Dynamic environment charting-the next stage for marine electronic navigation

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Dynamic environment charting-the next stage for marine electronic navigation

Fennessy, M.J.

Digital electronics have caused massive changes to navigation technology in the latter half of the twentieth century. This paper presents an alternative view to much of the commentary on the future of electronic navigation. It is written from a small craft perspective, although the principles are of value to commercial and naval shipping. Essentially, it proposes the development of environmental simulation as the basis for computer-hosted charting systems on vessels. This is drawn from the author's experience of developing the DyGeo system for environmental simulation, of which the navigation version forms a part. It stresses that much of the additional data we have placed on charts this century has been cultural in content, and necessitates a large bureaucratic system for its maintenance. An environmental system requires different types of input, but can be largely self-maintaining. The advent of the inexpensive, portable, personal computer has put this sort of facility in the hands of the leisure mariner as well as professional navigators.