Navigational Charts Research Articles

Mapping the liquid territories of the Danube Delta (Romania): The atlases of the European Commission of the Danube

The European Commission of the Danube (ECD) 1856–1939 published an impressive number of maps, the most important being included in four atlases. However, despite previous efforts, until 1870, no precise map of the Danube Delta based on a unitary triangulation survey has been published. This article examines the mapping effort to recreate the triangulation network containing all the 110 points, based on the distances specified in the 1874 atlas, landmarks discovered during fieldwork and other reference layers used for georeferencing the 1870, 1886 and 1902 maps. Moreover, it offers supplementary information about ECD's vision of the liquid territories and their central feature: water and its representation on cartographic material. In our explanation, we explore the differences between various cartographic products and other sources of information used by the European Commission of the Danube to update its navigation charts. By reproducing these mapping efforts, we highlight the technical challenges for accurately mapping the Danube Delta's everchanging territory. Furthermore, by carrying out the work on digitising and indexing available cartographic material and validating them for accuracy we deliver an enhanced resource that can provide a new understanding for these maps, given their political and economic message. Finally, in this article we offer some reflections on the possible propaganda role the atlases may have played, as the accurate map building role of the ECD does not only assert technical mastery, but also makes a statement of control over the mapped territory.

Recovering Bathymetry Using BP Neural Network Combined with Modified Gravity–Geologic Method: A Case Study in the South China Sea

The gravity–geologic method (GGM) is widely used for bathymetric predictions. However, the conventional GGM cannot be applied in regions without actual bathymetric data. The modified gravity–geologic method (MGGM) enhances the accuracy of bathymetric models by supplementing short-wavelength gravity anomalies with an a priori bathymetric model, but it overlooks the significance of actual bathymetric data in the prediction process. In this study, we used the BP neural network (BPNN), incorporating shipborne depth soundings and coastline data as zero-depth estimates combined with the MGGM to produce a bathymetric model (BPGGM_BAT) for the South China Sea (105°E–122°E, 0°N–26°N). The results indicate that the BPGGM_BAT model decreases the root-mean-square (RMS) of bathymetry differences from 154.33 m to approximately 140.43 m relative to multibeam depth data. Additionally, the RMS differences between the BPGGM_BAT model and multibeam depth data show further improvements of 19.63%, 20.10%, and 19.54% when compared with the recently released SRTM15_V2.6, GEBCO_2022, and topo_V27.1 models, respectively. The precision of the BPGGM_BAT model is comparable to that of the SDUST2023BCO model, as verified using multibeam depth data in open sea regions. The BPGGM_BAT model outperforms existing models with RMS differences of 8.54% to 32.66%, as verified using Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) bathymetric data in the regions around the Zhongsha and Nansha Islands. A power density analysis suggests that the BPGGM_BAT model is superior to the MGGM_BAT model for predicting seafloor topography within wavelengths shorter than 15 km, and its performance is closely consistent with that of the topo_V27.1 and SDUST2023BCO models. Overall, this integrated method demonstrates significant potential for improving the accuracy of bathymetric predictions.

Application of neural network for automatic symbol recognition in production of electronic navigation charts from paper charts

Abstract This research boarded on a novel initiative to replace the error-prone and labour-intensive process of converting Paper Nautical Chart (PNC) symbols to Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) symbols with a more efficient and automated manner using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The proposed method applies the Convolutional Neural Network and YOLOv5 model to recognise and convert symbols from PNC into their corresponding ENC formats. The model's competence was evaluated with performance metrics including Precision, Recall, Average Precision, and mean Average Precision. Among the different variations of the YOLOv5 models tested, the YOLOv5m version revealed the best performance achieving a mean Average Precision of 0 ⋅ 837 for all features. A confusion matrix was used to visualise the model's classification accuracy for various chart symbols, underlining strengths and identifying areas for improvements. While the model has demonstrated high ability in identifying symbols like ‘Obstruction’ and ‘Major/Minor Lights’, it exhibited lesser accuracy with ‘Visible Wreck’ and ‘Background’ categories. Further, the developed graphical user interface (GUI) allowed users to interact with the artificial neural network model without demanding detailed knowledge of the underlying programming or model architecture.

Piloting a patient navigation programme for individuals living with dementia, their care partners and members of the care team: protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation

IntroductionInternationally, the number of individuals living with dementia continues to rise. Individuals living with dementia, their care partners and their care team face many barriers and challenges to accessing dementia...

