NOAA Adds Vector Charts in Agreement with Maptech

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Maptech, Inc. have successfully negotiated an expansion of their existing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement to include a new and advanced generation of vector electronic navigational charts (ENC). Under the expanded agreement, NOAA will produce highly accurate and up-to-date ENC "data" for the major U.S. ports. This data, and already available raster data, will be the foundation for a new chart product for the marine industry. Maptech will enhance and repackage the NOAA data into ENC chart "products" designed to meet the specific needs for commercial and recreational marine customers. The ENC products will be distributed in the S-57 format established by the International Hydrographic Organization. These products will be produced according to IHO and NOAA specifications, and will be considered as "official electronic navigational charts" for U.S. waters.