Open map List

Electronic Chart display

An Electronic Chart Display (ECD) is a digital navigation system that presents electronic nautical charts (ENCs) on a screen to assist in maritime navigation. It replaces traditional paper charts by providing real-time positioning, route planning, and automatic updates to improve safety and efficiency at sea.

Intermediate

Introduction

Key Features of Electronic Chart Displays:

✅ Digital Nautical Charts – Displays vector or raster-based maritime charts.
✅ GPS Integration – Provides real-time ship positioning and tracking.
✅ Route Planning & Monitoring – Helps mariners create, adjust, and follow safe routes.
✅ Automatic Updates – Regularly updates charts for new hazards and navigational changes.
✅ AIS (Automatic Identification System) Support – Displays nearby ships to prevent collisions.
✅ Radar & Sensor Integration – Merges data from radar, depth sounders, and weather forecasts.
✅ Alarms & Safety Alerts – Warns about shallow waters, restricted areas, and obstacles.

Explanation

Types of Electronic Chart Displays:

  1. ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) – A regulated and IMO-compliant system used on commercial vessels for official navigation.
  2. ECS (Electronic Chart System) – A non-regulated, simpler chart display used on smaller boats and recreational vessels.

Examples

Examples of Electronic Chart Display Systems:

🔹 Transas ECDIS – Used on commercial vessels for compliance with IMO regulations.
🔹 Nobeltec TimeZero ECS – A marine navigation system for yachts and smaller vessels.
🔹 Navionics Marine Charts – Popular for recreational boating and fishing.
🔹 Raymarine Axiom Chartplotter – An advanced display system with sonar and GPS integration.
🔹 Jeppesen C-MAP – A digital charting solution for global maritime navigation.

📍 Example: A cargo ship uses an ECDIS system to automatically adjust its route based on changing sea conditions and safety alerts.

Outgoing relations