Is an NOAA ENC® a simply a copy of the paper chart?
Answer – The NOAA ENC® program is building the NOAA ENC® production database from a combination of charted information as well as original “source” information. NOAA has compiled critical features such as channel limits, aids to navigation and obstructions from the original documents that were used to put the feature on the paper chart. This means that a feature such as a federally maintained channel was digitized from a 1:2,400 scale drawing as opposed to a 1:20,000 scale chart. The objective is to use more accurate information for features that are critical to the safety of navigation.
