Sea Information Systems Limited

Microplot Mariner 7 ECDIS

Operators Manual
Oct 2004. Ver 7.4.

Email: [email protected]
Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1- Introduction 1
About Microplot ECDIS 1
ECDIS 2
Start- up 4
On screen Help 4
Chapter 2- Program control 7
Screen functions 7
Range controls 14
Hotkeys 17
Keypad 18
Screen save, print & log 19
Chapter 3- File system 21
Introduction 21
Back- up & Copy 21
Files dialog box 22
Chapter 4- SENC- Official vector 25
Legal equivalence to paper systems 25
Installing 27
Using 29
Corrections 42
Chapter 5- Editing user data 47
Man Overboard 47
General information 48
Lines 51
Marks 54
Chapter 6- RNC- Official Raster (ARCS & Seafarer) 57
Introduction 57
Contents
Installing 58
Loading 66
Chart Overviews 72
Licence & permits 73
Chapter 7- Routes & Route monitoring 75
Routes 75
Importing routes 81
Waypoints 83
Marker main functions 85
Marker additional functions 88
Track save & display control 91
Route verification 96
Route monitoring 102
Chartwork 113
Alarm controls 118
External alarm unit 124
Voyage plan report system 124
Marker formulae 127
Chapter 8- RNC- Official Raster (BSB/ NOAA) 131
Introduction 131
Installation 131
Loading 132
Chapter 9- Unofficial vector (C- Map) 135
Installation 135
Ordering 138
Updates 142
Using. See Also Chapter 4 144
Chapter 10- Targets 149
Targets 149
Display control 149
Target Alarms 153
Contents
AIS Targets (Automatic Identification Systems) 154
Chapter 11- Echo Sounder 157
Sounder 157
Echo sounder features 158
Chapter 12- Backup system 159
Introduction 159
System description 160
Contents
Chapter 1- Introduction
1
Chapter 1- Introduction
About Microplot ECDIS
Microplot 7
Version 7 is 32 bit software package written in Delphi (object orientated
visual Pascal) and certificated for the Windows XP platform. Built on over
15 years experience in plotting and electronic software systems, Version 7
has been designed and coded to ISo9001 TickIT standards, audited by SGS.

Settings
Microplot retains settings in a file called micplot.ini. In addition, every 5
minutes during a session, a save of configuration is made to micplot.ini in the
program directory. This is deleted on normal exit when a save is made
automatically (see also manual save) to the Windows directory as normal.
On restart, if micplot.ini is found in the program directory, this is loaded.
This system ensures that, after power failure or computer crash, the
configuration (within 5 minutes of the failure) can be reloaded.
ECDIS Software Version control
1. Click on Help > About MP7 from top menu bar. Note version number,
compare against type approval certificate.
2. For S-57 charts (cells), load an official SENC chart and choose Charts>
Chart Information. Check details concerning the last update installed.
Ensure current.
3. For RCDS charts, if installed, open a chart e.g. click on Charts > RNC
(ARCS); click on selected chart and then on Open. Click in Charts >
Chart Information and note the date/number of the last update CD.
Ensure current.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
2
Microplot 7
Your distributor will provide users of Microplot with technical support and
electronic charts of the formats supported by SIS. Check in on
www.ecdis.co.uk for latest details

ECDIS
What is an ECDIS
ECDIS is an acronym for Electronic Chart Display and Information System.
At its simplest, an ECDIS consists of a database of electronic charts,
together with the hardware and software needed to display simultaneously
the charts and the ships own position (obtained from a GPS or another
positioning sensor), and to perform navigational tasks such as route planning,
route monitoring, measurement of distances on the chart, etc. One of the
most important features of ECDIS, that makes it a unique aid to navigation,
is the capability of generating alarms (anti-grounding, off route, etc.), based
on input from sensors and analysis of chart information.
Type Approval Of ECDIS
It is the responsibility of Classification Societies (in the case of this product
Dent Norske Veritas- DNV) to test electronic charting systems that claim to
be ECDIS, and assess whether they are compliant with all relevant standards.
The publication known as IEC International Standard 61174, issued by the
International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), provides guidelines for
testing
Chapter 1- Introduction
3
Legal Equivalency With Paper Charts
In order for an ECDIS to be the legal equivalent of paper charts, the
following conditions must be true:

The ECDIS must be type-approved.
There must be a back-up.
It must be capable of showing official ENC data
The ENC must be up to date
IEC 61174
Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment systems
Electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS)Operational and
performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results.
Systems that comply with all requirements get a Type Approval certificate
from the Classification Society, and can be legitimately called ECDIS.
Approval- Hardware
All the Microplot Mariner system hardware listed below has been approved
by statutory bodies as suitable for ECDIS systems:-

Cert No A- 7627
Microplot Keypad
Navaid Interface Unit
External Alarm Unit
Hewlett Packard Vectra
Barco monitor

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
4
Start- up
Startup sequence
To avoid un-necessary alarms the following sequence is recommended.

1. Switch on all navaids, radar gyro echo sounder etc.
2. Switch on the computer, which will boot and log on straight to Microplot.
3. Switch on External Alarm unit.

Shut down
To close Microplot, choose File> Exit Microplot off the top menu bar.
When choosing this option, Microplot will shut down you computer as well
as the software. This is a requirement of ECDIS systems. There is a double
gate exit (are you sure and then are you really sure)
Installation
Microplot will be fully installed by a qualified engineer by the time you
come to use the system. Re-installation in an emergency should only be
attempted with direct communications support from qualified personnel.
Other aspects for integrating bridge equipment into Microplot are detailed
elsewhere in the manual.
On screen Help
Description
The Help file consists of a table of Contents and an Index. (You can also use
the Find option, but this should only be used after the Index or Contents
options have not taken you to the right point. The information symbol can
be pressed for information on the heading subject and always opens a
window underneath the main help window. The Tab symbols at the top can
be clicked on and open the listed subject. Clicking on the browse button
when on the first tab of a section will take you to the next section. Sometimes
there will be more tabs- click on the arrow icon to move left or right. The
Help windows always stay open, unless they are pop up hypertext links.
However most pop up windows are also accessible as right hand windows
either through the index or the scroll bars.

Chapter 1- Introduction
5
Microplot 7
Help can be accessed either by

1. Clicking on the Help button in the dialog box. In this case you get a
reqproduction of the dialog box. Click on the item of interest to get the
help
2. Clicking on the ? symbol in a dialog box and then clicking on individual
item on the dialog box
3. Clicking on Help off the top menu bar.

