. Inland ECDIS is also rec-

ommended as the standard for digital navigational

Electronic Chart Systems (ECS)

ECDIS

ECDIS/RCDS

ECS

Standardised by ISO

ENC RNC

Vector

Charts

Raster

Charts

171

charts by the Danube Commission, the United Na-

tions' European Commission for Economy (UN-

ECE), the European RIS platform and INA/PIANC.

Inland ECDIS is currently the only standard accept-

ed by all relevant inland navigation platforms. Co-

operation between the North-American “Inland ENC

community”, mainly the US Army Corps of Engi-

neers, Russia and the (European) Inland ECDIS Ex-

pert Group lead to improved and harmonized encod-

ing rules for uniformly encoded Inland ENCs, which

are written down in the “Inland ENC Encoding

Guide”.

Figure 8. Main European waterways

5.1 European inland waterways

Europe is criss-crossed by inland waterways, some

of which have been in use for thousands of years to

carry goods and people. The most recent addition to

this network, the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, was

finished in 1992 and opened a 3,500 km long trans-

European waterway from Rotterdam to Sulina on the

Black Sea. Many people do not realise that cargo

brought by ship to Le Havre can then be delivered

by an inland vessel to Basel or to a port in Poland or

in Moldova. The inland waterways traffic, almost

invisible to the population, is the most efficient way

to carry heavy goods over long distances.

5.2 Electronic chart display and information system

for inland navigation

Reflections and experiments have been made in dif-

ferent countries with a view to facilitating inland

navigation through the use of telematics. This aim

was in particular pursued within the scope of the EU

research and development project INDRIS (Inland

Navigation Demonstrator for River Information Ser-

vices). A pilot project on the river Rhine was

launched in Germany in 1998 named ARGO. In

ARGO and INDRIS systems, the radar image on the

display in the wheelhouse is overlaid by an electron-

ic chart. This is an approach aimed at improving

safety and efficiency in inland navigation.

In the course of discussions, it turned out that on-

ly an internationally-agreed approach would be suc-

cessful, since a boat master cannot be expected to

employ different equipment in each country. This

was the reason why the internationally-introduced

ECDIS - originally developed for maritime naviga-

tion - came into view also for inland navigation. The

IMO, IHO and IEC Standards for ECDIS were in-

troduced in their compatibile versions in 1996 (latest

versions between 2006 and 2008). The idea was to

adopt ECDIS for inland navigation and to supple-

ment some distinct inland features but not to change

the original ECDIS standard. In this way, it will be

possible to have compatibility between the original -

Maritime - ECDIS and Inland ECDIS. This is im-

portant for the estuaries of the rivers, where sea ves-

sels as well as inland vessels navigate.

In the framework of the concerted action on In-

land Navigation of the European Union, an Interna-

tional Expert Group was requested to prepare the In-

land ECDIS Standard intended especially for inland

navigation. The Inland ECDIS standard adopts the

regulations of the maritime ECDIS and adds re-

quirements to it that are specific to inland naviga-

tion. The Central Commission for the Navigation on

the Rhine (CCNR) passed the Inland ECDIS stand-

ard in May 2001. The standard consists of the fol-

lowing Sections (very similar to ISO 19379):

− Section 1: Performance Standard;

− Section 2: Data Standard;

− Section 3: Presentation Standard;

− Section 4: Operational and Performance Require-

ments, Methods of Testing and Required Test Re-

sults;

− Section 5: Glossary of Terms.

The Inland ECDIS Standard establishes unified

rules for the use of electronic charts by vessels navi-

gating on European inland waterways.

Figure 9. Structure of the Inland ECDIS standards

Section 1:

Performance

Standard

Section 5:

Glossary of

Terms

Section 2:

Data Standard

Appendix A:

Appendix B:

Annex A:

Codes for Producers and Water-

Annex A:

Section 3:

Presentation

Standard

Appendix A:

Presentation Library

Appendix A:

Measures to Ensure

Appendix B:

System Configura-

Section 4:

Operational and Performance Re-

quirements, Methods of Testing

172

5.3 Primary functions and performance of I-ECDIS

Inland ECDIS shall contribute to safety and efficien-

cy of inland shipping and thereby to the environment

protection. It shall reduce the navigational workload

as compared to traditional navigation and infor-

mation methods.

