Purpose of S52, S57, S61 and S63
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has published a number of publications that standardize how ENC data should be encoded, visualized and protected. S52, S57, S61, and S63 are all publications issued by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). They are all related to the electronic navigation and management of hydrographic data. The important ones with regards to ECDIS are given below:
S-57
S-57 (IHO Transfer Standard for Digital Hydrographic Data) is the standard used for the exchange of digital hydrographic data between national hydrographic offices and for its distribution to manufacturers, mariners and other data users. It defines how ENC cell data should be physically encoded to files.
S-52
S-52 (Specifications for Chart Content and Display Aspects of ECDIS) specifies how ENCs should be visualized on a map. It provides a symbology set and a number of rules that rigorously define how each individual object in an ENC cell should be displayed, by specifying the symbol, color and line style.
Also read: Uselessness of Non sparking tools as per ISGOTT 6th edition.
S-63
S-63 (IHO Data Protection Scheme) provides a mechanism to encrypt and protect ENC data from unauthorized use.
S-61
S-61 defines the minimum requirements for a raster navigational chart (RNC) to be used in the Raster Chart Display System (RCDS) Mode of Operation, as described in the IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS.
Together, S52, S57, S61, and S63 provide a comprehensive set of standards for the electronic navigation and management of hydrographic data. These standards are used by hydrographic offices, manufacturers, and mariners around the world to ensure the safe and efficient navigation of ships.
Click here to view the complete list of In-force IHO standards.
Ref: IHO Website