2355
Window description
The Main Help Window has an Index, Back, Print and Scroll bars. Above
this you will see a menu bar that has an option CONTENTS. This gives a list
of all the main topics in Microplot. Back will take you back through all the
options you have previously chosen. Other help windows will have only print
and browse buttons. These scroll buttons will take you through topics related
to the subject you are currently on, except when you have clicked on a
Contents option on the main Contents Window; in which case they take you
through all the contents.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
6
Hypertext links
These are activated by any text that is coloured green either pop-up, See
Note or jump to a right hand window. Pop-up windows do not stay open if
you click on any other function, either in the program or in Help.
Annotation
If you wish to add your own comments to the Help system, you can do so but
only to the Left hand windows. From the Help tool bar choose Edit>
Annotate and type in your notes. Thereafter they will be marked by a green
paper clip symbol at the top right of the help text displayed and you can save
them as well.

There are other options accessed by this menu bar and it is suggested that
you explore them.
Chapter 2- Program Control
7
Chapter 2- Program control
Screen functions
View.
Use the View option on the main menu bar to select what is displayed on the
right side of the screen and to activate scroll bars and hotkeys . Scroll bars
are not available if an ARCS chart is not selected. Click on the option
required to display/ not display the ticks. Microplot Mariner has three
orientations: Chart up (RNC) Leg up & North up, all in True Motion. The
orange North indicator is shown at top left. Microplot provides, on one
screen of at least 270mm x 270mm, the facilities to display information for
both route planning and route monitoring. This is shown on one physical
display of 21inches diagonal, (with 64000 colours and screen resolution of
1600 x 1200 0r 1280 x 1020 pixels), which is clearly visible to more than one
observer in conditions of light normally experienced on the bridge of a ship
by day or night. All text on the ECDIS is readable from at least a metre. Text
uses sans serif non italic type fonts throughout. Microplot Mariner does not
use the strike through zero symbol.

1077
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
8
Menu structure
Microplot has been designed to sound ergonomic principles reflected below,
with one screen acting for both route planning and route monitoring
purposes. All windows containing text, diagrams, etc which are
superimposed on Microplot are temporary and relocatable, except for the top
menu bar.. Mariners information panels on the right hand side use only the
colours prescribed for user interface colours from the presentation library
colour tables. Right click anywhere on the main screen (except in a dialog
box) to access a quick menu for items needed frequently.
1305

All windows maybe removed in a single operator action by hitting [reset
screen] at top right. This function also sets the screen to ownship on ECDIS
Standard display. Access to the main functions of the program is done
through the Selections menu. The windows-based design of the operational
controls of Microplot are such that the program is quick and easy to use for
those not necessarily familiar with computers. Inadvertent operation of the
screen and keypad controls is minimised.

Chapter 2- Program Control
9
Tool Bar
This is accessed by the View option on the main menu bar and displays a
removable icon tool bar at the right of the screen under the hotkeys. This can
be programmed so that the items listed in View> Main tool bar> [items] can
be added. All grey scale icons cannot be moved from the tool bar.

Screen movement
To centre screen around the marker, move the marker to required location,
choose the cross icon. To centre screen around own ship hit the reset ship
icon , (F10). Both marker and ship will appear at centre screen. To view
previous settings, right click anywhere on the main screen and choose Go
back/ forward.

With ARCS you may scroll the screen up, down, left and right using the
scroll bars (View> scroll bars). Note that when using the scroll bars user
data will be wiped as it goes off the screen; use the cross icon for a refresh.
Use View> pan tool for large movement scroll. (Also if you move the arrow
icon to the edges of the screen a broad arrow will appear. Click the left
mouse button to move the screen in the indicated direction.)
Shape to ownship
In File> Files choose the Navigation files Tab and click on shape. For quick
acces add to tool bar with View> main tool bar). This shape is already
prepared for you before installation and is restricted access to the authorised
person on board. Then choose Selections> Ownship> select shape [Alt 5].
Clear by use of Selections> Ownship> clear shape [Alt 0]. (See Note)
When ownship's shape is in use, the ECDIS double circle is not used. When
zoomed out such that maximum dimension is less than 40 pixels, length is set
at 40 pixels. NOTE this will be adjusted to suit approved screen size with
1600 x 1200 resolution.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
10
Screen auto-reset
To automatically centre screen around ownship, use the reset icon, (Ctrl A);.
In addition in the Display Tab accessed with the icon on the tool bar (or
Selections> Menus> M7 settings, Auto-reset can be selected in various
modes. a/r ON (OFF) appears on status bar.

1420
When in centred mode, the screen will reset every 6 seconds to keep ownship
just to the right of centre. Depending on speed of computer, chart system in
use, and amount of user data on screen, this mode may be found to be
unsuitable.
Screen auto reset (Normal mode)
To re-centre screen around ownship, back along your CMG, use the icon on
the tool bar. In addition in the Display Tab of Selections> Menus> M7
settings, Auto-reset can be selected in two modes, normal and centred, (a/r
ON (OFF) appears on the status bar at bottom of screen). When in centred
mode, the screen will reset every 6 seconds to keep ownship just to the right
of centre. Depending on speed of computer, chart system in use, and amount
of user data on screen, this mode may be found to be unsuitable.

Chapter 2- Program Control
11
For automatic reset in off-centre mode Set up as follows:- Click on the
square off-centre icon. Position the marker at the point on the screen where
you wish ownship to be when screen should reset- hit the Reset At button.
Now place the marker where you want the ship to reset to- hit the Reset To.
View these limits use Options button. This box will automatically reposition
itself according to your course, and cause the ship to reset accordingly.
Hitting the toolbar centre-at-ownship button a second time will centre the
screen at ownship rather than at an offset position.
Auto screen reset does not happen if:-
In chart overview or during edit.
The screen is reset to the marker directly or zoom from overview
The screen is moved using scrollbars or arrows

Auto reset mode returns on the first occurrence of:
30 seconds has passed without mouse movement
The screen is reset to ownship
The screen is forced to reset using the toolbar button
Auto-reset is switched OFF and then ON.
1422
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
12
Status Bar
This is situated at the bottom of the screen and displays:-

error information on chart systems
general information on the status of Microplot.

1077b
These two modes are operated by the reset and clear buttons. Status-Bar
hints are used to clarify each item's purpose and to give more information
about status. To read different hints, you have to move the pointer off the bar
and then back on to a new panel. The Navaid indicator shows (if available)
validity, number of satellites, and HDOP value and the depth reading shows
whether set-up, and if so, whether valid.
Chart Brightness
Brightness and palettes for all formats are controlled via the icon on the
tool bar (View> Icon), which accesses the Display Tab in Selections>
menus> MP7 settings, The three radio buttons control the palette (day, dusk,
night) and the sliders the dimming level. Extra radio buttons are available
for SENC and C- map, no dimming levels are available.

