Database Concept for Integrated Navigation Information System

Abstract

Navigation information is necessary for safe and efficient ship handling. Ship navigators must pick up manually necessary navigation information from a vast amount of them. In this paper, we propose automatic retrieval systems for Japanese nautical charts and sailing directions using an engineering work station (EWS), and develop its prototype. These systems are composed of general purpose database, unified retrieval algorithm and user-friendly interface. The database of nautical charts retrieval system is composed nautical charts attribute data of 781 sheets of Japanese nautical charts in Japan adjacent waters. When the system operator inputs main points of departure, arrival and altering points on the general chart in the EWS's graphic display by its mouse pointer device, the system retrieves necessary charts for the inputted course line. The database for sailing direction retrieval system is composed of 'Seto Inland Sea' sailing direction. The mentioned items of sailing direction are classified to 2,000 areas and items. When the system operator selects the item of operation menus in the graphic display, the system can retrieve and show the necessary information of the sailing direction in the graphic display. When the operators use these systems, they can reduce the operation time compared with manual operation. Of course, they can get necessary navigation information from the database without omission.