AutoRouteFinderFrequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the chart coverage areas?
A: World Coverage of Vector charts CM93 version 3 from C-Map. All harbour plans, Approach, Coastal, Ocean passage charts. Can also read official electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs) in SENC format.
Q: Which data is used for the Chart catalogue?
A: The chart catalogue shows the paper chart coverage from National Hydrographic offices whose data is used in the compilation of the electronic chart database.
Q: Where do I get new editions database and chart corrections?
A: Subscribers receive complete new chart databases 3 times per year on CD. The database contains new editions of existing charts and completely new charts which have been digitized. In addition the user can receive all the relevant chart corrections for his charts via email or via an internet connection. The chart corrections are applied automatically and the whole process takes around 5 minutes per week including transmission time.
Q: What chart projection is used?
A: Projection format is shown in the chart information window. Generally it is Mercator. The scale of the chart presentation is infinitely variable. The original scale of the paper chart and the "best" scale can be selected.
Q: What is the accuracy between electronic chart and paper chart?
A: The C-Map electronic charts are as accurate as the paper chart, possibly more accurate. For example, the ship may be using UKHO paper charts based on less detailed source data than that available on charts produced by the local Hydrographic office. The local charts are used by C-Map. The C-Map electronic chart production method is certified by DNV to ISO 9002. Remember however that paper charts are subject to huge variations in accuracy depending upon their source data and survey techniques.
Q: What chart orientation can be used?
A: Since Admiral uses vector charts the chart orientation can be North Up, Course Up or Route Up depending on personal preference.
Q:
What is the different between electronic vector chart and paper chart?
A: Chalk and Cheese. Totally different concept. For one thing the electronic charts are much more flexible. Electronic vector charts have the possibility to de-select unwanted charted information, such as deep water cables and pipelines, small boat facilities etc. This clears the chart view of unnecessary clutter. The C-Map vector charts can be updated automatically and electronically which is certainly not true of paper charts.
Q: Describe the Automatic Route Planner?
A: By entering the name of the port of departure, the destination and any number for ports of call in between the Admiral system will automatically generate a suggested route. The waypoints of this route can be edited by the navigator to meet his vessel's requirements.
Q: What hardware and software is require or minimum requirement of your system?
A: Admiral generally supply the hardware and software as a package. Where just the software is required the minimum computer specification is a Pentium 3, 800MHz, 256 Mb Ram, 64 Mb Graphics card, Windows 2000, 1 USB port and 1064 x 768 resolution colour screen.
Q: Which specification does your system comply with?
A: Admiral is designed in accordance with ECDIS specifications but to date has not been type approved to meet the chart carriage regulations. This gives us more flexibility to offer new features and improved hardware as it becomes available without going through the type approval process again.
Q: Can I scroll the chart on the display?
A: Screen view can be scrolled in any direction. Offset the cursor position and hold down the right mouse button and the screen will scroll towards the cursor.
Q: What type of screen of your systems are used?
A:
12”, 15”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 23” TFT flat screens or 15”, 17”, 19”, 21” CRT monitors.
Sunlight viewable transflective, waterproof, high resolution screens in 12", 15", 17", 19" and 23" versions.
Q: What devices can be interfaced to your system?
A: DGPS/GPS, ARPA, AIS, Compass, Log, Autopilot, Depth sounder, Anemometer, Sonar, Radar Overlay, Video In and Video Out - ALL at the same time.
Q: Can I get information on symbols on the chart?
A: Every single object contained in the database has its own identity and visible objects can be interrogated using the cursor. An information window opens showing for example the light characteristics of a light house, the type of sea bed, the cautions in force for the area.
Q: Can I print the current screen view?
A: Print current screen view, print chart, print route, print waypoint table, print route schedule, print critical point list.
Q: Can I continue from one chart to another on the display?
A: Seamless and fully automatic. Chart boundaries can be shown if desired.
Q: What tide table information is available?
A: Tide table for the entire world. A calendar is available for forward planning. The cursor is used to display the HoT and time. High water, Low Water times and heights and curve displayed. Times of Civil Twilight and sunrise and sunset are also shown. Tidal streams are shown as vector arrows indicating direction and speed.
Q: Can I make pan or zoom into the chart?
A: By creating a window with the cursor the screen will zoom automatically to the area enclosed by the window. A second "Look ahead" window showing a different scale of chart can be shown over main chart view.
Q: What type of vessels can use your system?
A: Users range from 30Ft Police patrol vessels to 300,000 ton VLCCs. There is an Admiral system for every vessel and almost every budget.
Q: What alarms are there in your system?
A: Navigation hazard alarm indicated navigational features within a defined sector ahead of the ship. The sector width is adjustable between 5 degrees and 90 degrees either side of ship’s head. The distance ahead is defined in terms of time and is therefore dependent upon the ship’s speed. As you go faster the sector extends automatically.
Lost sensor alarms activate if a sensor signal is not received by the computer within a definable period. A variety of other alarms can be selected as required by the ECDIS specifications.
Q: Can I control the screen panel brilliance or brightness?
A:
There are several different screen pallets to cope with various ambient lighting levels. Day, Dusk, Night, Day high contrast. On TFT screens panel brilliance is controlled further by a dimming control knob. On CRT screens the screen menu must be accessed to dim the output. On laptops and office flat screens dimming of the backlight is not possible and these screens are not practical for navigation at night, nor are they bright enough for use in bright daylight..
Q: Can I store the marks, events, waypoints, chart, own ship’s data and informations on hard disk?
A: The log function records everything the system does. This data is stored on the hard disk and can be archived on external media. A replay function enables the screen view to be displayed between any two points in time. Mariner's Notes function allows personal notations to be made on the chart.
Q: Are range and bearing markers available?
A: Three range and bearing markers related to the ship are available. A further range and bearing marker can measure distance and bearing from and towards the ship or from and towards a selected point to another selected point. The ship’s position is constantly plotted on the chart. The current voyage information is shown in a window to the right of the chart. The system can be connected to an autopilot and will maintain the ship’s position on the navigational track. Routes can be created by typing in the coordinates of existing passage plan waypoints or by using the cursor to position waypoints. These can be erased, moved or new points added at will. A virtually unlimited number of waypoints and routes can be created. Routes can be exported to diskette for use on other vessels or emailed to the office.
Q: Can I receive the weather forecast and display it on the chart screen?
A: The 10 day weather forecast is supplied by the European Medium Range Weather Centre. Subscribers to the service define the area of the forecast they require on the screen prior to sending the weather update request. This ensures the volume of data to be transferred is limited to the area of interest. The data can be received via email or via internet connection. The forecast is displayed and animated on the chart screen. Pressure isobars, Wind speed and direction, significant wave height (in metres), Precipitation (in millimetres per hour), Temperature and Current are all selectable. Tropical storm reports and projected tracks are also available.
Q: Can I see a demo of your system?
A: To discuss the options contact David Morton.
Q: Can the sea bed be displayed in 3 dimensions?
A: A 3D window can be displayed which shows the ship's position in the 3D window. The next generation of C-Map charts, due in the Autumn of 2004, will include land topography allowing above water contours to be presented as well.
Q: Will ships in the vicinity appear on the chart?
A: Both ARPA and AIS contacts can be presented on the chart display. They are also recorded in the log book.
Q: What type of computer printer need to use with your system?
A: Any colour printer if you want to print chartlets and screen views. A black and white printer will suffice if you just want to print route and schedule information.
Q: Do you have a brochure about the Admiral system?
A: We have a variety of data sheets and a brochure available.