Chapter 2- Program Control
13
User data. You can access this using the icon on the tool bar (View>
Icon) at top right (or the Display Tab in Selections> Menus> MP7 settings).
Choose the scale brightness icon. Note that Marks text and number is drawn
in dark red with night palettes regardless of red/green/yellow selection. Red
is not dimmed for marks text or on buttons as it otherwise becomes
unreadable. Note- using these dimming tools can result in some chart
information becoming less obvious. Use Ctrl Space to revert to Dusk settings
On monitor call-up menu, check that settings for Brightness, Contrast and
Each of the colours the following are in line with installation information:
(use + and keys together to set defaults)

Dimming- Program & Dialog boxes
You can access this using the icon at top right (or the Display Tab in
Selections> Menus> MP7 settings). For the night palette you may choose
text in yellow, green or red. The dimming range is set at 1-30. Dimming is
logarithmic, so the last 10 settings (10 down to 1) reduce the minimum to .17
to .12 of full. Note that Marks text and number is drawn in dark red with
night palettes regardless of red/green/yellow selection. Red is not dimmed for
marks text or on buttons as it otherwise becomes unreadable.

1475
Range scale- Grid display
A Lat/ long Grid may be displayed by choosing Selections> Switches>
Screen Grid.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
14
Range controls
Range scales
Range is changed using the icons provided The range scale indicator is at
top left next to the Microplot Icon. A scale bar is also available. When in
miles mode, these scales are 6000 down to .5, and then in metres from 480m
down to 8m. When chart systems are in use the range scales may be
determined by manufacturers. If you right click on the screen in raster mode
(ARCS, BSB, seafarer charts), you can choose the largest or smallest scale
available.
Note- Standard display
This is only applicable when the first chart is displayed subsequent to
powering up the ECDIS system. The reset screen button at top right will
set the screen to standard display and no hotkeys, with the default scale of the
chart .
Range scale Go Back and Go Forward
The last 10 operations of range-change and screen re-centre are recorded. On
right-click, the pop-up menu has selections to Go Back [Ctrl BackSpace] and
Go Forward [Shift BackSpace]. This functionality includes the chart system
and chart in use, and whether using the low-res chart. When an intermediate
scale has been used by zooming to a block, this is also returned to.

Go Forward is only available after Go Back. If the screen is reset after Go
Back, then the new settings are the 'last' and Go Forward is not available.

Jumping the screen using the arrow icons or dragging a scrollbar slider are
recorded actions, but scrolling with scroll bars on raster charts is not.
However, left clicking after scrolling to redraw user data will record the new
position.
Range circle and rings
The range circle can be accessed by buttons provided in the marker window.
The range circle function causes a circle to move with ownship at a distance
equivalent to the marker distance from ownship when the function is
activated.
Range rings are accessed by the icon on marker window (if not visible
choose View> Tool bar off the top menu) or with the icon. It has three
modes: On, centred at the middle of the screen; On, centred and moving with
ownship; and Off.

Chapter 2- Program Control
15
Range scale bar
Scale bars are automatically set on the extreme left hand side of the screen.
At chart scales of 1/80000 and larger the one with the orange dividers
indicates a length of one mile with 1 cable (1/10
th
of a mile) sub-divisions. At
smaller chart scales the one with grey dividers indicates 10 miles with sub-
divisions of 1 mile, is shown below. In addition the North arrow and M for
meters is displayed on the right hands side of the chart at top and bottom
respectively. For scales of 1/80000 and above a latitude bar is displayed.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
16
2382

Chapter 2- Program Control
17
Zoom for vector chart data
Use Selections> Utilities> Zoom to block (create a hotkey) to start drawing
of a utility block. When using SENC, the 'sun' button becomes a magnifying
glass for this purpose.
Move the marker to complete the block, and the screen will both centre at the
block and set the scale equal to the vertical axis of the block, which is then
removed. The scale remains until range up or down controls are used. (This
zoom feature is not available with raster charts). After zoom, to simplify
further zoom, right-click will start another block.
Hotkeys
Hotkeys
Only items accessed via the Selections Menu can be hotkeyed; items inside a
dialog box cannot be made a hotkey. The hotkeys are displayed at the top of
the screen. They are accessed using View> Hotkeys option on the top menu
bar. There are three hotkey sets and you may .
1095
Hotkey sets.
In ECDIS you get two sets of hotkeys viewed along the top of the screen and
accessed with View> Hotkeys. Toggle between them by hitting the Set
button that appears at the right of the hotkeys. Set 1 is non programmable,
Set 2 is, except that the last two buttons (5 and 6) are not programmable in
either set. These two act as follows, dependent on chart format in use:-
In ARCS, 5= Load chart at marker, 6= chart info: In Vector, 5= Verify
current leg, 6= Spot details: No chart, 5= Chart switch, 6= Screen grid
Otherwise: Set 1. 1= Chartwork tools, 2= Clear look ahd, 3= ETA &
marker, 4=Target clear: Set 2. 1= Save screen, 2= Brg & Dist window, 3=
Fix create 4= Event mark. You can revert to these by hitting the default
button in the Prog setup Tab accessed with the icon at top right
Setting up hotkeys with the mouse or Tball
Hotkeys are provided to make the operation of the program easier. For
instance a different set of keys might be needed for route planning purposes
than those required during route monitoring. Set the hotkeys on by clicking
on View> hotkeys from the top menu bar.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
18
1. Move the pointer over the hotkey you wish to setup and right click. The
main Selections menu appears.
2. Move through the menu system till you arrive at the required selection
menu option you want to make a hotkey item
3. Click the left mouse button.
Mouse- right click repeats last left click
You may often be repeating commands, like mid point during lines edit. To
avoid sending the pointer back to the on-screen button, you can right click
the mouse button to repeat the last left click command.
Keypad
Introduction
Microplot 7 uses a dedicated keypad. It uses a special board on the PC,
supplied by SIS, to power itself and allow a serial mouse as well as the
trackerball to be used simultaneously. Timeout settings can be done in
Selections> MP7 settings, clcikomh on the Alarm icon and choosing the
Navaid tab
Keypad brightness control
You can access this using the icon at top right (or the Display tab in
Selections> Menus> MP7 settings), at bottom right of the dialog box.
Keypad hotkey control
Selecting hotkeys will turn on the hotkeys tool bar. Further presses change
the hotkey group. The hotkey functions on the screen correspond to the
numbers one to six on the keypad, starting from left on the screen.
Programming of hotkeys can only be done with the mouse or keypad
trackerball.
Keypad with Version 7

