Developing a Prototype Paper Chart from an IENC Database
The Lower Mississippi River Inland Electronic Navigational Chart (IENC) development
process relies on maintaining numerous CARIS databases that export S-57 Exchange Sets.
These databases and exchange sets constitute our most complete consolidation of USACE
navigational data and most up-to-date product.
However, the Corps also produces hard copy navigation folios in a separate production workflow,
from separate GIS and CAD databases, with tools suited for paper chart production. Ideally, all
navigation data suitable for producing both IENCs and hard copy
products should reside in a single database and software environment adapted to producing efficient
updates to both product lines. Interestingly, this parallel electronic chart and paper chart workflow is
a common problem being addressed by numerous charting authorities.
USACE produces hard copy charts as many plates bound into a folio.
The 1998 Lower Mississippi River
folio has 153 plates, and the
1999 Atchafalaya River
folio has 40 plates. This product format is expensive to print and it does not lend itself to
incremental updates to reflect changes to navigational conditions or chart corrections.
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IENC-to-Paper Chart Prototype Detail |
Our demonstration project addressed both technical issues to current the chart production and updates.
We also had a goal of offering an alternative paper chart format
to facilitate faster updates and less expensive printing, to include possible Print-On-Demand services.
Paper Chart Prototype Project Results
The prototype was designed to join to the NOAA Mississippi River Chart 11370 and continue up river to
approximately Mile 324. All landforms and river features were derived from the comparable IENC database
and then additional cartographic layers were created.
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IENC to Paper Chart Prototype - Front Panel
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IENC to Paper Chart Prototype - Back Panel |
Download Chart Prototype PDF Files
These prototype front and back panels are the common Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) and
they may be downloaded to review on-screen or in printed form.
The product is targeted for double-sided printing and accordion folding.
The full size print is 16" high x 57" long; but segments
can be easily printed on small inkjet printers.
Public Comments Welcome
Please review the prototype chart for the following suggested criteria:
- Suitability for Navigation
- Sufficient Feature Information
- Suggested Additional Data
- Usability of Product Physical Size and Scale
- "Download-ability" and "Print-ability"
- Desired Update Frequency
- Other Comments and Suggestions
Acceptability for Navigation
This prototype is distributed for evaluation purposes. It does not
eliminate the government paper chart carriage requirement, as required by the Code of
Federal Regulations, 33CFR164.33.
Prudent mariners should ascertain that they have the latest navigational data prior to use.
Hydrographic data is subject to rapid change, due
to several factors, including, but not limited to dredging activity,
natural shoaling & scouring processes. The Corps of Engineers
cannot accept responsibility for uncharted hydrographic conditions
that develop after chart publication dates.
Contact
Ralph A. Scheid
Technical Manager
Mississippi Valley Division IENC Development
New Orleans, LA
(504) 862-2995
Ralph.A.Scheid@usace.army.mil
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