Inland ECDIS (Operating System Software, Ap-

plication Software and Hardware) shall have a high

level of reliability and availability at least of the

same level as other means of navigation, for the nav-

igation mode as specified in Section 4 of the stand-

ard. Inland ECDIS can be designed for information

mode only or for both, information mode and navi-

gation mode. It shall use chart information as speci-

fied by Sections 2 (Data Standard) and 3 (Presenta-

tion Standard) of the mentioned Standard.

The Data Standard for Inland ECDIS is based on

the “IHO Transfer Standard for Digital Hydrograph-

ic Data”, Special Publication No. 57, edition 3.1 of

November 2000 with all Appendices and Annexes.

The Data Standard describes the necessary additions

and clarifications to S-57 and the application of S-57

for the purpose of use in Inland ECDIS applications.

Figure 10. Simplified symbols of Sea-River and Inland Elec-

tronic Navigational Chart

The Presentation Standard for Inland ECDIS is

based on the document "S-52, Specification for

Chart Content and Display Aspects of ECDIS" of the

IHO, Edition 5.0 of December 1996, with all Appen-

dices and Annexes. Inland ECDIS shall facilitate

simple and reliable updating of the Inland ENC. It

shall provide appropriate alarms or indications with

respect to the information displayed or malfunction

of the equipment.

5.4 I-ECDIS related definitions

For the Inland ECDIS performance standard the fol-

lowing definitions shall apply:

− Inland ECDIS means an electronic chart display

and information system for inland navigation,

displaying selected information from an Inland

System Electronic Navigational Chart (Inland

SENC) and, optionally, information from other

navigation sensors.

− Inland Electronic Navigational Chart (IENC)

means the database, standardized as to content,

structure and format, issued for use with Inland

ECDIS. The Inland ENC complies with the IHO

standards S-57 and S-52, enhanced by the addi-

tions and clarifications of this standard for Inland

ECDIS. The Inland ENC contains all essential

chart information and may also contain supple-

mentary information that may be considered as

helpful for navigation.

− Inland System Electronic Navigational Chart (In-

land SENC) means a database, resulting from the

transformation of the Inland ENC by Inland EC-

DIS, for appropriate use, updates to the Inland

ENC by appropriate means and other data added

by the boat master. It is this database that is actu-

ally accessed by the Inland ECDIS for the display

generation and other navigational functions. The

Inland SENC may also contain information from

other sources.

Figure 11. Display Base, Standard Display, and Full Displays

for two different values of Safety Contour – SeeMyDENC

− Minimum Information Density (display base)

means the minimum amount of SENC infor-

mation that is presented and which cannot be re-

duced by the operator, consisting of the infor-

mation that is required at all times in all

geographic areas and under all circumstances.

− Standard Information Density (standard display)

means the default amount of SENC information

− that shall be visible when the chart is first dis-

played on Inland ECDIS.

− All Information Density (all display) means the

maximum amount of SENC information. Here, in

addition to the standard display, also all other ob-

jects are displayed, individually on demand.

− User-defined settings means the possibility to use

and store a profile of display- and operation con-

trols-settings.

173

− Integrated Display means a head-up, relative-

motion picture consisting of the SENC overlaid

with the radar-image with matching scale, offset

and orientation.

− Navigation Mode means the use of the Inland

ECDIS for conning the vessel with overlaid radar

image.

− Information Mode means the use of the Inland

ECDIS for information purposes only without

overlaid radar image.

