RNC is a shortcut for --->'Raster Navigation Chart'.
RNC stands for Raster Navigational Chart, which is a type of electronic navigational chart (ENC) used in the maritime industry. RNCs are digital versions of traditional paper nautical charts, and are used by navigators to plan and monitor a ship's course during a voyage.
RNCs are created by scanning and georeferencing paper charts, and are typically provided in raster format, which means that they consist of a series of pixels that represent the colors and symbols of the original chart. Unlike vector-based ENCs, which are created using mathematical formulas to represent the features on the chart, RNCs do not contain embedded data that can be used to automate navigational tasks.
Examples of features that can be found on an RNC include:
- Depth contours
- 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
RNCs are typically displayed on a computer screen using 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. RNCs can also be displayed on portable devices, such as tablets and smartphones, using specialized apps.
While RNCs are a useful tool for navigation, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of navigation, and should always be used in conjunction with other navigational aids, such as GPS and traditional paper charts. Additionally, RNCs must be kept up-to-date to ensure that they accurately reflect changes to navigational hazards and other features.