Fusing Multiscale Charts into 3D ENC Systems Based on Underwater Topography and Remote Sensing Image

This article presents technology for the production of electronic navigational charts (ENC) in the Hydrographie Institute of the Republic of Croatia (HIRC); current conditions of producing ENC cells and comparison with international experiences. ENC database together with GPS and onboard sensors make up -electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) navigational GIS. The purpose of ENC and ECDIS is improvement of navigational safety and protection of marine environment. HIRC is participant of the international pilot project "North Adriatic virtual regional electronic nautical chart" (VRENC), deals with standardization in production and distribution of ENCs covering the area of the North Adriatic Sea. In international relations HIRC has a rather satisfying ENC production

Electronic navigational charts (ENCs) are geospatial databases, compiled for the operational use of Electronic Chart Display and Information systems (ECDIS) according to strict technical specifications of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). ECDIS is a GIS system designed for marine navigation according to the relevant standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The international standards for ENCs and ECDIS, issued by the IHO and IMO, cover many aspects of the portrayal of ENCs in ECDIS but do not specify or recommend map projections. Consequently, in some cases, the unjustified employment of map projections by the manufacturers has caused certain functional drawbacks and inadequacies. This article reviews, evaluates and supplements the results of earlier studies on the selection of map projections for the depiction of ENCs in ECDIS and proposes a reasonable set of suitable projections with pertinent selection/implementation rules. These proposals took into consideration that ECDIS users (navigators) are not GIS experts or professional cartographers and consequently, the proposed election/implementation rules have to be simple and straightforward.

Electronic navigational charts (ENCs) are geospatial databases compiled in strict accordance with the technical specifications of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a Geographic Information System (GIS) operated by ENCs for real-time navigation at sea, which is one of the key technologies for intelligent ships to realize autonomous navigation, intelligent decision-making, and other functions. Facing the urgent demand for high-precision and real-time nautical chart products for polar navigation under the new situation, the projection of ENCs for polar navigation is systematically analyzed in this paper. Based on the theory of complex functions, we derive direct transformations of Mercator projection, polar Gauss-Krüger projection, and polar stereographic projection. A rational set of dynamic projection options oriented towards polar navigation is proposed with reference to existing specifications for the compilation of the ENCs. From the perspective of nautical users, rather than the GIS expert or professional cartographer, an ENCs visualization idea based on multithread-double buffering is integrated into Polar Region Electronic Navigational Charts software, which effectively solves the problem of large projection distortion in polar navigation applications. Taking the CGCS2000 reference ellipsoid as an example, the numerical analysis shows that the length distortion of the Mercator projection is less than 10% in the region up to 74°, but it is more than 80% at very high latitudes. The maximum distortion of the polar Gauss-Krüger projection does not exceed 10%. The degree of distortion of the polar stereographic projection is less than 1% above 79°. In addition, the computational errors of the direct conversion formulas do not exceed 10−9 m throughout the Arctic range. From the point of view of the computational efficiency of the direct conversion model, it takes no more than 0.1 s to compute nearly 8 million points at 1′×1′ resolution, which fully meets the demand for real-time nautical chart products under information technology conditions.

This study introduces an assessment concerning the use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) in the safe navigation of vessels by considering the case studies whether the device played a role in grounding accidents. A total 80 investigation reports of grounding accidents from 2008 to 2018 were analysed. In 22 cases, one or more findings related to ECDIS and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) were identified. Twenty two accidents related to ECDIS or ENCs were re-analysed with 4M Overturned Pyramid (MOP) model to determine the characteristics and causes of accidents. Causative factors that related ECDIS in the cases have been listed and explained. Results indicate that ECDIS-related procedures and lack of training have led to incorrect settings of the device, especially alarm settings. The recommendations have been arranged that ECDIS devices, which offer much considerable information for the safe navigation of ships, are able to work more efficiently.

