Chartplotter: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:35, 28 July 2019

Revision as of 05:42, 19 September 2019

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== Electronic Charts ==

An individual electronic chart, or, more commonly, a database of charts, is the heart of a chartplotter. The chartplotter system can be no more accurate than its charts. While there are different formats for electronic charts, there are even more important quality and legal aspects.

Without charts that are accredited by appropriate governmental organizations, a chartplotter is an example of an Electronic Charting System (ECS). When the charts meet the technical requirements of the [[International Maritime Organization]] (IMO) and national hydrographic bodies, the chartplotter can qualify as an [[Electronic Chart Display and Information System]] (ECDIS). ECDIS legally can be substituted for paper charts while navigating in active waterways, but vessels are required to maintain paper charts if their chartplotter does not use ECDIS.