ABSTRACT
Electronic charting for the safe and efficient navigation of shipping began life in the late 1970s and early 1980s (Astle and van Opstal, 1990; Ward et al., 2000; Ternes et al., 2008). From these beginnings, the international hydrographic community has responded to the introduction of modern mapping tools such as geographical information systems (GIS), digital terrain models (DTM), video plotters, raster charts, digital maps and global positioning system (GPS) by departing from the traditional paper chart to the development and use of a range of digital spatial data products that meet their specialized needs. Electronic charting technologies are primarily designed for safe navigation. Through their ability to display information selectively and relate it spatially, they may be considered a real-time GIS application in the marine and inland waterways. This chapter describes the potential of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) for maritime, coastal, offshore and inland applications and especially the databases upon which these systems are built.