Key Microplot Windows
Tab Used to tab through dialog boxes. Same
Back Tab As above, but back the way Shift+Tab
Alt Accesses top menu Same
Esc/N Escapes from a dialog box
No to on screen prompt Same

Switch/ Y Switch activates tick boxes Space bar
Yes to on-screen prompt
Chapter 2- Program Control
19
Nums Switches keypad mode to numbers
instead of arrows None
Marker Keypad in marker mode None

Changing tabbed pages

Windows provides Ctrl+Tab for this use on the keyboard. When using the
keypad, use the Tab key to give focus to the tabbed page itself, then use the
Alt key. This sends a Ctrl+Tab to Windows. When any other object has
focus, the main Menu will be selected as usual.
Keypad failure detection
Choose the 'Navaid' tab on Alarm settings accessed with the and the
alarm button at bottom of dialog box. A check-box is provided for setting a
keypad failure alarm. After 10 seconds without reception from the keypad,
Microplot sends a request character that normally results in a character in
reply, thus resetting the request for another 10 seconds. Failing a reply, the
character is sent every cycle. At 15 seconds a KEYPAD FAILURE alarm is
created. This alarm verifies that the keypad is powered, it is correctly set up
in Serial Settings, and that there are 2-way communications. It does not
verify the trackerball, or individual key operation. Key operation can be
tested in serial settings using the Receive Display button.
Screen save, print & log
Screen Save
Selection> Screen> Save Screen [Ctrl T] saves the screen as a BMP or
JPEG file in the current files installation or to floppy, using the drop down
box to adjust for size and quality. In the Print Tab accessed with the (or
Selections> M7settings) you can specify the name (default "SCREEN") plus
00, 01 .. e.g. SCREEN00.BMP. In Mariner ECDIS mode, this name is set
to the voyage file name and cannot be changed. Files Menu / Navigation
files has a button to access screen files of the type selected. Files may then be
selectively viewed, backed-up, or deleted.
Screen View (Not with ECDIS locks)
View First Screen (Ctr-Alt-[) read the first file of the current name.
View Next Screen (Ctr-Alt-]) read the next screen. Click on the screen to
clear. The file name used to save and view is shown on the status bar. All
screen files are stored in the BMP folder. When viewing screens, the same
format is looked: file quality variations do not matter.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
20
Screen print. (Not with ECDIS locks)
Use Selections> Screen print [Alt PrintScr] to print the whole screen,
including ownship's panel etc. Orientation defaults to Landscape. In the Print
Tab accessed with the (or Selections> M7settings, the following two
settings default ON:
PRINTER DIALOG: Always display this before print. Also allows print
CANCEL.
B & WREVERSAL: When a chart is not in use, redraw screen with a white
background, and white features as black, before print. (Not using this will
quickly remove printer ink).
Screen Log
When this is selected in settings, a text dialogue is presented after each
screen save. Input a one-line message. It is saved to a file named
SCREEN.LOG where SCREEN is the chosen name.
On viewing screens, the log file is inspected for an entry. This is shown on
the status bar if found. The complete log file can be seen using
SELECTIONS/screen log [Ctr Alt -].

Chapter 3 File system
21
Chapter 3- File system
Introduction
Files
Users vector data is held in a file types marks and lines. Within the lines files
there are further subdivisions for e.g. contour lines, coast, separation zones,
shipshapes and mapping lines. Within the marks files there are subdivisions
for seabed, text points marks and chart symbols. These files are setup for you
every time you set a new voyage track. Right click on a file for more options.
Back- up & Copy
File Back-up
1. Choose the User files Tab in File> Files.
2. Then select a file, choose Options and choose Back up.
File Back-up indications
When a file is backed-up or copied from the backup drive to the installation
its archive attribute is cleared by MP7 (see Note) In both Files/available-
files and the file handling dialog a backed-up check-box will inspect this
attribute for each file and add [b] against backed-up files.
Note- File Backup. (Restricted use)
It is suggested that all existing files are initially set to indicate they are not
backed- up. To do this use Explorer, select the folder, the select edit/select
all, followed by right clicking a file and setting the archive attribute bit in
properties.
File copy
1. Choose the User files Tab in File> Files.
2. Right click on the file choose Options, choose List Back-up
3. Select a file and hit Copy
Backup & copy from backup drive
First, use the Organiser tab in File> Files to set the drive from which you
wish to copy or backup files (this defaults to A). (In ECDIS this will have
been set and you may not have access to it). Once this is set you can backup
or copy files from the selected drive. For files listed on the Navigation files
tab you can click on the file type and the backup and copy options are
displayed.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
22
Files dialog box
Files

35
This is accessed by choosing File> Files from the main menu bar. You may
have as many files of any type open as you like (depending, of course on
memory), but only one file of a particular type (opened for the voyage) that
you can edit (i.e. add, delete and modify information). While the dialog box
is open you may control the main screen as normal. The dialog box has 3
tabs: User files, Navigation Files and Organiser. The Organiser Tab will have
only the two options for setting the data directory and the Backup location;
and both these will be unavailable in restricted mode as the Tab wont
appear.

Chapter 3 File system
23
Merging
Choose Options having selected the files. Merge allows you to combine all
the files listed in the opened files dialog box accessed by the User files Tab
in File> Files. When 'merge all' is selected in User Files, an option is
provided to merge all files into a new file as usual, or to merge all additional
files into the current voyage files. Only data that has been loaded is merged,
so use the ink-only loading selection if you need to initialise the current
voyage files (though this is not normally necessary).
Files- opening
Lines and marks files are opened loaded automatically when loading a new
voyage track file. This display allows you to load older files created on
previous voyages. In the User Files tab of (top tool bar) File> Files.

1. Set the file type
2. Use the drop down to Select (All, Ink or pencil). See page 54
3. Highlight the file you want to open.
4. Click on the open button.

