T&T: Which electronic charts?

[2elnav at netbistro.com]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <djmarchand at cox.net>
In respect to uncharted hazards I think all systems have to rely on the NOAA 
data source and it can't get any better than that. You just have to hope 
that they picked up all of the data that NOAA has to offer.
>
Outside of the US I understand that some cartography vendors have 
commisioned their own soundings, but I don't have any feedback.
David


REPLY
This whole topic is going to get more and more muddy.   Vector charts  are 
in effect a data base  of objects  and requires an interpretive layer  or 
software package  between the raw database and the final displaye on the 
screen.
As competition and cost reduction pressures  due to that competition between 
suppliers  increase, you will see  cost cutting  and corner cutting.  At 
what point will that  become evident as a deficiency.
Claims that the charts are accurate with only  a 0.01% error rate may sound 
good but if you  strike  a pinnacle rock  that happens to be part of that 
miniscule  percentage of errors  you can still lose the boat.

Navigation markers that are seldom more than 50' out of place is not an 
acceptable  level  of precision.

One of the big advantages  of government Hydrographic Offices  has always 
been they did the job right  without cutting costs and corners.  When we 
allow private 'for profit' companies to take over,  what happens to 
accuracy?  Third party contractors are already doing some of the work 
formerly done by government employees.  Continued pressure from taxpayers to 
reduce government spending is already  resulting in  reduction of even 
essential services  within government departments.
Think about it. Your electronic charts  are now provided by the lowest 
bidder.  What assurance do you now have they kept all the quality control 
inspectors.   When the inspector retires, will a replacement be hired?

As for waters outside US domestic waters,   I can tell you  many  countries 
do not have the same capabilities as NOAA.     Food for thought.

Arild