In December, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that it was wrapping up a five-year process to discontinue production of all traditional paper nautical charts. During the past half-decade, the agency worked to ease the transition to electronic navigational charts. This included the development of the online NOAA Custom Chart app that lets users create their own charts from the organization’s electronic navigational chart data.
In a statement, NOAA said that the majority of users access navigation data digitally, but large-format paper charts can be created through the custom chart application. It pulls directly from the latest navigational chart data and lets the user choose the exact scale, area, paper size and other dimensions.
To help users learn the custom chart application, NOAA published a technical memorandum with best practices for creation and maintenance of ENC-derived paper nautical charts. The form details ways to maintain, issues to consider and chart characteristics to obtain when creating ENC-derived paper nautical charts. Some of the details users will have access to include:
• Customizing a chart using ENC data formats, projection, trans-boundary data, symbols, colors, portrayal rules, scale and compass roses.
• Aids to navigation labels, depths, heights, topographic data and transportation infrastructure, chart notes, automation notes, anchorages and other areas.
• Updating charts and saving design parameters via GeoJSON catalog files.
• Getting a chart print-ready including graphic scale, digital file format, paper chart media, chart carriage regulations, graticule, baseline color palette, display and compilation scales.
The NOAA announcement followed British chart publisher Imray saying last November that it would start a gradual shutdown of chart publishing operations.
The company said the decision reflects the growing shift toward digital nautical navigation. Imray will continue to serve the maritime community with piloting books, cruising guides and the “Explore with Imray” digital product.
Chart production and support, including Imray Notices to Mariners, will continue through 2025
The lead time will give captains the opportunity to acquire paper charts while they are still available. The company is one of two chart providers recognized by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Its charts are marketed for recreational use. Price increases for the latter are expected in 2025.
The chart business including the rights to the Imray name is for sale.