ION Technical Content
Where in the World Are We (II)?
| Abstract: | In 1986 the author presented a paper at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Institute of Navigation entitled “Where In The World Are We?“. The paper described the chaos caused by the publication of paper charts on a variety of datums and spheroids inconsistent with the accuracy available from modem electronic positioning systems. Less than 10 years later, with that problem still not completely resolved, he is moved to describe another chaotic situation, this time in the realm of electronic charts. Electronic charts have existed for over 40 years. Today they are available in a variety of forms. The simplest are little more than monochrome sketches on very small screens. The most complex are prototypes of full color, extremely detailed charts, available from government authorized hydrographic offices, and displayed on very large, very high-resolution screens. Other systems represent almost everything in between. No matter how capable or detailed, the electronic chart is just a means to the end of safe navigation. This premise led Sperry Marine in 1984 to begin the development of an integrated bridge system. Even initial systems were comprised of three or more computers linked by a local area network. The growth of these systems over the next ten years in response to customer demands, and the eventual development of international standards is described. Electronic charts and the systems on which they may be displayed can be divided into three categories; commercial, Electronic Chart System and Electronic Chart Display and Information System. The characteristics and complications caused by each will be discussed. The most recent integrated bridge system developments at Sperry Marine have been in response to the chaotic electronic chart situation and demands for integration within the bridge of even more ship systems. |
| Published in: |
Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1994) June 6 - 8, 1994 Antlers Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs, CO |
| Pages: | 287 - 293 |
| Cite this article: | Roeber, John F., "Where in the World Are We (II)?," Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1994), Colorado Springs, CO, June 1994, pp. 287-293. |
| Full Paper: |
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