Electronic Chart Display and Information System

An Electronic Chart Display and 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 navigation charts. IMO refers to similar systems not meeting the regulations as Electric Chart Systems (ECS). ^[1]

An ECDIS system displays the information from electronic navigational charts (ENC) and integrates position information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other navigational sensors, such as radar, fathometer and automatic identification systems (AIS). It may also display additional navigation-related information, such as Sailing Directions.

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

There are two types of electronic chart data.

Vector charts

Vector charts are 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 Special 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. ENCs are intelligent, in that systems using them can be programmed to give warning of impending danger in relation to the vessel's position and movement.

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 information as it does in ENCs. IHO Special 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 Special 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/20 of the 1974 IMO SOLAS Convention.^[6] The performance requirements for ECDIS are defined in by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in Specification 61174.^[7]

References

1. ^ "Introduction to Electronic Chart Systems and ECDIS". International Hydrographic Organization. http://www.iho-ohi.net/english/about-encs/enc-production/general.html. Retrieved on 2009-01-20. 
2. ^ "S-57 IHO Transfer standard for Digital Hydrographic Data". International Hydrographic Organization. http://www.iho.int/PUBLICATIONS/download.htm#special. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. 
3. ^ "S-61 Product Specification for RNC". International Hydrographic Organization. http://www.iho.int/PUBLICATIONS/download.htm#special. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. 
4. ^ "Maritime Safety Committee - 70th session: 7-11 December 1998". International Maritime Organization. http://www.imo.org/Newsroom/mainframe.asp?topic_id=110&doc_id=347. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. 
5. ^ "S-52 Specifications for Chart content and display aspects of ECDIS". International Hydrographic Organization. http://www.iho.int/PUBLICATIONS/download.htm#special. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. 
6. ^ "International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974". International Maritime Organization. http://www.imo.org/Conventions/mainframe.asp?topic_id=250. Retrieved on 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. http://webstore.iec.ch/webstore/webstore.nsf/artnum/027968. Retrieved on 2007-09-01. 

See also

Nautical portal

• Nautical chart

External links

• IMO
• Hydro International — news about hydrography, marine mapping and electronic charting
• ECDIS Multifunction Display - comprehensive description of latest ECDIS functionalities.
• ECDIS basics -basics, datum, distribution, organization on board,updating etc.
• ECDIS in operation -colour settings,content settings,own ship presentation etc.