Electronic Navigational Charts

The need to use navigational data in a quicker and more efficient way, together with the development of electronic and information technology, led to the creation of Electronic Navigational Charts, standardized digital databases providing better navigational aids.
An ENC is an official database created by a national hydrographic office to be used with an Electronic Chart Display and Information System, ECDIS, in compliance with IMO (SOLAS 1974 as amended) performance standards and carriage requirements.

More simply, it is an interactive version of the traditional official paper chart.Different kinds of information can be layered one on top of the other and displayed according to the different needs.

Istituto Idrografico della Marina developed the first prototype in the late 90’s and, after a trial period on board a number of IT Navy units, ENCs started to be produced.

Displayed on the ECDIS, an Electronic Navigational Chart looks like a traditional paper chart, but simply by clicking on a feature the navigator can get all the relevant details.
In addition to the information available in traditional charts – geographical, hydrographic, geophysical data, restricted areas, traffic separation schemes, navigational aids and so forth – ENCs provide information traditionally present in other nautical publications, such as Sailing Directions, Port Charts, List of Lights, list of Radio Signals. ENCs can also include photographs of the coast and other data which are not present in paper charts.

Istituto Idrografico della Marina developed the first prototype in the late 90’s and, after a trial period on board a number of IT Navy units, ENCs started to be produced.

IIM ENC portfolio provides for all purposes of navigation, from scale charts covering Italian waters, coasts and major harbours to small scale charts covering the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Currently it amounts to approximately 250 charts.
For a complete list of available ENCs, click here.
Easy updating is one of the most important features of electronic charts. ENCs are continuously updated, based on the Notices to Mariners issued by IIM. Upon subscription, users receive updates in the form of files and need only to upload them.
Distribution and sale of electronic charts and updates by IIM is carried out through licensed distributors.