Navigational Charts Research Articles

Precision in Determining Ship Position using the Method of Comparing an Omnidirectional Map to a Visual Shoreline Image

This paper summarises research that evaluates the precision of determining a ship's position by comparing an omnidirectional map to a visual image of the coastline. The first part of the paper describes the equipment and associated software employed in obtaining such estimates. The system uses a spherical catadioptric camera to collect positional data that is analysed by comparing it to spherical images from a digital navigational chart. Methods of collecting positional data from a ship are described, and the algorithms used to determine the statistical precision of such position estimates are explained. The second section analyses the results of research to determine the precision of position estimates based on this system. It focuses on average error values and distance fluctuations of position estimates from referential positions, and describes the primary factors influencing the correlation between spherical map images and coastline visual images.

Spatial Prediction of Coastal Bathymetry Based on Multispectral Satellite Imagery and Multibeam Data

The coastal shallow water zone can be a challenging and costly environment in which to acquire bathymetry and other oceanographic data using traditional survey methods. Much of the coastal shallow water zone worldwide remains unmapped using recent techniques and is, therefore, poorly understood. Optical satellite imagery is proving to be a useful tool in predicting water depth in coastal zones, particularly in conjunction with other standard datasets, though its quality and accuracy remains largely unconstrained. A common challenge in any prediction study is to choose a small but representative group of predictors, one of which can be determined as the best. In this respect, exploratory analyses are used to guide the make-up of this group, where we choose to compare a basic non-spatial model versus four spatial alternatives, each catering for a variety of spatial effects. Using one instance of RapidEye satellite imagery, we show that all four spatial models show better adjustments than the non-spatial model in the water depth predictions, with the best predictor yielding a correlation coefficient of actual versus predicted at 0.985. All five predictors also factor in the influence of bottom type in explaining water depth variation. However, the prediction ranges are too large to be used in high accuracy bathymetry products such as navigation charts; nevertheless, they are considered beneficial in a variety of other applications in sensitive disciplines such as environmental monitoring, seabed mapping, or coastal zone management.

Classification of rocky headlands in California with relevance to littoral cell boundary delineation

Despite extensive studies of hydrodynamics and sediment flux along beaches, there is little information on the processes, pathways and timing of water and sediment transport around rocky headlands. In this study, headlands along the California coast are classified to advance understanding of headland dynamics and littoral cell boundaries in support of improved coastal management decisions. Geomorphological parameters for 78 headlands were quantified from geological maps, remote-sensing imagery, navigational charts, and shoreline geospatial databases. K-means cluster analysis grouped the headlands into eight distinct classes based on headland perimeter, bathymetric slope ratio, and the headland apex angle. Wave data were used to investigate the potential for sediment transport around the headland types and determine the efficacy of the headland as a littoral cell boundary. Four classes of headland appear to function well as littoral cell boundaries, with headland size (e.g., perimeter or area) and a marked change in nearshore bathymetry across the headland being relevant attributes. About half of the traditional California littoral cell boundaries align with headland classes that are expected to perform poorly in blocking alongshore sediment transport, calling into question these boundaries. Better definition of these littoral cell boundaries is important for regional sediment management decisions.

CONFINED WATERS MANOEUVRING: CONFIDENCE MEASUREMENT OF TAIWANESE DECK OFFICERS

Navigational charts have been officially digitised for merchant shipping since 2010. Using an electronic chart is not as straightforward as using conventional paper charts. However, electronic charts provide a more efficient and sophisticated means of exchanging information for bridge system operators. Mariners should know how personnel aboard many vessels use navigational information. In this study, deck officers were invited to participate in a simulation experiment. A scenario of the entrance of a vessel into a busy fairway was simulated, and the participants were divided into two groups. The experimental group was allowed to use an electronic chart, and the control group had to use a conventional means of navigation. Significant differences were observed in the sweeping area and extent of the cross track error. The participants made fewer mistakes and had greater confidence in handling vessels when their precise position was electronically displayed. In addition, the participants were willing to receive information from an electronic chart system and, thus, felt comfortable when sailing in confined waterways.