Figure 12. Inland ENC with radar picture overlay; North-up

orientation of ECDIS

5.5 Benefits of I-ECDIS

The inland navigation software based on the Sev-

enCs Kernel is in use all over the world. In Europe

alone, some 2,800 inland vessels use it already

(Gevers, 2006). The acceptance of the electronic

charts by the inland skippers is not surprising, even

allowing for the fact that electronic charts are not a

carriage requirement for them. Electronic charts im-

prove the safety of navigation and the efficiency of

operation of the inland vessels leading to reduced

costs and improved earnings. For instance, the North

American skippers who use the course predictor

built into the SevenCs software to prevent oversteer-

ing of their enormous barge trains, report fuel sav-

ings of up to 10%. In addition, Inland ECDIS is not

labouring under the same regulatory restriction as its

maritime sister. The functionalities that are already

provided to inland but not to sea navigation include

dynamic depth and overhead clearance adjustment

or changes of channel width depending on the water

level; display of the external XML files with addi-

tional information will follow in the near future.

On US waterways much more popular is CARIS’

Hydrographic Production Database (HPD). The pro-

duction effort focused on importing IENC data into

a HPD source database, which was easily accom-

plished due to existing S-57 import tools. Once

loaded, the source data was modified to create a

seamless coverage ready for further production.

5.6 Seamless connection

Inland port authorities have recognised the fact that

electronic charts improve their efficiency of opera-

tion as well and are supporting the production of the

IENCs. The importance of inland ports like Duis-

burg can only increase, especially as many major

seaports are experiencing a growing need to cope

with overflowing ports, Rotterdam which is running

out of space for its expansion being one of them.

Seagoing vessels have been sailing up many large

rivers for a long time, on all continents. The best ex-

ample is the Mississippi, where Baton Rouge some

230 miles upstream, is a major seaport as well as an

inland port. The needs of the inland navigation are

not the same as those of the sea-going ships, but

there are many areas where both types of vessels

have to ply. Inland ECDIS and IENCs create a

seamless connection between these two worlds.

5.7 Facilitating the use of ENC on us inland

waterways

In 2001, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

initiated an electronic chart program to develop and

support new digital chart products for electronic

navigation on the inland waterways. The program

began by transforming existing digital river data and

digital chart data into a new product: the Inland

Electronic Navigational Chart (IENC).

Updating navigational charts, whether paper or

electronic, is an essential safety element for any ves-

sel. Numerous changes regularly occur in the river

system, including channel dredging, construction,

navigation aid maintenance and natural variations in

the river bottom. Once significant changes occur, a

new edition chart is often published. Currently, the

IENC program is producing new edition electronic

charts and updating them at faster pace than former

paper chart program, where chart editions can be 5-

to-10 years old and updates must be applied manual-

ly.

A number of potential opportunities and benefits

are possible with CARIS’ HPD used by USACE.

First, retaining a close link between the source data

and the paper chart products can significantly facili-

tate data maintenance and timely or simultaneous

product releases. It can also facilitate closer syn-

chronization between IENC and paper chart formats,

resulting in improved consistency and version con-

trol across the entire product line.

HPD-driven approach provides improved produc-

tion workflow, many more advanced tools for paper

chart production and better support for the carto-

174

graphic framework. It also allows for a far greater

level of automation, ultimately reducing manual ef-

fort. Consequently, it is more suitable for large, long

term projects.

Figure 13. IC-ENC catalogue – Europe 22th January 2009

5.8 Usace inland ENC encoding guide

IENCs follow the S-57, Version 3.1 data ex-

change standard, which is recognized by software

vendors and government hydrographic offices for

electronic chart applications. Since S-57 is intended

for deep-draft, ocean shipping, the US Army Corps

of Engineers (USACE) IENC Encoding Code pro-

vides a "best fit" in some cases between river infor-

mation and S-57 structure. The intent of the Encod-

ing Guide is to provide detailed guidance on what is

required to produce a consistent, uniform Inland

ENC. This document provides a framework for

IENC specifications by:

− Using existing IHO S-57 Edition 3.1 standard.

