ECS is the charting software system for presentation of electronic chart data on a computer screen, that intended to improve the safety of navigation and help mariner in his day-to-day work. The acronym stands for Electronic Chart System. There are no strict standard for ECS in contrary to ECDIS described further.
ECDIS is the internationally adopted system for presentation of electronic
chart data on a computer screen, and intended to replace paper charts as the
legal base for safe navigation. The ECDIS acronym stands for Electronic Chart
Display and Information System.
An ECDIS is a computer-assisted navigation system which - when complying with
all of the following specifications - can be accepted as the up-to-date chart
required by V/20 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention.
An ECDIS charting software should comply:
IHO Special Publication S57
the IHO Transfer Standard for Hydrographic Data, edition 3 Nov 1996. It
describes the data structure and format to be used for the exchange of ENC
(Electronic Navigational Chart) data between Hydrographic Offices, ECDIS
manufacturers, mariners and other users.
IHO Special Publication S52
the Specification for Chart Content and Display Aspects of ECDIS, edition 5 Dec
1996. It provides specifications and guidance regarding the issue, updating and
display of ENC in ECDIS.
IMO Resolution A/817
the IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS, Dec 1995. It describes the minimum
performance standards for ECDIS with reference to both hardware and software,
ENC and updates, user interface and the integration of external devices.
IEC International Standard 61174
Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment systems - Electronic chart
display and information system (ECDIS) - Operational and performance
requirements, methods of testing and required test results, 1998. If you wish to
order the IEC 61174 you may look here,
or start from the IEC Home Page.
Type approval
Moreover, to qualify as ECDIS, the system hardware and software must be
simultaneously tested by an authorized Classification Society in accordance with
the IEC 61174 requirements, and be granted an approval certificate.
More about ECDIS
dKart Navigator family of marine navigation charting software (ECS/ECDIS) supports both official S-57 electronic chart data and CM93 (C-Map) worldwide coverage.
GPS / GLONASS is used as a primary source of positioning information. The communication is based on NMEA-0183 protocol.
More about dKart Navigator charting software
dKart Explorer - basic electronic chart system provides capabilities of electronic catalogue of nautical charts and publications. Supports both official S-57 electronic chart data and CM93 (C-Map) worldwide coverage. Uses GPS data to display ship's position, course and speed directly on the ENC.
More about dKart Explorer charting software
Keywords: ecs, ecdis, electronic chart system, electronic display chart system, charting software, dKart, chart, nautical charts, nautical maps, electronic chart, navigation chart, marine map, ENC, S-57, CM93, C-Map, ECS, ECDIS, IMO, IHO, IEC, electronic nautical chart system, electronic navigation chart system, navigational software.