Perform assessment of COLREGs onboard a maritime autonomous surface ship: Narrow Channels and Traffic Separation Schemes

Abstract The usage of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships in coastal and heavily used maritime environments necessitates advanced navigation systems capable of fully complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 and not only open sea encounters. A significant challenge in this domain is enabling autonomous vessels to understand and navigate complex collision avoidance scenarios dictated by Rule 9 Narrow Channels and Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes. These rules are not well covered by research and only partial solutions have been proposed. To address this, we propose a ruleset for a system that can blend the traffic situation and geometric constraints extracted from Electronic Navigational Charts in S-57 format. The proposed ruleset extends our previous work on operationalization of COLREGs by introducing spatial features describing the maritime geometries relevant for traffic situations in Narrow Channels and Traffic Separation Schemes. We apply the ruleset to various traffic situations, showing how the inclusion of geometric context improves decision-making by reducing ambiguity and therefore enables the assessment of traffic situations and ship encounters in the vicinity of Narrow Channels and Traffic Separation Schemes. Our work outlines how the integration of spatial features into a rule-based system enables autonomous navigation capabilities of MASS for safe operations and compliance with maritime regulations.

Multi-granularity spatiotemporal object modelling of waterborne traffic elements

The electronic navigational charts are crucial carriers for representing the multi-source heterogeneous data of Waterborne Traffic Elements (WTEs). However, their layer-based modelling method has some shortcomings in expressing the multi-granularity features, complex relationships, and dynamic evolution of elements. This paper proposes an objectification modelling method for WTEs based on the concept of multi-granularity spatiotemporal object modelling. A classification system for waterborne traffic objects is developed based on the relevance of behavior to elements; combining characteristics of waterborne traffic, a data model for waterborne traffic objects is constructed from eight aspects: spatiotemporal reference, spatiotemporal position, spatial form, basic information, attributes, behavioral ability, structure, and associative relationships. An object extraction function is also established, extracting object attributes and relationships between objects according to different element classes. Taking the Jiashan section of the Hangzhou-Shanghai Line in Zhejiang Province as the experimental subject, the multi-granularity spatiotemporal characteristics, dynamic evolution, and relationship expression of channel class objects are tested. The experimental results show that the proposed method provides the theoretical basis and data organization mode for the multi-granularity expression of WTEs.

Geospatial indexing for sea–land navigation based on machine learning

The exponential growth of geospatial data has created a need for efficient data processing and indexing, especially for acquiring the required data around while traveling on land and sea. Machine learning based learned index has brought a new phase in the field of spatial data indexing on land and sea for fast and accurate acquisition of points of interest. Recently proposed spatial learned indexes and traditional spatial indexes are difficult to maintain their performance while traveling on land and sea due to high memory cost and time consumption. Considering the above issue, we propose SLIP, a novel in-memory spatial learned index. SLIP uses an optimized mapping function and a piecewise linear model to handle data updates (e.g., insertion and deletion) efficiently. Based on SLIP, we design a range query algorithm and a faster KNN(K-NearestNeighbor) query algorithm using the optimized radius expansion model to get the results more quickly. Experiments on real geospatial datasets and synthetic datasets used the electronic navigation chart software show that SLIP achieved an average improvement of 10x in query performance over traditional spatial indexes and state-of-the-art learned indexes. Therefore, SLIP provides an innovative idea for high-efficiency geospatial data processing and indexing, and offers an efficient method for acquiring the surrounding geographic data for future navigation on land and sea.

The Future of Coastal Navigation Safety in Egypt: Improving the Reliability of Electronic Charts

