Chart database

The Chart Database is part of the hydrographical data administered by the Swedish Maritime Administration. The two most important products generated from the Navigational Chart Database are printed charts and electronic charts for use in navigation systems. Data is also provided to other GIS users.

The information is divided into various scale ranges: port, special, archipelago and coastal charts, where the scale range containing port information is the least generalised and contains the most detailed data. The scale range with coastal information contains extremely generalised information.

The databases built by the Swedish Maritime Administration are not categorised by chart; they are in continual (seamless) databases.

Standard for electronic chart information

The Swedish Maritime Administration’s Chart Database is based on the IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) standard for electronic chart information. The S57 standard was officially adopted by world navigational chart institutions in 1992 and is applied when electronic chart information is transmitted.

ECDIS

Electronic chart information is primarily intended for improving safety use in systems including ECDIS. ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) is a navigation system based on electronic charts. The vessel’s position is plotted using satellite positioning (DGPS) in the electronic chart displayed on the screen. Mariners can use a speed vector and areas in the digital chart to get warnings if the vessel is approaching shallow waters. An ECDIS combines various components such as electronic charts, position determination, radar and autopilot for easier, safer navigation.

Data collection method

The main source of data in the database is analogue charts that have been digitalized, meaning that the information in the database maintains the same standard of quality as analogue charts. A higher ambition is to create “safe sea routes,” which would entail improving the information on the most important Swedish fairways by means of an entirely electronic production line, from measurement input to chart. This also makes it possible to present depth curves other than those currently included on navigational charts.

Distribution of electronic chart information

The Swedish Maritime Administration’s Official ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart) are sold via Primar, whose head office is in Stavanger. Official electronic charts may be used in type-approved ECDIS instead of paper charts.

Data for other fields of application may be purchased directly from the Swedish Maritime. Administration.