Estimation of Shallow Water Depth Using HJ-1C S-band SAR Data

This paper presents a shallow water depth estimation methodology using S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the HJ-1C satellite. It is based on the shoaling and refraction of long surface gravity waves as they propagate shoreward. A two-scale Bragg scattering model is used to describe the imaging process of long waves by SAR. By computing the Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) for the selected sub image, wavelength and direction of the long wave can be retrieved from the two-dimensional (2D) spectra with wave tracking technology. Shallow water depths are then obtained from the linear dispersion relation with the calculated angular wave frequency obtained from other sources or first guesses of initial water depths or wave periods. Applicability and effectiveness are tested in the near-shore area of the Fujian province, China. Comparison between the derived results and water depths from an Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) indicates that HJ-1C SAR is capable of higher resolution underwater topography detection, and the methodology can be used for shallow water depth estimation with good accuracy. The average absolute error and average relative error of the estimated results is 0·86 m and 11·05%, respectively.

MICROVEGA (MICRO VESSEL FOR GEODETICS APPLICATION): A MARINE DRONE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF BATHYMETRIC DATA FOR GIS APPLICATIONS

Abstract. Bathymetric data are fundamental to produce navigational chart and sea-floor 3D models. They can be collected using different techniques and sensors on board of a variety of platforms, such as satellite, aircraft, ship and drone. The MicroVEGA drone is an Open Prototype of Autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel (AUSV) conceived, designed and built to operate in the coastal areas (0-20 meters of depth), where a traditional boat is poorly manoeuvrable. It is equipped with a series of sensors to acquire the morpho-bathymetric high precision data. In this paper we presents the result of the first case study, a bathymetric survey carried out at Sorrento Marina Grande. This survey is a typical application case of this technology; the Open Prototype MicroVega has an interdisciplinary breath and it is going to be applied to various research fields. In future, it will expect to do new knowledge, new survey strategies and an industrial prototype in fiberglass.

Using smooth sheets to describe groundfish habitat in Alaskan waters, with specific application to two flatfishes

In this analysis we demonstrate how preferred fish habitat can be predicted and mapped for juveniles of two Alaskan groundfish species – Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) and flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon) – at five sites (Kiliuda Bay, Izhut Bay, Port Dick, Aialik Bay, and the Barren Islands) in the central Gulf of Alaska. The method involves using geographic information system (GIS) software to extract appropriate information from National Ocean Service (NOS) smooth sheets that are available from NGDC (the National Geophysical Data Center). These smooth sheets are highly detailed charts that include more soundings, substrates, shoreline and feature information than the more commonly-known navigational charts. By bringing the information from smooth sheets into a GIS, a variety of surfaces, such as depth, slope, rugosity and mean grain size were interpolated into raster surfaces. Other measurements such as site openness, shoreline length, proportion of bay that is near shore, areas of rocky reefs and kelp beds, water volumes, surface areas and vertical cross-sections were also made in order to quantify differences between the study sites. Proper GIS processing also allows linking the smooth sheets to other data sets, such as orthographic satellite photographs, topographic maps and precipitation estimates from which watersheds and runoff can be derived. This same methodology can be applied to larger areas, taking advantage of these free data sets to describe predicted groundfish essential fish habitat (EFH) in Alaskan waters.

Modernizing the Datums of the National Spatial Reference System

AbstractThe National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) is the official coordinate system for all geospatial activities performed by civilian federal agencies of the United States, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's navigational charts. Two of the datums that make up the bulk of the NSRS, the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), were created with the most accurate surveying technology available in the 1970s and 1980s. However, analysis over the last decade has proven that both datums contain systematic errors at the few meters level. While there have been improvements to these datums over the years, they have all been restricted to adjusting subsets of coordinates within the datum, rather than replacing the datum itself. However, the rise of near-real-time positioning technologies at the few centimeter level has made it no longer viable to maintain the two datums.The National Geodetic Survey is engaged in a decade-long effort to prepare the NSRS user community and collect the necessary data to define two new datums that will not only replace NAD 83 and NAVD 88 but also reduce the overall reliance of those two datums on passive control. The two new datums are expected to be completed and jointly released in 2022.

