Inland ECDIS is the system for displaying an electronic navigational chart Inland ENC based on a database containing objects and attributes. The geographical data are stored as vector data, thus guaranteeing the detailed and correct representation in all resolutions. A major advantage is the simple updating procedure. When geographical data change, only those changes made are stored in the respective file. In combination with the use of vector graphics, the size of files - and in particular those of updates - can be kept low.

Electronic navigational charts (so called ENCs) provide display opportunities in different steps of detail:

1. Display base contains information on

  • river banks
  • fairway
  • groins
  • buoys
  • notice marks
  • locks and bridges etc.

2. Display standard contains information on

  • hectometre marks
  • areas with limited use
  • anchorage and berth areas etc.

3. Display others contains information on

  • cities
  • buildings or streets

An important advantage of Inland ECDIS is the possibility of retrieving information on the objects by clicking the icons. For example, it is possible to click on a lock in the chart to retrieve Information about its contact details and opening times.