September 11, 2006 05:11
Here's the reply I got from DNC
Quote:Thank you for submitting a request to the NGA Maritime Customer Database. The question/comment originally submitted is listed below along with a resolution.
Date Submitted:09/11/2006
Subject Matter: DNC
Question/Comment:
I have seen the DNC charts on your homepage, I would like to know if these charts are available or can be used by public for sailing? If yes which application is necessary to use these charts on Apple Mac computers running OS X? What is the difference between DNC and S-57/S-63 vector format ENC charts? Thank you very much in advance. Regards, Manou BILLA
Resolution:
DNC is in a format called VPF (Vector Product Format), which uses a table based georelational data model and supports GIS applications such as mission planning, command and control, and situational awareness. This data is primarily used by the US Navy, Coast Guard, and other DoD agencies. VPF format is just a different format than S-57/S-63 format and which does meet IHO requirements for navigation. As per the caveats on our homepage, DNC is approved for navigation for federal vessels only. Regulations for civil use of electronic chart navigation have not yet been issued for U.S. waters and CIVIL VESSELS ARE NOT TO USE DNC® FOR NAVIGATION. DNC® is being made available to the public for GIS use only. While we do have DNC for world-wide navigation for our military customers, only DNC in US waters can be made available to the general public due to copyright restrictions with foriegn countries. In regards to Apple Mac OS X compatability with DNC, I'm really not aware of any programs that run on this OS that is compatable with DNC. We do support Windows and UNIX OS, which is what our primary customer require. Hope this answers you questions.