Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) represent vector data that could be used to support all marine navigation types. So, the charts are designed for large commercial vessels that employ a high-tech navigation tool known as an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). However, ENCs are now accessible on less advanced electronic chart systems and "chart plotters" that can be found on a vast range of vessels. Additionally, the use of these charts is not limited to the above; the users of recreational boats can also avail of them.
Without the help of GIS technology, the level to which Electronic Waterway Maps are going beyond is not much evident. It is a visualization of not only the water area features but also incorporating hydrographic data, navigational markers, and data that are chosen at random but are of great use to marine vessels and authorities in providing them with the most accurate and the closest to real-time information of the waterborne journey. Basically, these electronic charts become the most modern communication means that are used in water transport navigation which eventually results in the replacement of old paper waterway charts.
I. Core Data Composition
At the heart of the idea of Electronic Waterway Maps are the interactive digital maps that use data from various dimensions to provide core safety information. The main idea is that these maps are based on the integration of three groups of core data that represent the scientific basis of the maps:
Fundamental Geographic Data
Besides defining the shores, the water and the underwater terrain are described in more detail by providing the depths, widths, and alignments of the waters are also identified. Also, the location coordinates of the fixed facilities, such as the bridges, docks, and lighthouses, are given. By the meter-level or even sub-meter-level, this data serves as a basis for the positioning and routing of vessels.
Dynamic Navigational Data
This data contains management information that is either in real-time or is regularly updated for the water areas. Hence, it shows the positions of navigational aids (e.g., buoy positions, light characteristics), no-navigation zones, traffic separation schemes, and speed-limited areas. Also, hydrographic data (for instance, current velocity, tidal changes) and meteorological data (for instance, wind force, visibility)are included in the same data structure with the aim of giving the vessels a chance to navigate safely and safely exclude navigation hazards.
Additional Service Data
Port berth information is a diversified portfolio supplementing the core data sets. Among the contents of it are also anchorage areas, emergency refuge zones, and coastal service facilities (e.g., refueling points, maintenance stations). This data is instrumental in the vessel navigation plan-making process, as well as in the scheduling of berthing.
II. Core Functions and Technical Features
Electronic Waterway Maps powered by digital technology are, in fact, infographically different in capacity from paper charts, which are functionally of limited capability. Their main features are basically visualization and interactivity, dynamic updates and real-time linkage, and intelligent auxiliary decision-making.
Visualization and Interactivity
For instance, they are capable of dynamically displaying the waterway segments on the vessel navigation terminals (e.g., Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, ECDIS) and therefore facilitate, among other things, such activities as zooming, panning, and layer overlay (e.g., water depths or navigational markers can be displayed separately). By tapping a particular area, cabin crew members may also receive detailed data (e.g., the exact parameters of a buoy), thus it serving as a direct and time-saving mode of operation.
Dynamic Updates and Real-Time Linkage
Firstly, they are highly precise in identifying changes in the water areas (e.g., modifications of water depth after waterway dredging, buoy displacement) and accepting updates after loading the data from satellites and the correspond communication networks on the shore. In addition to the GPS, radar, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) onboard the vessel, these maps may also be integrated with other on-board devices for indicating not only the real-time location of the vessel but also the movements of other vessels around. Therefore, the collision warnings or course deviation alerts that are generated automatically are two of the consequences of it.
Intelligent Auxiliary Decision-Making
Should the crew members feed in the system the points of departure and destination, the onboard route-planning algorithms will thus be able to do so, at once most advantageous route will be immediately displayed, that is in accordance with the navigation rules, and risky areas will be avoided. Some of the futuristically features, in fact, might even be capable of helping navigators determine the safest routes depending on the draft of the vessel and load condition, hence the human operational errors will be minimal.
III. Application Scenarios
Arguably, the greatest value of the Waterway Electronic Maps lies in their numerous applications to the water supply chain. Such scenarios, first of all, include:
Vessel Navigation and Guidance
Generally, the navigation tool is the first place of the digital waterway maps onboard the merchant ships, inland waterway vessels, and official ships. The maps utility in the navigation comprises the functions of positioning, route tracking, and risk prediction, and thus, the creation of paper charts is practically obsolete. Also, they are especially helpful to navigation safety in geometrically irregular waters (e.g., curved inland waterways, coastal waters with many islands) or in bad weather conditions.
Maritime Management and Supervision
On the other hand, Maritime agencies are getting advantages of the Electric Waterway Map system in the realization of their management of the waterway usage in their area of authority, the establishment of navigational control zones, and the administration of water search and rescue operations (e.g., by quickly determining the location of the vessels in distress). Furthermore, they are also the sources of data for continuation of the waterway (e.g., dredging operations, buoy deployment).
Port and Shipping Scheduling
Port dispatch departments, with the help of Electronic Waterway Maps, are scheduling the sequence of vessels to arrive at the port as well as their berthing places. Additionally, navigation can be planned well in advance with the help of navigation aids, route optimization, and the time saved can be used for other navigation activities by the shipping companies that are the users of these maps.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. When and where will the Expo be?
From May 13–15, 2026, the Expo will take place at Hall C, Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center (XICEC), Xiamen, China.
2. How massive is the exhibition?
The exhibition will occupy a space of 40,000 m² with greater than 350+ corporations participating. Visitors who can be experts from distinct components of the arena and over 30,000 in numbers are anticipated to return back to the event.
3. What are the activities?
The paid experts have get right of entry to to over eighty boards and activities wherein they are able to discuss diverse subjects of a era enterprise, which include intelligent mobility, transportation communication, protection, and sustainable development.
4. How many nations and areas are on board?
More than eighty nations and areas will ship their delegates to the summit, a worldwide gathering of the maximum progressive and sensible delivery solutions.
5. Are there collaboration opportunities?
Indeed, with 1000+ companions worldwide, the Expo offers a state of affairs for discussions and engagements amongst businesses, innovation, and funding sectors.
6. Where can I get more facts to speak to?
In case you want more facts, you could talk with the Organizing Committee via the Contact Us phase of the respectable website. Port protection tracking device Comprehensive applications: scheduling, far-off device control, protection early warning, port self-reliant driving, Port clever logistics provider platform and centers, and devices.