Viewing Moby-Dick through the Lens of the Charles W. Morgan

Viewing Moby-Dick through the Lens of the Charles W. Morgan Peter Norberg I was fortunate to be on the second leg of the 38th Voyage of the Charles W. Morgan, an outbound reach from Newport, Rhode Island, to Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. I chose this leg of the voyage because it would overlap the course Melville sailed aboard the Acushnet and then follow in the imaginary wake of the packet schooner, Moss, which carried Ishmael and Queequeg from New Bedford to Nantucket. When the Morgan crossed the mouth of Buzzard’s Bay and sailed up Vineyard Sound, it would traverse both the actual and the imaginary routes Melville traveled and perhaps provide an opportunity, in the words of Nathaniel Hawthorne in “The Custom-House,” for “each [to] imbue itself with the nature of the other” (Hawthorne, Library of America Collected Novels, 149). To what extent would the historically accurate workings of a whaleship help me better understand the aesthetics of an epic novel that was inspired by the business of whaling? To answer this question, I planned to stage readings of passages from Moby-Dick that could be associated with material aspects of the ship and to capture video that could be embedded in an online module designed to supplement a range of courses in which Moby-Dick is taught at my institution, and perhaps beyond. My initial goals were modest: to create video illustrations for chapters like “The Line” or “The Try-Works,” while having other voyagers and crew members read relevant passages from these chapters in real time. This was primarily an experiment in pedagogy designed to discover the extent to which the Morgan could be used as a material source for understanding Melville’s novel. I intended to treat the Morgan as a source for Moby-Dick, but I learned that Melville’s novel is itself a potent source for scholars, informing and inspiring their work across a range of disciplines. When I described my project to the other eight voyagers onboard, I was surprised to learn that five of them had brought along their personal copies of Moby-Dick. More surprising still, each person had a favorite chapter that referenced source elements related to their own scholarly interests. The cetology chapters embody what I call an aesthetic of curiosity: these chapters mark moments when a range of intellectual pursuits intersect and inform one another, fueling the sort of critical, speculative thinking that leads to innovation. [End Page 120] Click for larger view View full resolution Peter Norberg at the wheel of the Charles W. Morgan en route to the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Photo courtesy of Peter Norberg. For example, Jason Smith, a historian interested in how cartography was used to define the ocean in commercial and strategic terms, was excited to read from chapter 44, “The Chart.” With a sea chest to serve as desk, and a variety of props including navigational charts “borrowed” from the Captain’s quarters, a sextant and compass, and a copy of Nathaniel Bowditch’s American Practical Navigator, Jason read up through the footnote describing the chart prepared by Lieutenant Matthew Fontaine Maury that recorded sightings of right and sperm whales. Joe Forbrich, a playwright and actor, gave an intense reading of the section of chapter 45, “The Affadavit,” that references Owen Chase’s Narrative of the Shipwreck of the Whale-Ship Essex. Joe’s most recent work, a play that dramatically brings to life Chase’s story of survival, was due to premiere the following night at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, and he grabbed my battered copy of Moby-Dick eager to find the passage that showed his and Melville’s common inspiration: “I have seen Owen Chase, who was chief mate of the Essex at the time of the tragedy; I have read his plain and faithful narrative; I have conversed with his son; and all this within a few miles of the scene of the catastrophe” (NN Moby-Dick 206). [End Page 121] Jamie Jones, a cultural critic interested in the history of whaling, read movingly from chapter 87, “The Grand Armada.” Jamie’s research focuses on the cultural afterlife of the whaling industry, and...

Bathymetry Mapping Using Landsat 8 Satellite Imagery

Bathymetry is the science of determining the topography of the seafloor. Bathymetry data is used to generate navigational charts, seafloor profile, biological oceanography, beach erosion, sea level rise, etc. A number of methods are available for determining ocean bathymetry, using either active sensor such as sonar, lidar or passive multispectral imagery such as Ikonos, WorldView and Landsat. Determining the bathymetry using sonar and LiDAR is very expensive, while Ikonos and Worldview are commercially available multispectral satellite platforms whereas Landsat satellite imagery provides a free and publicly available data. Therefore, the present study makes an attempt to determine the bathymetry mapping of the southwest coast of India (13° 0’ 0” N and 74°50’ 0” E) by applying the ratio transform algorithm on the blue and green bands of Landsat 8 satellite imagery. The statistical indices such as R2, RMSE and MAE are computed between the algorithm derived value and the hydrographic chart sounding value. The result shows a good correlation between the algorithm derived value and hydrographic chart sounding value.

