RNC Test Data Sets

Annex A to S-64 e3.0.0: IHO ARCS-HCRF Test Data Sets

This Test Data Set has been produced for use when type approving ECDIS operating in RCDS mode (using data encoded in the HCRF format) as specified in the 3rd edition of IEC 61174, Annex H.

The data consists of a set of Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs) from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office's (UKHO) Admiralty Raster Chart Service (ARCS). The data may be used when type approving ECDIS systems operating in RCDS mode using either ARCS data or data from the Australian Hydrographic Service's Seafarer service, since both of these services use the same data format and encryption mechanism.

Because ARCS and Seafarer only use encrypted data within their services, the RNC data are also encrypted in a way that is compatible with both the ARCS and Seafarer services.

For ease of distribution, the test data is contained on a single ZIP file (47.5 Mb). However, to make the data conform to the HCRF specification, it must be split up into separate CDs before use. A total of ten (10) CDs are needed to hold the entire data set. Details for creating these CDs are provided with the test data set.

The ARCS-HCRF TDS package includes a readme file which must be read before proceeding with type-approving.

Annex B to S-64 e3.0.0: IHO BSB Test Data Sets

This BSB Test Data Set (32 Mb) has been produced for use when type approving ECDIS operating in RCDS mode (using data encoded in the BSB format) as specified in the 3rd edition of IEC 61174, Annex H.

The data consists of a set of Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs) provided by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The data may be used when type approving ECDIS systems operating in RCDS mode using either ARCS data.

The BSB File Format has been developed to describe and store raster image data and associated textual documentation.   This file format is capable of representing a wide variety of mapping and charting formats, however the BSB File Format is primarily used to represent nautical charts used for marine navigation purposes. 

BSB File Format - Test Dataset Instructions for RNC

In the United States, all nautical charts produced by the Office of Coast Survey, NOAA, are available in a raster format. Official NOAA raster charts conform to the BSB File Format Specification. 

A BSB File Format - Test Dataset Instructions for Raster Navigational Chart (RNC) has been produced to provide a description of the necessary checks and verification procedures required to properly use this type of data as a RNC. In conjunction with the development of this document, the BSB File Format Specification has been verified to be in compliance with the minimum requirements contained in the IHO Product Specification for RNC (IHO S-61). Similar to the United Kingdom's HCRF format used in ARCS, the BSB File Format is an official raster data that meets the requirements for the Raster Chart Display System (RCDS) mode-of-operation in ECDIS, as specified in Appendix 7 of the IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS. The BSB File Format Test Dataset Instructions for RNC also list the required checks/tests for RNC data to be used in conjunction with the RCDS mode of operation for ECDIS as described in IEC Publication 61174, 3rd Edition, Annex H.

The contents of the BSB File Format - Test Dataset Instructions for RNC include: - NOAA Chart #12221 (Chesapeake Bay Entrance) - Patch Updates (e.g., NTM, NCE, and CHT) - a ".pdf" file of paper nautical chart - supporting documentation (i.e., digital copy of the Test Dataset Instructions)

The BSB File Format - Test Dataset Instructions for RNC is a companion document to the publication entitled: BSB File Format, Version 3.0, Revision 3.07. This document is provided to companies who become licensed, Value-Added Developers (VADs) with NOAA. The BSB File Format - Test Dataset Instructions for RNC document is subject to the same terms and conditions that are required for VADs. As such, companies or organizations that intend to use the RNC Test Dataset Instructions should first have in place a BSB File Format VAD Agreement (license) with NOAA.

NOAA may be contacted via: http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/