Abstract This paper investigates the integrity and reliability of electronic navigation charts (ENCs) used for maritime navigation along the Egyptian coast. Comprehensive assessments were conducted, focusing on critical stretches including the Suez Canal, Strait of Jubal, Aqaba Gulf entrance, and Hurghada Port access channels. The findings expose alarming accuracy gaps in these vital yet confined transit zones, with Category of Zone of Confidence (CATZOC) classification results indicating positional uncertainties exceeding five hundred meters. Such imprecision severely erodes navigational safety buffers for ships amidst intense traffic volumes. Meanwhile, proximity to delicate coral ecosystems and coastal communities raises the stakes for averting accidents. Responding to these urgent threats, promising initiatives are already underway between Egyptian agencies and international hydrographic bodies to systematically address ENC deficiencies through new surveys and data enhancements. Mandatory functionality checks, crew training, and compliance enforcement will also optimize the utilization of existing ECDIS installations. Sustained investments to upgrade this core informational infrastructure will help align the country's navigational framework with best practices for protecting life, property, and the environment. A multifaceted strategy tackling both human and technical dimensions across ships, ports, and shoreside administrators is essential for eliminating needless risk. Strengthening ENC integrity will provide Egyptian-flagged and visiting vessels with greater situational assurance when transiting confined waterways, while preventing devastating shipping accidents that could damage fragile marine ecosystems.

Analysis of the peculiarities of the method of combining an electronic cartographic navigation information system with a ship's radar station

The article analyses the importance of radar image overlay on the screen of an electronic charting navigation information system (ECNIS) for improving safety and efficiency of navigation. Based on a review of scientific publications and professional literature, the article discusses the technical aspects of the overlay function, its advantages and limitations, and the impact on the decision-making process of a navigator. The overlay of radar information on an electronic navigation chart ensures the integration of planned and actual data on the environment, which contributes to the increase of situational awareness of the navigator. The combination of the systems makes it possible to visually compare radar targets with cartographic objects, clarify the vessel's location, control drift and orientation, and detect navigation hazards. The overlay function is especially valuable when sailing in confined waters and in conditions of limited visibility. At the same time, the use of overlay technology is associated with a number of technical difficulties and limitations related to ensuring the accuracy of overlap, harmonisation of data formats, and synchronisation of information updates. Errors in the operation of positioning systems, direction guidance, and cartography errors can lead to inconsistencies in image layers and incorrect interpretation of the navigation situation. The issues of equipment reliability, display parameters settings, competence and training of navigators are of critical importance. It is emphasised that radar image overlay on ECDIS is an effective tool for improving safety of navigation, but it does not replace traditional navigation practices and does not eliminate the need for critical evaluation of data. Over-reliance on technology, ignoring its limitations and disregard for the principles of good maritime practice can lead to erroneous decisions and have a negative impact on safety. Further prospects for the development of technology can be associated with the improvement of information processing algorithms, optimisation of human-machine interaction, and the development of training methods. The article emphasises the need for an integrated approach combining the improvement of technical systems and the human factor to fully realise the potential of the overlay function in ensuring safety of navigation. Only a balanced use of technological innovations and traditional navigational practices can guarantee the reliability and efficiency of modern navigation

Collision avoidance for formation of autonomous ships using separation and recovery mechanism combine artificial potential field method

ABSTRACT It is essential to investigate the path planning and tracking problem for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). This study proposed an automatic collision avoidance method based on the separation and recovery mechanism with formation of MASS (F-MASS). First, the marine environment model utilized S-57 electric navigation chart (ENC) data for construction. The Scan-searching method was proposed for multipath and path-optimized redistribution method was developed to address MASS congestion. The formation pattern transformation was settled by separation and recovery mechanism. Considered the ‘unmanned–manned’ encounter situation, formulated avoidance strategies for both the MASS formation and manned ships encounters. Finally, the simulation experiment was carried out in the sea near Zhoushan port to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm. The results indicated that the method can satisfy the integrated operation of collision avoidance in a complex environment and can offer effective collision avoidance strategies for F-MASSs navigating in complex marine environments.

Optimal path planning for a ship in coastal waters with deep Q network

With the development of autonomous ships, complete automation of passage planning has become an imminent priority. However, existing A* algorithms have the disadvantage of generating paths close to land because they prioritize minimizing the navigation distance. Therefore, this study proposes a method based on a deep Q network to effectively implement reward-and-penalty strategies considering required navigation areas and non-navigable areas throughout the port-to-port distance. First, the Busan and Gwangyang Ports were selected as the target areas and a container ship was selected as the target ship. Initially, non-navigable and reward areas were designated based on the water depth and electronic navigational chart information. Thereafter, we conducted experiments using algorithms in three types of environments: normal conditions, turbulent weather, and obstacle-involved environments. Furthermore, we employed the Douglas–Peucker algorithm to eliminate excessive waypoints. Experimental results demonstrated that the path planning of a ship obtained using a deep Q network involved more efficient and safer decisions for ship navigation. Furthermore, the navigation distance was reduced by 1.77% compared to the passage plan used by actual ships. The proposed approach is advantageous for automatically deriving the optimal mid-range path of ships and can thus contribute toward improving maritime safety and efficiency.