Specifically, the:

− Maritime ENC Product Specification (App.

B1),

− IHO Object Catalogue (Appendix A),

− Object Catalogue (Appendix B.1, Annex A),

− Defining the mandatory requirements for safety-

of-navigation on inland waterways.

− Recommending object classes, attributes, and

values for encoding IENC data.

For all object classes, attributes, and attribute val-

ues that are used in conjunction with an IENC, the

Encoding Guide:

− provides a basis for its creation,

− describes its relationship to the real-world entity,

− provides criteria for its proper use,

− gives specific encoding examples.

Table 3 Inland ENC Encoding Guide. Example of geographic

object

6 DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIGITAL CHARTS

6.1 Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)

according to IHO format S-57

An electronic navigational chart (ENC) is an official

database created by a national hydrographic office

for use with an Electronic Chart Display and Infor-

mation System (ECDIS). An electronic chart must

conform to standards stated in the International Hy-

drographic Organization (IHO) Special Publication

S-57 before it can be certified as an ENC. Only

ENCs can be used within ECDIS to meet the Inter-

national Maritime Organisation (IMO) performance

standard for ECDIS.

It is quite obvious that an official ECDIS service

cannot be provided on a national level only, but re-

quires co-operation of hydrographic services. The

IHO decided to establish the Worldwide Electronic

Navigational Chart Data Base (WEND).

Figure 14. Norwegian (Primar) style seamless ENC cells

ENCs are available through Regional Electronic

Navigational Chart Coordinating Centre (RENCs)

and national electronic chart centers: e.g. Primar-

Stavanger (perfect seamless ENC cells), IC-ENC

175

(British style ENCs). Distributors like the United

Kingdom Hydrographic Office then distribute these

to chart agents.

IHO Special Publication S-63 developed by the

IHO Data Protection Security Working Group is

used to commercially encrypt and digitally sign

ENC data. Chart data is captured based on standards

stated in IHO Special Publication S-57, and is dis-

played according to a display format stated in IHO

Special Publication S-52 to ensure consistency of

data rendering between different systems.

Figures 15 & 16. American/British style ENC cells

6.2 Vector chart produced by private manufacturer

The existence of privately manufactured data is a

fact of life. It is there, its volume is still increasing

and it has proved to be meeting a demand of the

maritime market. It is cost-effective, economically

viable and it will not disappear. The major data pri-

vate manufacturers (e.g. Transas, C-Map by

Jeppesen, Navionics) offer a high quality and af-

fordable means of world-wide navigation, including

an easy to access update service, sold through relia-

ble global networks offering a round-the-clock ser-

vice. There is no doubt that in the years to come the

volume of ENC will increase. However, the produc-

tion rate is still too slow to provide the (minimum)

necessary coverage, particularly of the major ship-

ping routes, in an acceptable time. Moreover, it is

very unlikely that ENC will ever have a 100% global

coverage.

Figures 17. Transas electronic chart in vector format TX-97

6.3 Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) with

Additional Military layers (AML) for WECDIS

use

The concept of additional military layers (AML) was

introduced in 1995 with the intent to define a stand-

ardized format for non-navigational data. Since

1995, various North Atlantic Treaty Organization

(NATO) standardization agreement documents con-

cerning AML data and warship electronic chart dis-

play and information systems (WECDIS) have been

created. NATO has since endorsed six AML product

specifications, and completed sea trials using AML

datasets. However, as more nations move toward

AML data production, little is known about how the

data will perform as overlays within a WECDIS ad-

hering to NATO WECDIS standards.

Figure 18. Additional Military Layers (AML)

Using OSI Navigation Systems' electronic chart

precise integrated navigation system-military

(ECPINS-M), the sophisticated electronic chart sys-

tem designed to meet the specific navigational de-

mands of the military market, the strengths and

176

weaknesses of how AML data interacts with other

data types, primarily electronic nautical chart (ENC)

data, within the WECDlS were identified. As stated

in the WECDIS standard, a WECDIS means "an

ECDIS as defined by the IMO, with additional func-

tionality for navigation and conduct of warfare

onboard warships." We might also consider referring

to the concept of Marine Information Overlays

(MIO) which have been used in the Marine Elec-

tronic Highway project, and whose use are gathering

support within the e-Navigation discussion.