The Details drop down allows you to quickly show location, date and items
within a displayed file. The tick box sets the file to display or not. For
Navigation files use the Navigation Tab.
Type select
The type is set by clicking on the Select File type radio buttons in the User
Files tab of the dialog box accessed by File> Files. In ECDIS mode lines
and marks file of the same name as the ECDIS voyage log file name are
always opened, and cannot be closed except by changing the voyage log
name. These files are always set as edit, and this cannot be changed. They
avoid the need for considerable deletion during voyage planning, as the files
are closed (and can optionally be deleted) after the voyage log has been
changed.
Files-closing
To remove a file from the opened file display, you choose the close option.
This has the reverse effect of the open option. You may also remove all the
files from the opened zone by hitting all.
Ink or Pencil
Use pencil-only to avoid duplicating existing ink data contained in your
voyage files. This facility permits some files to be opened pencil-only, and
some including ink. The setting is preserved on restart of MP7. However, all
files will then be loaded under the same mode. Use Selections> Switches>
Hide Pencil to temporarily (until screen reset) to switch out.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
24
File properties
Click on a file, Choose Options, and choose properties to give you more
information on the file in use (you must highlight it first). The top half of the
display gives the general usage and information on path and file size.
Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
25
Chapter 4- SENC- Official vector
Legal equivalence to paper systems
Basics- ECDIS Standards
To be defined an ECDIS an electronic charting system (ECS) must comply
with a number of international standards and regulations, amongst which the
most important are those issued by the International Hydrographic
Organization (IHO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In
essence, S-57/3 defines the format of the ENC to be used in the ECDIS,
while S-52 and the IMO PS describe the operational and performance
requirements of the ECDIS itself.
Performance standard
IMO Resolution A/817, IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS,
December 1995 (formalised in IEC61174). It describes the minimum
performance standards for ECDIS, with reference to hardware, software,
ENC and updates, user interface, integration with positioning sensors, radar
and other devices, etc.).

This Microplot Standard system as a whole does not comply with these
standards (although the chart system and functionality described herein has
been approved by DNV) and therefore cannot be used as a means of
replacing paper charts. You will need the Microplot ECDIS system in
that case.
Official SENC Vector data
Chart data is delivered using the IHO transfer standard for digital
hydrographic data (S-57 and S-52/3.1 (a)). Microplot Mariner uses the S57
Import program to accept (Verify) and. convert official HO data (ENC) to the
CM93/3 format. IHO Recommended colours and symbols are used
throughout in accordance with IHO s52 and IEC 1174. The specified sizes
for symbols, figures and letters are used throughout and are not less than
3.5mm. In addition, the symbols are always drawn with at least the same
number of pixels as are required to draw the symbol at the size defined in the
presentation library for the minimum resolution and minimum chart display
area. This data includes both that in the ENC and that delivered in digital
format to update the ENC. As the transfer standard is designed for the
distribution of digital chart data. it is not the most efficient means of storing,
manipulating or preparing data for display. Microplot Mariner uses the
CM93/3 data structure to allow its system to meet the IHO performance
requirements. The resulting database is called the system ENC (SENC).

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
26
The precision of HO supplied data is maintained. In addition point reduction
and/or smoothing operations used to compress the chart information in the
SENC, do not cause the resultant image of the chart displayed at ENC scale
to differ from the ENC image by more than the display resolution.

HO data is supplied in a cell structure. Microplot Mariner maintains all cell
dependent characteristics in its display
Transfer standard
IHO Special Publication S-57, IHO Transfer Standard for Digital
Hydrographic Data, Edition 3.0, November 1996 (hereinafter called S-57/3).
It describes the standard (i.e. the data model and format) to be used for
exchange of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) between Hydrographic
Offices, ECDIS manufacturers, mariners, and other data users.
The SENC database
Since the S-57/3 format is not suitable for data processing, the ECDIS shall
convert the ENC into a different format (usually binary and more compact
than S-57/3), called the SENC (System ENC) format. In the case of
Microplot this is the C- Map CM93/ 3. A special module the SENC
Compiler, performs the conversion from ENC to SENC. The resulting data is
loaded into a separate storage area, the SENC Database, from where it is
accessed by the chart display and navigational functions of ECDIS.
The ENC database
On the ship, S-57/3 data (text data not suitable for data processing) is
converted and is loaded into the ECDIS in a dedicated storage area, called
the ENC database; this shall only include ENC issued by Hydrographic
Offices and distributed directly or through a RENC (or the RENCs
distributors).
Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
27
Installing
Ordering Official SENC Vector data
Ordering data can be via e-mail, fax or phone from your RENC, Chart Agent
or sometimes direct from a Hydrographic Office
Receiving Official SENC Vector data
When you receive official S57 data it will be either by CD, floppy, or via an
on-line service through the Internet. Once you put the CD or floppy in the
drive, the Microplot install program starts and automatically interrogates the
CD, telling you what sort of data it is (S57, ARCS etc) and where it
originates (Primar, UKHO etc).
The C-Map conversions
ENC are verified during the install process by specialized software (the S-
57/3 Verifier), to ensure that they are fully compliant with the ENC Product
Specification (Appendix B.1 of S-57/3). If the result of verification is
positive, data is transferred (and then maybe converted) to a SENC. See Note
Note- C-Map Approvals
Det Norske Veritas have type-approved as elements of ECDIS both the S-
57/3 Verifier and the CM-93/3 Compiler, as well as CM-93/3 format itself,
all of which have been designed and written by C- Map, Norway
Installing from magnetic media
Insert the data CD or floppy into the appropriate drive. This action will
automatically start the install software. (You can also start the ENC Chart
Import program from the Database Tab of Charts> SENC options). You are
then prompted to start the install process. Choose the database you wish to
install to. This will normally allow only one choice but office users may have
more. S57 Verification is automatically ticked on if you have an ECDIS lock.
Click Next to go to the install dialog box.

Permits
ENC data will often be encrypted. If this is the case, and no licences for the
relevant RENC (or HO) CD (e.g. Primar) are found, Microplot will prompt
you to insert the licence floppy or CD. Furthermore, when trying to load
charts for which you have no permit, Microplot will let you know.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
28
To view what permits you have installed, choose View. The drop down at top
left allows you to select by country. Your User ID Permit number is located
at bottom left of this dialog box. If you wish to install individual permits
manually, you may do so here as well.

ENC load logs
Use View off the top menu to see logs for to-day and past days. A message
end of conversion is displayed when the load process is complete. Any
errors or problems with the convert are recorded in a log file accessed with
View from the top menu bar. You can also print this log for record keeping.
The Verification results tab give results only for the current operation one.

RENC Internet upload
Choose the on-line button when running the import program. There is no
requirement to have an Internet web access software running. You will need
to have set up a default DUN, but the program will allow you to choose a
different DUN from the default if necessary. You will have the choice of
FTP or HTTP (usually direct to a RENC website). In most cases (and when
you are accessing a RENC- e.g. Primar) use the HTTP option (default).

When using a computer other than the ECDIS to download charts you will
need to ensure the tick boxes for convert are off. You can choose Files off
the top of the on-line dialog box to export to floppy or to the ECDIS if
connected by network.

Convert after Internet upload
Once the files have been copied onto the ECDIS system from the remote via
network, they can then be converted to the SENC. Microplot checks every 10
seconds for Networked files. Once the files have been successfully received
Microplot will pop up a message in the small blue-background Current
Operational Modes dialog stating Networked files available for conversion.
To start the import process either select and cancel the above mode or run
Import in the normal manner. The convert process will run in the normal
way. If you say no this message to convert downloaded files will appear
periodically. You can go to ########### to convert unconverted files at any
time.