Exploring the possibility of adding DGGS support to the S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model

reference systems. A DGGS is a spatial reference system consisting of multiple layers of grids with increasing resolution which partition the globe into polygon shaped cells of equal area. Individual cells can be easily identified and basic Geographic Information System (GIS) operations can be performed on data stored within the cells. Advantages of using DGGS for spatial data include the ability to integrate data layers of different data types in a statistically uniform way, the possibility to avoid distortions caused from projection, and the capability to scale analysis across multiple resolution levels. The benefits of using DGGS for hydrographic data, specifically Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) are examined. The addition of DGGS to S-100 would provide a uniform gridding system for ENC cells, and would eliminate distortions in the Polar Regions caused when projecting rectangular cells based on latitude and longitude. The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) led a pilot project for which one of the participants developed a server that offers S-100 marine protected area data organized according to DGGS. Because of this success and the availability of open-source software for the implementation of DGGS, the BSH (German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency) investigated the feasibility and possible benefits of using Discrete Global Grid Systems for S-100 data. The outcome was successful. However, it is recognized that DGGS as a standard is not yet advanced enough and the available software tools are inadequate for wide implementation. More investigation needs to be done, and additionally the best grid shape, orientation and aperture for a uniform grid for hydrographic data need to be determined. Overall, DGGS should be considered for future versions of S-100, the new universal hydrographic data model, because the benefits for ENCs and hydrographic data are clear and in the future, it is expected that DGGS will revolutionize GIS.

Dynamic Projection Method of Electronic Navigational Charts for Polar Navigation

Electronic navigational charts (ENCs) are geospatial databases compiled in strict accordance with the technical specifications of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a Geographic Information System (GIS) operated by ENCs for real-time navigation at sea, which is one of the key technologies for intelligent ships to realize autonomous navigation, intelligent decision-making, and other functions. Facing the urgent demand for high-precision and real-time nautical chart products for polar navigation under the new situation, the projection of ENCs for polar navigation is systematically analyzed in this paper. Based on the theory of complex functions, we derive direct transformations of Mercator projection, polar Gauss-Krüger projection, and polar stereographic projection. A rational set of dynamic projection options oriented towards polar navigation is proposed with reference to existing specifications for the compilation of the ENCs. From the perspective of nautical users, rather than the GIS expert or professional cartographer, an ENCs visualization idea based on multithread-double buffering is integrated into Polar Region Electronic Navigational Charts software, which effectively solves the problem of large projection distortion in polar navigation applications. Taking the CGCS2000 reference ellipsoid as an example, the numerical analysis shows that the length distortion of the Mercator projection is less than 10% in the region up to 74°, but it is more than 80% at very high latitudes. The maximum distortion of the polar Gauss-Krüger projection does not exceed 10%. The degree of distortion of the polar stereographic projection is less than 1% above 79°. In addition, the computational errors of the direct conversion formulas do not exceed 10−9 m throughout the Arctic range. From the point of view of the computational efficiency of the direct conversion model, it takes no more than 0.1 s to compute nearly 8 million points at 1′×1′ resolution, which fully meets the demand for real-time nautical chart products under information technology conditions.

Bleaching and drifting

This article describes the possibilities of art workshops which have been conducted in Fukushima Prefecture that were affected by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident on March 11, 2011. In coastal areas, many people experienced unexpected domestic migrations/relocations and unwelcome changes in their lives due to the disaster, moving multiple times and living in a state akin to drifting. In these workshops, participants recalled their history and context, created artwork as their navigational chart of life while rebraiding individual narratives with images, memories, and recollections that associated with objects as a part of hyperobjects of tsunami and nuclear disasters. For their complicated situation after the disaster, the workshops provided the opportunities to negotiate with objects as non-human things which have a longer lifespan than humans. It became the activities supporting peoples who lost the continuity of their lives with their hometown. These recovery and support programs through art workshops will be an ecosophic approach based on non-discursive, aesthetic, and ethic means to change the human-centric dominant paradigm.