6.4 Raster navigational chart (RNC)

RNCs are raster charts that conform to International

Hydrographic Organization (IHO) specifications and

are produced by digitally scanning a paper chart im-

age. The image may be either the finished chart it-

self or the stable colour bases used in the multi-

colour printing process. The resulting digital file

may then be displayed in an electronic navigation

system where the vessel’s position, generally de-

rived from electronic position fixing systems, can be

shown. Since the displayed data are merely a digital

photocopy of the original paper chart, the image has

no intelligence and, other than visually, cannot be

interrogated.

Figure 19. Raster Navigational Chart (RNC)

6.5 Digital Nautical Chart (DNC)

The largest of the non-S-57 format databases is the

Digital Nautical Chart (DNC). The National Imagery

and Mapping Agency (NIMA, now National Geo-

spatial-Intelligence Agency - NGA) produced the

content and format for the DNC according to a mili-

tary specification.

The DNC is a vector-based digital product that

portrays significant maritime features in a format

suitable for computerised marine navigation. The

DNC is a general purpose global database designed

to support marine navigation and Geographic Infor-

mation System (GIS) applications. DNC data is only

available to the U.S. military and selected allies. It is

designed to conform to the IMO Performance Stand-

ard and IHO specifications for ECDIS.

6.6 Offshore electronic navigational chart

In offshore industry, such as Offshore Oil & Gas,

Telecommunications, Fishing, Aggregate Extraction,

Diving, sometimes are used three dimensional digi-

tal nautical charts 3DNCs. In Dynamic Positioning

System are used ENCs. Few screens allow officers

to switch screens between radar and chart displays,

cameras from the closed circuit TV system, and the

vessel's “Pilot”/”Harbour Approach” display.

6.7 Inland electronic navigational chart (I-ENC)

The goal of the North American - European Inland

ENC Harmonization Group (IEHG), formed in

2003, is to agree upon specifications for Inland

ENCs that are suitable for all known inland ENC da-

ta requirements for safe and efficient navigation for

European, North and South American and Russian

inland waterways. However, it is intended that this

standard meet the basic needs for Sea-River and In-

land ENC applications, worldwide. As such, the

Sea-River and Inland ENC standard is flexible

enough to accommodate additional inland waterway

requirements in other regions of the world.

Figure 20. Coverage of seamless Inland ENC in NE Europe

7 CONCLUSIONS

Electronic Navigational Charts have improved the

safety of navigation and the efficiency of operations

for US and Europe’s Inland Mariners who have wel-

comed digital technology wholeheartedly.

177

Inland water transport is gaining the attention of

the policy-makers. So let’s go forward with I-ECDIS

and Inland ENC (River ENC) and Sea-River ENC.

The major advantages of Marine and Inland EC-

DIS electronic charts are:

− provision of information for all objects in text,

graphical or video format,

− detailed and concise charts presentation in all res-

olutions and cut-out scales,

− simple and quick update of data (digital notices to

skippers),

− presentation in various detailedness (e.g. depth)

adapted to the needs of the skippers,

− provision of further information beyond shore

and border zones,

− adoption to the requirements of skippers, e.g. cus-

tomizing the chart display brightness to the light-

ing conditions in the wheelhouse, dynamic ob-

jects like locking status,

− possibility of linking with the radar display, route

planning and route monitoring applications, etc.

One issue that can strike is that it seems that ECS

has been adopted far more successfully inland, with-

out mandatory requirements, but because of the add-

ed value to shipping operations. This is certainly in

contrast to what we have seen on SOLAS fleet.

Figure 21. Electronic navigational charts general classification.

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