ChartWorld has taken advantage of bathymetry derived from multi-spectral satellite imagery to detect thousands of underwater objects. This information was used to make hidden shoals visible to mariners and to transform what was a pilot project into a Global Service. Learn more at cio-plus.chartworld.com.
The accuracy of depth information in navigational charts can vary. Its quality depends on the age and accuracy of individual surveys. Remote areas tend to be surveyed less well and less frequently.
Mariners must take CATZOC into account when planning routes and when vessels are sailing with ECDIS/ENCs. But in recent years, several cases have been reported in which taking too little regard of CATZOC has contributed to groundings.
In the area researched (South-East Asia), during the pilot project conducted by ChartWorld and EOMAP (Earth Observations and Environmental Services, www.eomap.com), 4724 shoals were detected. Out of 381 isolated dangers marked in ENCs, only 92 (!) were able to be matched – others are potentially at another location.
Now ChartWorld are proud to introduce a StayAway Service, integrated into CW’s Chart Information Overlay, CIO+.
• The overlay shows the real extent of underwater features, rather than showing them as points in ECDIS data
• The service can be implemented for route planning and for ECDIS-alert functions, marked as “StayAway areas” that must be avoided.
• So far, the StayAway service is available for two regions – the Caribbean and South-East Asia. Technical feasibility (water clarity) for other regions, e.g. the South Pacific, is currently being analysed. Other criteria are low CATZOC classification and the level of vessel-traffic density.