Within Microplot choose the Database Tab of Charts> SENC options and
click on the database option to choose dataset, to ensure that the database that
Microplot looks at is set to the same one you have just installed or wish to
access

Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
29
Using
Chart switch
The chart system last in use is remembered by the program so that the
selection Selections> Charts> Chart switch can be used as a hotkey to
quickly switch chart display on/off.
Displaying Official SENC Vector data
ECDIS has required standards of display levels and accessibility to objects
(any item on the chart- chimney, spot depth, buoy etc). The ENC and updates
is clearly distinguished from ownship data and other windows that appear.
These functions are accessed via Charts> C-Map. Microplot displays all the
SENC data, and the user may define what levels of information he requires
within the Standard and complete displays. It is not possible to reduce
information from the Base display, or below the level of Base display when
switching data off in the Standard or complete displays.

All updates and the SENC itself are displayed without any degradation of
their information. This is ensured by the C-Map verifier and CM93-3 format,
both of which have been approved by DNV and are in use by the Microplot
Mariner program. It is not possible for the user to alter the contents of the
ENC, and updates to it are stored separately

The Microplot program cannot ensure the user has the latest up to date
information. However, the software will show, on demand all information
about the cells in use in all modes of operation. It is up to the navigator to
ensure that his navigation data is up to date for the selected Voyage
. 535

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
30
SENC Layering
Layers are required to establish the priority of data on the display. The
general rule for the priority between different categories of information is
given below.

1 ECDIS visual alarms/indications (e.g. caution, overscale);
2 HO-data: points/lines and areas plus official updates;
3 notices to mariners, manual input and radio navigational warnings
4 HO-caution (ENC cautions); 5 HO-colour-fill area data;
6 HO's on demand data;
7 mariners data: points/Iines and areas; 9 manufacturer's data: points/lines
and areas; 10 mariners colour-fill area data.

NOTE 1 - This list does not indicate a drawing sequence, but specifies that
the information content of category n + 1 does not obscure the information
content of category n or any higher category (i.e. n + 1, etc.).

Presentation Library
The Presentation Library contains all the symbols (drawn in their minimum
sizes) and lines used in official ECDIS and the associated colour. In
Microplot Mariner, the PL is called up as a normal ECDIS chart. It is only
used for test purposes. Information about the status of the presentation
library, and loading of test data sets for charts and monitor settings can be
can be accessed using the icon on the tool bar or by using the General
tab of Chart> Options off the top menu bar. Chart abbreviations (INT-1) are
accessed through Charts> off the top menu bar.
555
Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
31
Use this function to access the ECDIS chart 1. Use the drop down menu to
access Chartlets and you will see all the symbols, once you have zoomed in.
use Selections> Chart> spot details to interrogate the symbols and their
meaning.
Symbol sizes
The symbols are always drawn with at least the same number of pixels as are
required to draw the symbol; and they are drawn at the size defined in the
presentation library for the minimum resolution and minimum chart display
area (270 mm x 270 mm).
Cell boundaries
On the Display Settings tab of Charts> C-Map there is an option to show
the SENC cell borders on screen. You can also switch off the chart ID
numbers if you want. Only those cells found using the 'Refresh' button on the
Cell Information tab can be displayed. To see more range up again and hit
'Refresh'. Sometimes you may see cells of different scales shown on screen at
the same time. This is indicated below by the magenta chevron line just
above the orange marker. Overscale areas are denoted in a similar way.

When the display cannot be completely covered with ENC data for the
selected navigational purpose, the remaining part of the display is filled with
data based on a more general navigational purpose (if available)

Better cell scale available.
When in SENC, cells displayed depend on the screen scale. If an installed
cell provides more detail than is currently shown at ownship's position, a
message 'Better scale available' is shown at the left of the status bar.

When RNC is in use, and any ENC cell exists as screen centre "ENC
available" is shown on the status bar in text message mode. Information on
any RNC chart of better scale is added to it.

When not using ENC and ownship enters an area covered by a cell, the
message "ENC data is available at ship's position" appears in a message box
that must be acknowledged.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
32
537
Cell availability
If any area covered by the ECDIS display includes waters for which no HO
ENC at a scale appropriate for navigation exists, an on screen alarm is shown
with a warning; the no data symbology of a grey screen is shown. If there is
an official RNC chart available representing those waters the warning tells
them which chart to load (the border of the RNCs available is also shown).
If no RNC is available then the warning says, No ENC data, refer to paper
chart. If an area of the chart with no ENC data is covered by non-ENC data
(including RNC), and displayed alongside ENC data, the non-ENC area
symbology is used to denote this area.
Cell availability and scale warnings
OVERSCALE and UNDERSCALE warnings are given in the status bar if
the current scale is anything other than the Default scale of the current cell. If
there is an available cell at a larger scale than current scale an indication of
an Available cell in given in the status bar. Cell info is checked every few
seconds so you may notice a time delay when ranging up/down.

Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
33
536

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
34
Cell Information
Cell Information is accessed using the icon on the tool bar or the
Charts> C-Map dialog box, accessed off the top menu bar. From here select
the Cell Information Tab. Change range to a suitable level and select
'Refresh'. Cells found in the current area are listed along with the date of last
update and number of corrections. Select a cell and click the Cell Info button.
The chart information dialog is shown populated with information about the
selected cell.
525
Other options available on the Cell Information tab are: -
Goto Cell - centres the screen at the top left of a cell.
Updates - shows list of updates
Viewing- This allows you to view a cell in any range scale

Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
35
Cell names
You can check which cell you are on by choosing Charts> Chart
Information of the top menu. In this box units are shown for depth, height,
scale of display, data quality indicator, vertical datum, horizontal datum,
value of safety depth, value of safety contour, date and number of last update
affect chart cells, edition number and date of issue of the ENC, and chart
projection. A cell is a set of data that contains information to be used at
specific range scales (usage band). All ENC cells are numbered uniquely so
that cell GB5041S is: -

GB Producer nation
5 Usage band
0401S Cell ID
Cell usage band
1 Overview- Blue/ Grey 4 Approaches- Dark Blue
2 General- Grey 5 Harbour- Dark Green
3 Coastal- Light Blue 6 Berthing- Dark Brown

If borders and colour code are ticked on in the Cell Info Tab of Charts>
SENC options, then the borders are coloured according to that itemised
above.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
36
Spot Information
2075
Use the hotkey at right View Hotkeys> (or Selections> Utilities> Spot
details to see more information about chart objects. A list shows (title bar
shows cell being read) the objects within a box 30 pixels (2 cm) square
whose centre is the marker. Move the marker over the area (or point of
interest) and choose the option (or hit the hotkey). A dialog box appears with
a list of objects found and a sublist where more information about the objects
in the main list will appear. Highlight an object in the main list and details
will appear below. If you see an item with a + double click it and you will
see further items that you can select for more details. User defined
information when hitting spot details is preceded by an M symbol to indicate
manual. Text for objects (e.g. name and light info) can be switched on or off
using radio buttons in the Display Tab of Charts> options> SENC.