METHODS FOR SATELLITE DERIVED BATHYMETRY FROM SENTINEL-2 IMAGES: A COMPARISON

Abstract. In recent decades, research has been developed to estimate near-shore bathymetry depth values using satellite imagery. Visible and infrared bands are used to derive elevation profile estimates, so to obtain bathymetric in rapid way without mobilisation of persons or equipment and saving the costs. For consequence, Satellite Derived Bathymetry (SDB) is seen as a valid approach for shallow waters survey: strongly supported by the activity of scholars and researchers, multiple methods are available in the literature. This article aims to investigate and compare different SDB methods for sea depth extraction from Sentinel-2 satellite multispectral images, with particular attention to the accuracy of the results. The experiments are conducted on imagery including Blue, Green, Red and Near Infrared bands, with 10 m resolution, concerning the Bay of Pozzuoli (Italy). After removing the glint, the effects caused by the reflection of sunlight through single scattering from sea surface, three methods are applied: Band Ratio method (BRM), 3rd-degree polynomial regression line method (3DPM), and principal component analysis method (PCAM). 3DPM can be seen as a variant of the BRM where the linear law that interprets the correlation between the band ratio values and the depth values is replaced by the third order function. Models are trained using depth data extracted from an Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) at 1:7,500 scale, which is also used to verify result accuracy. The experiments demonstrate that the 3DPM is better able to obtain a more precise bathymetric model, confirming the greater adaptability of the 3rd order function to interpretate the variability of the interaction of light with water along the water column.

New digital bathymetric model of Lake Onego (Verhne-Svirskoe reservoir): development, verification, application

A new digital bathymetric model of Lake Onego (Verhne-Svirskoe Reservoir) has been developed based on navigation charts. Verification of the model was carried out by comparing the modeled bathymetry with the cartographic materials, echo sounder measurements, and previous bathymetric models. Spatial resolution of the developed model is 50 m in plane and 2 m in depth. Despite these identified deviations in depth, the model has a good agreement between raster values and measured depth, which can be considered sufficient to calculate the main morphometric characteristics of the lake and solve other applied tasks. Morphometric characteristics of the water body (within the boundaries of the lake and reservoir separately) and its limnic regions were updated based on the developed digital model. In particular, values of the water area, water volume, average and maximum depth, littoral area (up to isobaths 2, 5, and 10 m) of limnic regions were specified for the first time based on the developed bathymetric model. The Central and South Onego are the largest regions by water area, while the Large Onego, the Central part of the lake and the Povenets Bay are the deepest. The largest areas of the lake in terms of the littoral area value are the Central part and the South Onego, while the maximum percentage of the littoral area was observed in the Kizhi skerriesand for most of thenorthern bays of the lake. The digital bathymetric model was applied to reconstruct the lake development in the post-glacial period, as well as in mapping the Quaternary deposits of the lake basin. The digital model can also be used as a basis for 3D modeling of geomorphologic, thermo-hydrodynamic and sedimentation processes.

Path Planning of Unmanned Surface Vehicle Based on Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm

In order to solve the problem of many constraints and a complex navigation environment in the path planning of unmanned surface vehicles (USV), an improved sparrow search algorithm combining cubic chaotic map and Gaussian random walk strategy was proposed to plan it. Firstly, in the population initialisation stage, cubic chaotic map was used to replace the random generation method of the traditional sparrow search algorithm to optimise the uneven initial distribution of the population and improve the global search ability of the population. Secondly, in the late iteration of the algorithm, the standard deviation of fitness is introduced to determine whether the population is trapped in the local optimum. If true, the Gaussian random walk strategy is used to perturb the optimal individual and assist the algorithm to escape the local optimum. Thirdly, the chosen water environment is modelled, and the navigation information of the original inland electronic navigation chart (ENC) is preprocessed, gridised, and the obstacle swelling is processed. Finally, the path planning experiments of USV are carried out in an inland ENC grid environment. The experimental results show that, compared with the traditional sparrow search algorithm, the average fitness value of the path planned by improved sparrow search algorithm is reduced by 14.8% and the variance is reduced by 49.9%. The path planned by the algorithm is of good quality and high stability and, combined with ENC, it can provide a reliable path for USV.