Nautical cartography competences and their effect to the realisation of a worldwide Electronic Navigational Charts database, the performance of ECDIS and the fulfilment of IMO chart carriage requirements

Bathymetric data quality on Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) is encoded with the Category Zone of Confidence (CATZOC) providing information about horizontal and vertical uncertainty, seabed coverage, and feature detection. To support safe navigation, the nautical charting community has been investigating improved methods for the inclusion of data quality on charts and the integration on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDISs). One of the major changes is the decision to replace the problematic star symbology. Recognizing that effective visualizations result in better–informed decisions, we investigate new techniques for the visualization of bathymetric data quality on ECDIS. This is expressed through our countable textures, one with lines and one with dot–clusters, as well as two techniques for improving the data quality integration within ECDIS safety checks. Regarding the former, this paper summarizes the research effort from identifying the deficiencies of star symbology, to conceptualization, development, and evaluation of the countable textures that demonstrated the superiority of the concept compared to ideas previously discussed within the community. Regarding the latter, this paper presents the two techniques under evaluation in collaboration with maritime academies in the US that aim to facilitate the use of data quality information during the execution of the passage.

The three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the electronic navigation chart (ENC) can reflect the marine environment and various marine features truly, accurately, and directly, to reduce misoperation during chart use and improve the convenience of using the chart. Due to a large amount of ENC data, complex data structure, and uneven distribution in 3D space, the construction and real-time rendering of 3D ENCs depend on the retrieval speed of 3D spatial data. Improving the spatial retrieval efficiency of 3D ENC data is helpful for the rapid rendering of a 3D scene. In this paper, based on the S-100 universal hydrological data model (S-100) and the 3D characteristics to classify the ENC features and create the 3D ENC data set, a hybrid spatial index structure is proposed based on quadtree and R-tree and ENC features data structure, using the smallest minimum bounding box (SMBB) and classification retrieval methods to optimize the spatial index structure. All the ENC features are rendered in a 3D marine scene. By analyzing the overlap of ENC features and testing the efficiency of spatial index structure, the results show that this method can effectively reduce the overlap rate of index nodes and improve the efficiency of data retrieval, realize the effective management of 3D ENC data, and improve the drawing speed of 3D ENCs.

An approach to 3D model fusion in GIS systems and its application in a future ECDIS

Cartographic sounding selection is a constraint-based bathymetric generalization process for identifying navigationally relevant soundings for nautical chart display. Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) are the premier maritime navigation medium and are produced according to international standards and distributed around the world. Cartographic generalization for ENCs is a major bottleneck in the chart creation and update process, where high volumes of data collected from constantly changing seafloor topographies require tedious examination. Moreover, these data are provided by multiple sources from various collection platforms at different levels of quality, further complicating the generalization process. Therefore, in this work, a comprehensive sounding selection algorithm is presented that focuses on safe navigation, leveraging both the Digital Surface Model (DSM) of multi-source bathymetry and the cartographic portrayal of the ENC. A taxonomy and hierarchy of soundings found on ENCs are defined and methods to identify these soundings are employed. Furthermore, the significant impact of depth contour generalization on sounding selection distribution is explored. Incorporating additional ENC bathymetric features (rocks, wrecks, and obstructions) affecting sounding distribution, calculating metrics from current chart products, and introducing procedures to correct cartographic constraint violations ensures a shoal-bias and mariner-readable output. This results in a selection that is near navigationally ready and complementary to the specific waterways of the area, contributing to the complete automation of the ENC creation and update process for safer maritime navigation.

It is seen that high technology and its products work to meet every stage and need of human life and navigational safety in the maritime sector. Electronic systems have been developed and are used today as a result of the search for alternatives to the well-known and approved classical methods used in safe navigation on the world's seas. Electronic systems are susceptible and more accurate than classical methods and significantly benefit maritime transport. Bridge electronic systems and infrastructures supporting its components also work with advanced technology products. In this context, electronic navigational charts - ENC, Electronic Chart Display Information systems - ECDIS and Automatic Information systems - AIS are undoubtedly the best examples. These and similar bridge and auxiliary devices ensure the safety of navigation on both national and international seas and oceans and cause a decrease in human error rates. This study mentions the positive effects of high-tech bridge navigation systems developed in the maritime sector on maritime transportation.

