ENC stands for Electronic Navigational Chart, which is a digital chart used in the maritime industry for navigation and route planning. ENC is created using vector-based data, which allows for more accurate and precise representation of nautical features and navigational hazards.
Examples of features that can be found on an ENC include:
- Depth contours and soundings
- Buoy positions and characteristics
- Obstructions to navigation, such as wrecks and rocks
- Shoreline features, such as beaches and cliffs
- Navigational aids, such as lighthouses and beacons
- Port facilities and anchorages
ENCs are typically used with electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), which allow navigators to zoom in and out, add annotations, and overlay additional data, such as radar and AIS information. Unlike Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs), which are created by scanning and georeferencing paper charts, ENC data is created using mathematical formulas to represent the features on the chart, and is therefore much more versatile and flexible.
ENCs are an important tool for navigation in the maritime industry, as they provide accurate and up-to-date information on navigational hazards and other features. They are also required by international regulations, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which mandates the use of ECDIS on certain types of vessels.
ENCs must be kept up-to-date to ensure that they accurately reflect changes to navigational hazards and other features. This is typically achieved through the use of regular updates and corrections, which are provided by national hydrographic offices and other authorized sources.