Overview of the Development of Nautical Charts

Nautical charts are one of the basic aids for safe navigation. Their development went through different phases and is related to the development of technology. The development of nautical charts has gone through certain phases. One can talk about the phases of the development of paper and electronic nautical charts. Paper charts have evolved from the dawn of maritime navigation (or from its earliest periods) to the advent of electronic charts. Recent technological developments have enabled the creation and use of electronic nautical charts in the formats of Raster Navigational Chart (RNC) and Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC). ENCs now take precedence over paper charts and RNCs and will gradually replace RNCs and paper charts on some types of SOLAS ships. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has developed standards for paper, raster, and vector charts. After developing standards for existing ENCs, the IHO has developed a set of standards called S-100 as the basis for developing a new type of ENC. These charts will soon replace the existing ENC. This paper provides an overview of the development of nautical charts with a particular emphasis on the IHO standards.

ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ТА ВРАХУВАННЯ СИСТЕМАТИЧНИХ ПОХИБОК ПРИ ВИМІРЮВАННІ НАВІГАЦІЙНИХ ГЛИБИН

The scientific study considers the issue of studying the features and determining the inherent values of systematic errors that occur when measuring navigation depths with multibeam echosounders, the elimination of these errors from the measurement results, which requires a special organization and methodology for performing multibeam echosounders tests. Systematic errors of navigation data can affect as on the magnitude of the depth itself, as well as on its planned position, and their influence should be evaluated after studying the angular measurements by echo sounder beams and calibration. The calibration of multi-beam systems, as well as the horizontal and vertical movements of the vessel, is much more significant and complicated compared to the calibration of single-beam systems. It is necessary to perform system accuracy control tests to confirm the reliability of multibeam echosounder data. These tests should preferably be carried out on board before taking depth measurements. For this, it is necessary to capture data, process and edit them in real time. Periodic performance of accurate calibration and testing is necessary to confirm that the multibeam survey meets the accuracy requirements. Multibeam echosounders calibration tests are performed with the aim of minimizing errors, taking into account the delay time of data acquisition, sea waves and changes in the ship's course. Keywords: multibeam echosounder, systematic errors, sensor calibration, hydrographic surveys, relief of the seabed, marine navigation chart, measured tacks, survey software.

The tasks for bathymetric investigations and cartographic support of the northern sea high latitude routes in the East Siberian Sea

The current state and issues of bathymetric investigations of the East Siberian Sea are examined in this study. The main sources of bathymetric data are characterized. The possibilities to solve these issues in order to improve the efficiency of the oncoming bathymetric investigation in the East Siberian Sea for supporting the urgent practical tasks of the Russian Federation concerning the Northern Sea high latitude routes are discussed. The importance of a new hydrographic investigation through the high latitude routes in the East Siberian Sea in order to provide the possibility of year-round navigation of the large-tonnage Arc7‑class icebreaking LNG carriers is especially emphasized. Compiling of the new coastal electronic navigation charts for the new Northern Sea high latitude routes is stated as one of the main priorities. The lack of coastal electronic navigation charts of the high latitude routes in the East Siberian Sea will present a challenge for the establishing of year-round navigation for high ice-capable Arc7‑class LNG carriers during the coming several years. The drafting of high latitude routes must also consider the seafloor gas venting in the East Siberian Sea. The satellite remote sensing data from passive microwave radiometers and optical sensors using «modis & amsr2» technology provided by the University of Bremen ensures the complementary observations of sea ice concentration in the eastern part of the East Siberian Sea. The re-analysis of data from microwave radiometers AMSR‑2 beginning from 2018 provides the conclusion about the autumn degradation of the Aion ice massif. The analysis of the sea-ice concentration of the Aion ice massif during autumn–winter of 2022, the most severe in the last 5 years, allows us to give a recommendation concerning the new high latitude route in the East Siberian Sea. This route passes along the northern coast of Vrangel island into the Chukchi Sea and it is more efficient for large-tonnage Arc7‑class icebreaking LNG carriers ensuring year-round navigation in the East Siberian Sea. It is stated that hydrographic investigations carried out on the sections of the Northern Sea Route must adhere to the requirements of the International Hydrographic Organization. The urgency of developing the state integrated bathymetric database for the Arctic Ocean including the Arctic Seas data along with the necessity of providing all Russian bathymetric data acquired in the Arctic region to the assigned national centre is discussed. The FKU 280 ZKP VMF is proposed as such national centre. The importance of coastal electronic navigation charts for the high latitude routes in the East Siberian Sea created on the basis of modern technology is emphasized.