During the past three decades, the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) evolved from its initial purpose to a complex navigation support tool. The transition from paper to electronic charts represents a substantial step in navigation, contributing to the reduction of the navigator’s workload, ease of execution of navigational tasks and integrated information and data fusion. In the system handling, Masters and Officers of the Watch (OOWs) are experiencing various issues ranging in their nature. The proposed paper represents a segment of a systematically carried out research among ECDIS stakeholders. The aim of the ECDIS EHO (Experience, Handling and Opinion) research is the development of an educational framework and the improvement of the Maritime Education and Training (MET) processes. This is to be achieved through a specific approach, proper communication and subtle educational, practical and research activities that have developed through time and research segments accomplishment, always striving at the user-centred, often neglected issues and their solving. The research methodology has been described in the respective chapter, together with the questionnaire which represents one of the main research tools. This segment of the research refers to opinions and attitudes of Masters and OOWs towards ECDIS mandatory implementation period completion, as collected from the ECDIS EHO questionnaire. The answers to the questions regarding the system role as a justified replacement of paper charts and the features of the means of navigation when compared with another have been categorised and discussed. Individual knowledge has been examined concerning new technology perception and understanding of the ECDIS system. The analyses and answers processing and accompanying comments have revealed certain illogicalities referring to the acceptance of the system as a mandatory, primary and often only, means of navigation. The level of acceptance and opinions regarding two means of navigation features have differed among respondents, irrespectively of their seagoing experience, navigational rank, ECDIS experience and the level of education. The analyses have revealed the need for the adaptation of ECDIS Education and Training to a particular navigational rank regarding engagement with the system. A new approach of the targeting methodology has been introduced and conducted. Critical groups of respondents have been identified and elaborated further. The research has resulted in the organisation of a new ECDIS MET course at the Faculty of Maritime Studies of the University of Rijeka. Considering the obtained results and the ongoing system development, findings and solutions have been presented in the conclusion chapter, together with the means of their achievements and the further work.

Abstract. Advancements in geospatial technology have benefited the hydrographic and maritime professions in many ways. Yet, compared to hydrographic data collection and processing, chart compilation workflows remain relatively slow, mainly due to limited human resources and the availability of automated algorithms that respect nautical charting constraints and Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) database requirements. This work presents our research efforts to streamline the nautical chart compilation process through the introduction of automated processes and improving the efficiency and accuracy of existing. Among these processes are fundamental generalization tasks such as those for soundings, islands, and depth contours; ENC product specific requirements, such as those for reducing file size through the removal of collinear vertices forming polylines and polygons; and the updating of dependent features in the ENC database after generalization of one of their shared geometries.

The paper presents the problem of determining a safe ship trajectory in real conditions with the use of information comprised in electronic navigational charts (ENC). Ship trajectory optimisation is one of essential functionalities of decision support systems which are part of intelligent transport systems. An ENC data transformation method herein presented is aimed to reduce the time of creating the numerical terrain model for an optimization problem. Trapezoidal meshes are proposed for this purpose. Water area parameters as well as moving targets are considered. The three dimensional ship domain is used as a safety criterion. The implementation of the presented method is discussed.

In Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) handling, Officers Of Watch (OOW) are experiencing several problems which have been identified and defined so far, with varieties in their causes and nature. Issues related to education, training and (lack of) knowledge can be singled out as factors directly and indirectly associated to a number of consequent difficulties and unwanted situations. The proposed paper deals with training of seafarers as end-users of the ECDIS system, trying to present them as central subjects in the ECDIS system of stakeholders. Within the research and (using results from) the corresponding survey, opinions of OOWs are considered and discussed regarding sufficiency of stipulated hours and recommended means for the completion of the Generic ECDIS training. Respondents’ profile was layered in several categories, all of which were elaborated considering survey questions. Certain features are presented regarding skills and knowledge prerequisites for which is understood that are already adopted by course attendees, which in turn opens new questions and potential issues. On the basis of the study, actually being part of larger ECDIS research, and derived inferences, possible solutions and indicative guidelines are suggested, focusing on ECDIS education and training issues and appearances. Improvement of the education-al and training process is further discussed. Planned activities are presented as inevitable tasks which have been formed based on previous and proposed research.

This paper explores the impact of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) on the safety of navigation and seafarers’ professional practices. As ECDIS has become the primary tool for navigation, its proper use is critical for ensuring safe maritime operations. Drawing on data from a questionnaire completed by 154 active seafarers, this research investigates how ECDIS influences situational awareness, the use and management of safety settings, training adequacy, and system-related challenges. The findings reveal that while most respondents recognise ECDIS as a tool that enhances navigational safety, significant concerns remain regarding human error, insufficient training, and inconsistent application of safety settings such as the safety contour. Additionally, steering errors during restricted water manoeuvres and system crashes emerged as recurrent safety concerns. The study highlights the need for improved standardisation, targeted training, and more effective integration of human and technological elements to ensure optimal ECDIS use. The results offer actionable insights for enhancing ECDIS implementation and maritime safety standards.