DIGITAL NAUTICAL CHART IMPROVEMENT WORKING GROUP (DNCIWG) The National Imagery and Mapping Agency has formed the Digital Nautical Improvement Working Group (DNCIWG) to identify specific changes to the format and content of the Digital Nautical Chart (DNC) product that could improve its producibility, maintainability and utility. The goals of the working group include: (1) Development of a new version of the DNC Military Specification that will support the following: (a) Enhance utility of DNC in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) using IHO S-52 specified symbology; (b) Further harmonization of DNC in Vector Product Format (VPF) and Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) in IHO S-57 format; (c) The electronic transmission of digital updates for fielded DNC data; (d) Capture, storage and maintenance of only one instance of any given DNC feature; (e) Enhanced utility and display of text features and text attributes; (f) Production of hardcopy products or special graphics from DNC data; (g) Expanded capability for meeting future user requirements. (2) Removal of inconsistencies between DNC and other Vector Product Format (VPF) products. (3) Development of an implementation strategy and schedule that will make maximum use of existing DNC data in the creation of Version 2 DNC data. Membership in the DNCIWG is limited to U.S. Government and NIMA's foreign government partners. However, the DNCIWG is also requesting contributions from individuals from industry familiar with DNC who have recommendations for improving the DNC product. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Colby Harmon by e-mail at harmonc@nima.mil or by writing to: National Imagery and Mapping Agency; ATTN: TESB, C. Harmon, D-65; 4600 Sangamore Road; Bethesda, MD 20816-5003 for additional information. Posted 03/02/99 (I-SN303736).

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