Electronic Charts, Navigation Charts, Marine Electronic Charts

An electronic chart, or electronic nautical chart, is a digital representation of maritime areas and coastal regions. These charts may display water depths, land elevations, seabed features, navigational hazards, aids to navigation, tide and current data, magnetic variation, and infrastructure such as harbors, bridges, and buildings.

Nautical charts are essential for safe marine navigation and are often mandated for commercial vessels. Available as either paper or digital formats, electronic navigational charts (ENCs) are increasingly integrated into bridge systems and multifunction displays, providing real-time updates and enhanced situational awareness.

History and Technological Advances

The transition from paper to digital nautical charts began in the 1990s with the development of raster charts and vector ENC standards. Today’s electronic charts are updated automatically and can integrate with GPS, AIS, radar overlays, and autopilot systems. This evolution has improved route planning, collision avoidance, and regulatory compliance.

Modern ENCs support touch-screen interfaces, customizable layers, and real-time data overlays. Used in ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems), these charts are critical for IMO-compliant navigation and fleet operations.

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