We want to remind the public that as of December of 2024 NOAA will have fully transitioned to the NOAA Custom Chart (NCC) program for providing paper charts for US Waters. The NCC creates paper charts from NOAA’s Electronic Nautical Chart (ENC) database with an online system that allows users to define the area, size and scale of a chart and then download a printable pdf document. We are an official NCC provider and we can print and ship any chart created by the NCC. https://www.maptech.com/product/NOAA-custom-charts
As we approach the December 2024 end of the NOAA traditional paper chart suite, we also thought it would be good time to assure boaters that Maptech will continue to provide our charts, cruising guides and navigation software to the boating community.
NOAA’s position that maintaining a raster and ENC suite was duplicative and costly compared to maintaining one chart format is understandable. Creating paper / raster charts from the ENC vector database makes a lot of sense, as long as it is done properly.
Because ENC vector charts were created to display information when the user clicks on a chart feature, there is little guidance as to where the info will appear. This lack of guidance is not a problem on a screen but can cause chart information to appear in what many would call “the wrong” location when converted to a paper chart by the NCC program. NCC charts also often lack details that are found on traditional NOAA charts. (see traditional NOAA chart vs NOAA NCC chart comparison). NOAA traditional charts were created and maintained by cartographers who used professional judgment on how and where to place nav info labels so that they did not cover other important information.
Paper charts excellent at providing the “big picture”, are great for planning, and are also the ultimate “back up” in case of electronic failure. The US Coast Guard recognizes the importance of paper charts for safe navigation and continues to recognize them for carriage requirements on appropriate vessels. Paper navigation and piloting proficiency are included on most USCG captain’s license tests with a 90% minimum passing required. We feel that basic piloting skills are staples of safe navigation and should be compulsory for all boaters.
We have great respect for the excellent charts that NOAA has been producing for almost 200 years. We also respect and greatly appreciate the hard working and excellent NOAA staff. We understand that the current NOAA Coast Survey Leadership inherited the decision and timeline to shut down traditional NOAA charts from a previous administration.
The NCC program has improved greatly over the years and we have devoted significant company resources to assist NOAA in reviewing and improving the NCC. We feel there should be an increased urgency to correct the ongoing labeling and other serious issues since the NCC is now the only source for NOAA paper charts with correction dates beyond the last editions of the traditional charts.
If funding is the problem, we would welcome any ideas on how to procure additional funds for NOAA’s marine chart program so they can correct the problems with the NCC and once again produce raster / paper charts consistent with the excellent charts they have provided for decades.
