Chart Compatability is a function of three main factors, the chart type, the chart data format and the chart display sytem. Basically the correct type and format of nautical chart needs to be bought for any given chart display system if it is to function correctly.

Looking at each aspect in turn:

Chart Type

Every chart type, for example, a normal ENC port ENC, or an inland ENC, has its own set of objects and symbols. In order for these to be displayed correctly the chart display system must be compatible with the type of chart concerned. Therefore, the first step is to check (with the manufacturer if necessary) that the chart display system is compatible with the type of chart to be used.

As an example, the user manual and documentation confirms that SevenCs chart display system, CEACT is fully compatible with inland ENC standard 2.1.

Chart Data Format

Most chart display systems are limited to using certain chart data formats. Some of these formats, such as S-57/S-63, are internationally defioned standards and others, such as SevenCs "directENC", are proprietary. In order to load and display correctly charts must be in an appropriate chart data format for the chart display system that is being used.

ChartWorld sells digital nautical charts in two main chart data formats -  standard S-57/S-63 (S-57 is the base format and S-63 is encrypted S-57), and the propriatary SevenCs format, "directENC" or dENC. However, not all charts are available in all chart data formats. If unsure which chart data format you need, check with ChartWorld before ordering.

S-57/S-63

S-57/S-63 is the primary format for all type-approved ECDIS systems that meet IMO/SOLAS chart carriage requirements. In general, all digital nautical charts by sold by ChartWorld in S-57/S-63 format can be loaded and displayed on any type-approved ECDIS. However, as previously mentioned, some specialised digital charts, such as Inland ENCs or Port ENCs, contain symbols and objects that may not be recognised by a specific ECDIS. Therefore, if the user is unsure whether their system can display these charts, they should contact either ChartWorld or their system manufacturer before ordering specialist charts.

DirectENC

DirectENC or dENC is a chart format which is specific to ECDIS or ECS systems that use the SevenCs EC2007 ECDIS Kernel AND that have been enabled by their manufacturer for SENC data. A list of known compatible systems is available on this website, but the user can also contact either ChartWorld or their system manufacturer before ordering dENC charts.

Where applicable, dENC charts usually load into and ECDIS or ECS much faster and with less user intervention than S-57/S-63 charts.

Chart Display Systems

The final element is the chart display system itself. Simpler and cheaper systems, such as chart plotters and leisure marine GPS systems will usually only support chart data that is provided in a dedicated, proprietary chart data format. More expensive systems, such as professional ECDIS and ECS systems, are able to support chart data in a variety of formats, depending upon the specific system concerned. 

Chart data from ChartWorld is mainly aimed at professional ECDIS and ECS chart display systems:

ECDIS - Electronic Chart Display and Information System

An ECDIS is a ship borne electronic navigational device designed to display digital nautical charts that is tested and type-approved to international standards and may be used, in conjunction with appropriate ENCs and backup arragements, as a means of primary navigation. The use of ENCs in a type-approved ECDIS and with appropriate back up arrangements, is the only paperless chart option for SOLAS vessel navigation.

All ECDIS systems are required to be able to load and display digital nautical charts in standard S-57/S-63 format, and some systems may also accept data in a proprietary SENC format.

ECS - Electronic Chart System

An ECS is any ship borne electronic navigational device that is designed to display digital nautical charts but is not tested and type-approved as an ECDIS. An ECS may be used as an aide to navigation by a SOLAS vessels but cannot be used as a primary means of navigation or to satisfy SOLAS chart carriage requirements.

ECS system are widely used in non-SOLAS applications and as they are not type-approved they can incorporate special features that meet particular application requirements, such as portable pilot units. 

Many ECS systems use proprietary chart data formats and do not accept digital chart data in standard S-57/S-63 or dENC format.