Electronic Navigational Chart as an Equivalent to Image Produced by Hypercatadioptric Camera System

Abstract This paper presents a dynamic hyperboloidal mapping model aimed at building image of electronic navigational chart which constitutes an equivalent to that obtained from a hypercatadioptric camera system. In the 1st part, space and three reference frames located in it are defined. These are: the observer frame and horizontal topocentric frame considered secondary (both connected with water-surface platform), and the geocentric frame, primary one. The 2nd part provides description of a way of interconnection between the observer frame and horizontal topocentric one as well as of determination of their location in relation to the geocentric reference frame, depending on course and position of water-surface platform. In the final part is presented a model of panoramic image mapping in the observer reference frame and principles of generating ENC image by using dynamic hyperboloidal mapping. Finally, conclusions indicating possible applications of the developed model are presented.

Fusing Multiscale Charts into 3D ENC Systems Based on Underwater Topography and Remote Sensing Image

The purpose of this study is to propose an approach to fuse multiscale charts into three-dimensional (3D) electronic navigational chart (ENC) systems based on underwater topography and remote sensing image. This is the first time that the fusion of multiscale standard ENCs in the 3D ENC system has been studied. First, a view-dependent visualization technology is presented for the determination of the display condition of a chart. Second, a map sheet processing method is described for dealing with the map sheet splice problem. A process order called “3D order” is designed to adapt to the characteristics of the chart. A map sheet clipping process is described to deal with the overlap between the adjacent map sheets. And our strategy for map sheet splice is proposed. Third, the rendering method for ENC objects in the 3D ENC system is introduced. Fourth, our picking-up method for ENC objects is proposed. Finally, we implement the above methods in our system: automotive intelligent chart (AIC) 3D electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS). And our method can handle the fusion problem well.

E-Navigation-supporting data management system for variant S-100-based data

Currently the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is taking the lead in developing e-navigation as an information service framework. E-navigation supports sharing, harmonization and utilization of various marine and marine-related data both shipboard and onshore. Recently, the IMO adopted the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)'s S-100 as the basis of the Common Maritime Data Structure (CMDS) of e-navigation. Thus, the various data are to be provided to e-navigation services in formats consistent with the S-100 data model. E-navigation services, in order to provide appropriate information to users, utilize and harmonize many kinds of S-100-based data such as Electronic Navigation Chart (ENC) data, bathymetric data, tidal data, meteorology data, radar-image data, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. In e-navigation, data management systems dealing with S-100-based data facilitate e-navigation services' harmonization and utilization of the various S-100-based data. In this paper, we present an S-100 data management system that deals with various S-100-based data. We designed the system by generalization of the System ENC (SENC) kernel that manages S-101 ENC data. For development of a data management system that supports the management of various kinds of S-100-based data, we analyzed the characteristics of the S-100 data model and S-100-based data products. The S-100 data management system is designed to store S-100-based feature-oriented geographic data in the form of pairs.

The tidal energy potential of the Manukau Harbour, New Zealand

A renewable source of electricity generated near the demand in Auckland might help defer investment in grid infrastructure, avoid grid transmission losses and help achieve the target for renewable energy mix in New Zealand. The tidal energy at both ends of the entrance channel to the Manukau Harbour is calculated based on navigation chart current speed data. Calculation is done using the kinetic energy flux method, and a farm method calculation is used for comparison purposes.The peak current speeds are modest: 1.35 and 1.80m/s. These give estimated extracted electricity results of 7.2 and 7.9GWh/year for flux method and 13.3 and 11.2 GWh/year for farm method. This electricity could supply about 900–1400 New Zealand homes and is similar to the generation output of a small wind farm. Factors affecting feasibility for a future tidal energy project in the Manukau Harbour include New Zealand electricity demand changes, technology maturity, and environmental effects – especially on rare dolphins. The study concludes that the resource is sufficient to support a small-scale distributed generation project after technology costs reduce. A strong case is made for investment in another more detailed study in 2017.

Development of a System for Transmitting a Navigator's Intention for Safe Navigation

For the past three decades, ship-to-ship collision accidents have steadily increased on the coast of South Korea by about 20% annually. Marine accidents have become more likely and more devastating in areas with increasing marine traffic and rising numbers of high-speed ships. Over 30% of the marine accidents in South Korea are concentrated in spring, since Korea's coast is often covered in dense fog at this time of the year. Fog is generated when a large temperature range exists within a day, and this daily temperature range has increased due to abnormal weather conditions. This research proposed a system for transmitting a navigator's intention utilizing electronic methods. A navigator's intention was expressed on the electronic navigation chart for easier understanding of the surrounding situation, and the effectiveness of the system was verified through practical tests.

