Return to Flotilla 33-10's Home Page.
First one should be aware of the different presentation of information that one normally associates with a marine chart. There is a host of private algorithms and two government formats that are used to store the data. We will focus on the three formats PFD, NRC and ENC in this web site.
PFD Charts
PFD charts are simply scanned paper charts reduced in size or segmented to page size presentations. The NRC charts are available in PFD format.
Raster Navigation Chart (NRC)
“NOAA RNC® are geo-referenced, digital images of NOAA navigational charts. Because the images are geo-referenced, you can display your vessel’s position on the chart image if you have a computer-based navigation system that is connected to a global positioning system (GPS).” The data is encoded using BSB format which computer based navigation programs/app use. NOAA raster navigational charts (NOAA RNC®) are full-color digital images of NOAA paper charts. RNCs are compatible with most marine navigation software, and are available for free.
Coast Survey checks each chart weekly, and applies all critical corrections.
Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC)
NOAA describes the product as: “NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENC®) are vector data sets that represent NOAA's newest and most powerful electronic charting product. NOAA ENCs conform with the International Hydrographic Office (IHO) S-57 international exchange format, comply with the IHO ENC Product Specification, and are provided with incremental updates that supply Notice to Mariners corrections and other critical changes. NOAA ENCs and updates are available for free download. NOAA ENC data may be used to fuel Electronic Chart and Display Information Systems (ECDIS).” Basically, each bit the makes up a chart contains a host of data that can include: color, intensity, location, depth, warnings, name of object... The rich concentration of will allow a program/app to give warning if one wanders into shallow waters or forbidden areas. One can also use a cursor or a touch of the screen to display detailed information about that location selected. This format is new and not all charts have a ENC version.
PFD Charts
PFD charts are simply scanned paper charts reduced in size or segmented to page size presentations. The NRC charts are available in PFD format.
Raster Navigation Chart (NRC)
“NOAA RNC® are geo-referenced, digital images of NOAA navigational charts. Because the images are geo-referenced, you can display your vessel’s position on the chart image if you have a computer-based navigation system that is connected to a global positioning system (GPS).” The data is encoded using BSB format which computer based navigation programs/app use. NOAA raster navigational charts (NOAA RNC®) are full-color digital images of NOAA paper charts. RNCs are compatible with most marine navigation software, and are available for free.
Coast Survey checks each chart weekly, and applies all critical corrections.
Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC)
NOAA describes the product as: “NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENC®) are vector data sets that represent NOAA's newest and most powerful electronic charting product. NOAA ENCs conform with the International Hydrographic Office (IHO) S-57 international exchange format, comply with the IHO ENC Product Specification, and are provided with incremental updates that supply Notice to Mariners corrections and other critical changes. NOAA ENCs and updates are available for free download. NOAA ENC data may be used to fuel Electronic Chart and Display Information Systems (ECDIS).” Basically, each bit the makes up a chart contains a host of data that can include: color, intensity, location, depth, warnings, name of object... The rich concentration of will allow a program/app to give warning if one wanders into shallow waters or forbidden areas. One can also use a cursor or a touch of the screen to display detailed information about that location selected. This format is new and not all charts have a ENC version.