Electronic Chart Display and Information System

An Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS) is a computer-based navigation information system that complies with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and can be used as an alternative to paper nautical charts. IMO refers to similar systems not meeting the regulations as Electronic Chart Systems (ECS).[1]

An ECDIS system displays the information from electronic navigational charts (ENC) or Digital Nautical Charts (DNC) and integrates position information from position, heading and speed through water reference systems and optionally other navigational sensors. Other sensors which could interface with an ECDIS are radar, Navtex, automatic identification systems (AIS), and depth sounders.

Application

ECDIS provides continuous position and navigational safety information. The system generates audible and/or visual alarms when the vessel is in proximity to navigational hazards.

Electronic chart data

The two most commonly used types of electronic chart data are listed below.

ENC charts

ENCs are vector charts that conform to the requirements for the chart databases for ECDIS, with standardized content, structure and format, issued for use with ECDIS on the authority of government authorized hydrographic offices. ENCs are vector charts that also conform to International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) specifications stated in IHO Publication S-57.[2]

ENCs contain all the chart information necessary for safe navigation, and may contain supplementary information in addition to that contained in the paper chart (e.g., Sailing Directions). These supplementary information may be considered necessary for safe navigation and can be displayed together as a seamless chart. Systems using ENC charts can be programmed to give warning of impending danger in relation to the vessel's position and movement. Chart systems certified according to marine regulations are required to show these dangers.

Raster charts

Raster navigational charts (RNCs) are raster graphics 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 information as it does in ENCs. IHO Publication S-61 provides guidelines for the production of raster data.[3] IMO Resolution MSC.86(70) permits ECDIS equipment to operate in a Raster Chart Display System (RCDS) mode in the absence of ENC.[4]

Regulations

ECDIS (as defined by IHO Publications S-52 and S-57)[5] is an approved marine navigational chart and information system, which is accepted as complying with the conventional paper charts required by Regulation V/19 of the 1974 IMO SOLAS Convention.[6] as amended. The performance requirements for ECDIS are defined by IMO and the consequent test standards have been developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in International Standard IEC 61174.[7]

In the future, the ENC will be part of a product specification family which is based on the "IHO Universal Hydrographic Data Model", known as S-100. The product specification number S-101 has been assigned to the ENC. [8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Introduction to Electronic Chart Systems and ECDIS". International Hydrographic Organization. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
  2. ↑ "S-57 IHO Transfer standard for Digital Hydrographic Data". International Hydrographic Organization. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
  3. ↑ "S-61 Product Specification for RNC". International Hydrographic Organization. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
  4. ↑ "Maritime Safety Committee - 70th session: 7–11 December 1998". International Maritime Organization. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
  5. ↑ "S-52 Specifications for Chart content and display aspects of ECDIS". International Hydrographic Organization. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
  6. ↑ "International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974". International Maritime Organization. Archived from the original on 2007-06-29. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
  7. ↑ "Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) - Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results". International Electrotechnical Commission. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
  8. ↑ http://www.iho.int/iho_pubs/IHO_Download.htm

External links

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