Web-based Implementation for Marine Casualty Information on Google Map

Safety navigation of vessels is always the most important issue in maritime field. Recently, according to increasing the use of electronic equipment onboard, the requests for safety related information services have been growing up. To support this, International Hydrographic Organization suggests the concept of common maritime data structure. Since 2010, S-100 standard and relative product specifications have been defined as a part of that concept, covering the electronic navigational chart data and safe navigation related data. In this paper, we introduce an empirical application of S-100 standard, applied to marine casualty information. We analyze marine casualty cases reported in Korea for recent four years, make XML documents with schema design and then implement an application to present the marine casualty information on google map.

Generating 3D Depiction for a Future ECDIS Based on Digital Earth

An Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) is a two-dimensional abstraction and generalisation of the real world and it limits users' ability to obtain more real and rich spatial information of the navigation environment. However, a three-dimensional (3D) chart could dramatically reduce the number of human errors and improve the accuracy and efficiency of manoeuvring. Thus it is important to be able to visualize charts in 3D. This article proposes a new model for future Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and describes our approach for the construction of web-based multi-resolution future ECDIS implemented in our system Automotive Intelligent Chart (AIC) 3D ECDIS, including multi-resolution riverbed construction technology, multi-layer technology for data fusion, Mercator transformation of the model, rendering and web publishing methods. AIC 3D ECDIS can support global spatial data and 3D visualization, which merges the 2D vector electronic navigational chart with the three-dimensional navigation environment in a unified framework and interface, and is also published on the web to provide application and data service through the network.

Determining Ship Position In A Harbour Based On Omnidirectional Image Of The Coastline

AbstractThe following article presents researches aimed at the evaluation of precision in determining a ship’s position through comparing a omnidirectional map image to a real vision image of the coast line. The first part establishes the thesis and preparatory forms in conducting the research. It also presents designed and built equipment including a research tool software. A system equipped with a spherical catadioptric camera that aids data collection on board ship designated to processing and analyzing data collected on board in connection with the spherical images of an electronic navigational chart with a software module. The second part explains procedures followed in conducting the research. The foreword note explains the procedure in data collection aboard a ship maneuvering in the port after which the algorithm for position placement and precise parametrical count was presented. The concluding part shows analyses of obtained research result. It bears a performance on the evaluation of precision at determining position. As a measure, an average error value and distance fluctuation of obtained position from referential position. As our conclusion, primary agents having rudimentary influence on the quality of correlating spherical map image to coastline visual image were characterized.

Design of a Chart-Based Radar Simulator Augmented with a Multi-Agent Ship Traffic Simulation Platform

This paper presents a radar simulation system developed under a request to deliver a radar and an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) for the navigation bridge of a ship maneuvering simulator. It is designed to dynamically generate radar image based on the electronic navigational chart database and sensor information to provide flexibility in navigation area for exercise and maintain consistency with other sensors or systems of the bridge, especially the ECDIS. Since the successful delivery of our study, the radar simulation system has been augmented with a Multi-Agent Ship Traffic (MAST) simulation platform and evolved into a versatile platform for training as well as research and development.

Semiotic evaluation of Lithuania military air navigation charts

Abstract Research of semiotic aspects Lithuanian military air navigation charts was based on the semantic, graphic and information load analysis. The aim of semantic analysis was to determine how the conventional cartographical symbols, used in air navigation charts, correspond with carto-linguistic and carto-semiotic requirements. The analysis of all the markings was performed complex and collected by questionnaire were interviewed various respondents: pilots, cartographers and other chart users. The researches seek two aims: evaluate information and graphical load of military air navigation charts. Information load evaluated to calculate all objects and phenomenon, which was in 25 cm² of map. Charts analysis showed that in low flight charts (LFC) average information load are 4 - 5 times richer than in the operational maps. Map signs optimization on LFC has to be managed very carefully, choosing signs that can reduce the load of information and helps for the information transfer process. Graphical load of maps evaluated of aeronautical maps is not great (5 - 12%) and does not require reduction the information load and generalization of charts. Air navigation charts analysis pointed that not all air navigation sings correspond carto-semiotic requirements and must be improved. The authors suggested some new sings for military air navigation chart, which are simpler, equivalent to human psychophysical perception criteria, creates faster communication and less load on the chart.