What is an Electronic Navigational Chart?
Answer -ENCs are vector charts that conform to IHO specifications, as contained in Publication S-57. They are compiled from a database of individual items (‘objects of digitised chart data which can be displayed as a seamless chart. The NOAA ENC® is intended for use in electronic charting systems (ECS) as well as Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). When used in an ECDIS or some ECS, the data can be reassembled to display either an entire chart image or a user-selected combination of chart data. ENCs are “intelligent” in that systems using them can be programmed to give warning of impending danger in relation to charted information and the vessel’s position and movement. NOAA ENC®s can also be used in geographic information systems (GIS) as base map data.