Should an "unknown object" occur in the SENC which is not adequately
defined or for which no symbol exists, its presence is indicated on the display
by a magenta "?" with the IMO category "Standard Display", indicated when
accessing spot details.
Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
37
SENC Display options
Accessed using the icon on the tool bar icon at top right (or settings Tab
via Chart> Options> S57. Tick boxes are available to set simplified buoy
display and light info. The More option allows alternative display of Danger
items, Depths, Additional text, Seabed info, Info points, Simple contours,
Quality of data and overscale indicators. Day/ night viewing options are set
using the Brightness Tab in Selections> MP7 settings (accessible via the
brightness icon).
500wb
Base layer
This is the level of SENC information which cannot be removed from the
display, consisting of information which is required at all times in all
geographic areas and in all circumstances. It is not intended to be sufficient
for navigation.
Base layer information
Coastline (HW), own ship safety contour, indication of isolated underwater
dangers less than safety contour, indication of isolated dangers (bridges
buoys beacons etc) within the safe water, traffic routing systems, scale
(including orientation and display mode, units of depth and height

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
38
Standard layer
This means the SENC information that shall be shown when a chart is first
displayed on ECDIS. The level of the information it provides for route
planning or route monitoring may be modified by the mariner according to
the mariners needs. When first displayed on ECDIS it provides the standard
display at the largest scale available in the SENC for the displayed area.
Standard layer information
The Display base plus drying line, indication of fixed and floating navaids,
fairway and channel boundaries, visual and radar conspicuous features,
prohibited and restricted areas, chart scale boundaries, and indication of
cautionary notes.
Note- Standard display
This is only applicable when the first chart is displayed subsequent to
powering up the ECDIS system. The reset screen button at top right will
set the screen to standard display and no hotkeys, with the default scale of the
chart.
Other information layer
Spot soundings, submarine cables and pipelines, ferry routes, details of all
isolated dangers, details of aids to navigation, contents of cautionary notes,
ENC edition date, geodetic datum, magnetic variation, graticule, place names
SENC Layering- Mariners controls
The mariner may add or remove data from the base (add only), standard and
full displays in order to de-clutter the screen. Rather than have literally
hundreds of items that may be individually added or removed, Microplot
Mariner has standard blocks of data as shown below. Access using the
icon on the tool bar or Chart> Options>SENC options off the top menu bar
and choose the Display Tab. Click on custom and choose the required layer.
Radio buttons allow you to choose items that are being shown (green) or not
shown (red) from the entire Presentation Library listed in the box.

Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
39
522
Base Plus
Anchorage area, Cable area, Cable submarine, Cargo transhipment area,
Caution area, Dumping ground, Fairway, Light, Marine farm/culture,
Military practice area, Navigation line, Offshore production area, Pilot
boarding place, Pipeline area, Production/storage area, Radar transponder
beacon, Recommended track, Restricted area
Standard Minus (Standard display minus the following)
Anchor berth, Building-single, Built-up area, Daymark, Ferry route, Fishing
ground, Fog signal, Fortified structure, Radar line, Radar range, Radar
reflector, Retro-reflector, Sea area/named water area, Sea-plane landing area,
Signal station- warning, Swept area, Top mark, Tunnel
Standard Plus
Berth, Coastguard station, Control point, Current - non-gravitational,
Distance mark, Land elevation, Local magnetic anomaly, Magnetic variation,
Pipeline- submarine/on land, Radar station, Radio station, Rescue station,
River, Seabed area, Sounding, Water turbulence, Weed/Kelp, Tidal stream -
flood/ebb

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
40
Full Minus (Full display minus the following items)
Administration area (Named), Bridge, Contiguous zone, Continental shelf
area, Custom zone, Dry Dock, Exclusive economic zone, Fishery zone,
Fishing facility, Free port area, Gridiron, Harbour area (administrative),
Sloping ground, Straight territorial sea baseline, Tidal stream panel data,
Tidal stream - time series
Contour colouring and shading
Areas shaded blue are either less than 10m (regardless of the setting of
Shallow contour) OR (if on a very low range scale) less than the safety
contour (if it is set less than 10m). The safety contour is always emphasised.
If none is selected then the 30m contour line is selected.
Areas shaded dark grey/ green are less than the deep depth contour.
Areas shaded light grey/ green are deeper than the deep contour.
Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
41
Safety contour
500wb
Access using the icon on the tool bar. This will highlight the contour
that you set as the safety contour in a thicker, darker line than normal. This
can only be altered if no route is selected. Otherwise you must go to route
edit and change the values for the specific waypoint. If no values are set in
waypoint, the values are read from the default values used in route verify.
Depth areas less than your safety contour are always coloured blue. If no
safety contour is selected, a default of 30m is selected automatically. If you
select a safety contour value that is not contained in the SENC, due to
changes in source data, then the next deepest contour will be selected, and a
warning given. OK this if appropriate. Always, the safety contour is the one
specified by the mariner or the next deepest if this one is not available. The
button on look ahead alarms will go directly to the look ahead alarms settings
page. If alarms are set these will be shown on the dialog box above.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
42
Safety depth
When selecting a safety depth you will see all depths equal to or less than the
depth selected highlighted in black, providing you have the spot depth
functions on. However any route that you plan over such a depth will alarm
even if the spot depths are not displayed. Note: Depth information on the
SENC is only displayed as it has been provided in the ENC and not adjusted
by tidal height. The units for depth are displayed at bottom right when the
SENC is on and on the status bar at bottom of the screen when RNC is
displayed.
502a
Corrections
SENC corrections
Official updates to the ENC data conform to IHO standards. Corrections may
be applied manually or automatically. Automatic corrections are received
through Internet, or magnetic media (floppy disk, CD etc), and stored
separately from the ENC in \S57. However updates are received, their
implementation does not interfere with the display in use, either during the
planning or route monitoring phase. The charts correction status can be
viewed with Chart> Chart Information off the top menu bar. Individual,
cumulative, or compiled updates are accepted. In all these methods if updates
are out of sequence the whole process is stopped, a log entry is made, the
SENC is left as it was before the process began, and the mariner is informed.

Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
43
536

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
44
Automatic corrections
Automatic corrections are applied using the ImportS57 program supplied
with Microplot Mariner, (with modem options) accessed by the Database Tab
in Charts> SENC options. The Dkart Verifier program is part of this
program and complies with the definitions provided by the IHO for
verification of ENC data. During this verification process a number of other
functions are carried out: -

1. The identification of the issuing authority of the update is checked for
conformance with the corresponding identifier of the ENC.
2. If any errors are detected from the receiving device, the reception
procedure is terminated and the ENC update flagged invalid in the record of
updates. The user is informed of the corruption. Corrupted files are also
rejected and the user informed

Updates are not applied to the chart until accepted by the verifier and import
programs. So un-accepted updates do not get displayed. Once they are
accepted they are indistinguishable unless the user wishes to highlight them.
Correction logs
The log is generated to show if any errors have occurred when examining the
following: -
a) File extension of the ENC update
b) Update number of the ENC update
c) Update sequence number of the individual records in the ENC update.
d) Application of an update.
e) The identification of the issuing authority of the update compared with
the corresponding identifier of the ENC.

For data (including corrections) converted with the S57 Import utility logs
are generated during the process. If there are problems the cell will not
convert and an error log is generated. These logs are shown in the 'Results'
window of the install program. A log file is generated each time the
correction process takes place and is named after the date e.g.120300.LOG.
If more than one session takes place in a day it is included in the same log. A
print option is available. The following is noted: -
1. Date and time of correction
2. Cell number affected and edition
3. Source ID of cell and issuing authority
4. Type of update- CD, FL(oppy) or MO(dem)
5. Result. If FAIL details given in the log
6. Number of updates in the update cell.

Chapter 4- SENC Official vector charts
45
584
Viewing corrections
The navigator will wish to see when the chart last had corrections applied;
when an attempt was last made to correct the chart (i.e. even if no corrections
were applied); and to see on screen those bits of the chart that have been
corrected either manually or automatically. For the first two function choose
Chart> Chart information off the top menu bar.
Highlighting corrections
To highlight those parts of the chart that have been corrected, choose Chart>
SENC options and then the cell information tab. See following page
screenshot. Click on the refresh button. Choose the cell you are interested in
and then the button of your choice. You can select the chart you wish and
show all corrections, or corrections for a specific update number. Once these
are highlighted choose details to see the corrections and dates applied in
more detail. Highlighting is removed when you close the windows. Manual
updates will have an orange line attached to the symbols and circles along the
lines.

In addition, if you choose updates from the cell information tab, you can
show the chart with successive update cells removed. All the updates will be
displayed if the dialog box is closed, the button for display all updates is hit,
or [reset screen] his hit at top right of screen.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
46
547b
157
Chapter 5 Editing user data
47
Chapter 5- Editing user data
Man Overboard
Man Overboard
From the top menu bar click on <MOB>. Three things happen automatically

a) A target (999) is created at own ships position, (or remote) and Ownship
is selected in the target window. It is marked as <MOB> on the screen
b) The MOB target is selected for bearing and distance in target window.
c) MOB is recorded in the MICPLOT.INI file. This ensures it is returned on
restart.

2465
The target can be given a course and speed (estimated drift). To delete,
choose Alarm settings icon button [Ctrl F12] accessed with the icon or
(Selections> Windows> MP7 settings) and click on the MOB tab and hit
clear.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
48
MOB Remote
Use Alarm Settings to create an MOB at the marker. This is intended for
marking the position of a distress.
Drift
To change any value shown on target section, move marker near to it and hit
the target selector button at top right of target window. Then type new value
followed by pressing ENTER. So to enter course and speed (drift) manually
of an MOB type in the course followed by enter and the speed followed
again by Enter. Pressing DEL will delete the whole entry.
General information
Introduction Vector data.
Vector data consists of lines, alarm areas, marks, ECDIS lines and marks,
targets, routes, track and all held in separate files and displayed on screen.
This data is clearly distinguishable from all charts (SENC and ENC and their
update. Creating, changing and deleting these (vector) objects can only be
carried out via the Edit option from the main menu, and Voyage>
chartwork. All user defined objects may be overlaid (and removed) on top
of any chart format
Saving data
Highlight a file in User File Tab in File> Files. You may also set an
automatic save on every five minutes by activating the tick box in the Nav
files Tab in File> Files; the Status bar will show an indicator. You can also
use the File> Save all option from the top menu bar (use F4 on the
keyboard). In addition every time you exit edit mode, you are prompted to
save data.
Ink, pencil or corrections
The lines and marks file are opened automatically when you open a new
voyage track file and are named the same. You may edit only the files with
same name as the voyage track file. Because of this a system is provided to
allow copy of permanent information (e.g. alarms around a shoal) from the
previous voyage data files into the new ones. At the same time, the normal
routine workings (bearing lines, times etc) on the chart are left behind in the
old files. Data you want transferred from voyage to voyage create as Ink
(an I appears next to the marker) or Corrections (logged in a correction log
file). Other data create in pencil (a P appears next to the marker). This
pencil data is still accessible by opening a file in the normal way but cant be
changed or deleted. Use Selections> Switches> Hide Pencil to temporarily
(until screen reset) to switch out. The default setting for all items is Ink, so
remember to change if you wish to use this system.
Chapter 5 Editing user data
49
User data- display controls
Display of this data is controlled in the Nav Files & Display tab of File>
Files and in the tracking menu accessed by Control> tracking. Display
option button will allow options for showing Event text, On screen text,
Navtex messages and fill marks and clear deleted items. The alarm icon will
take you to Alarms settings

120
Note- Temporary save
This Edit operation is only held temporarily in computer memory. You are
prompted to save when exiting any user edit mode apart from those items
created in Voyage> Chartwork. These are not saved unless you hit the save
button at the bottom right of the User File Tab in File> Files or you have
automatic save of edits on (se above)
Data Display in Edit
In the Display Tab of File> files select: -
Edit file only- only the editable file can be seen during edit,
All files: All files can be seen, but non-edit files are coloured
grey.
Marks- On screen text icon button.
A mark can have both on-screen text (user defined) and marker operated text
(i.e. date/ time stamped- always created every time you add a mark). Use
'New Text' to create user defined text, where a dialog box appears. When
editing marks, you will see an icon for on screen text. If this is clicked in
when you create the mark with text added, you will only be able to see the
text by using the To near option on the top menu bar. Otherwise text can be
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
50
switched on/ off using the Options Button in Nav files Tab of File> Files.
This helps reduce text clutter on screen.
Exiting- Edit mode
You can exit edit mode either by choosing the OK button at the bottom of the
edit mode window, or choose Edit> Exit edit from the main menu. In any
case you are prompted to save your data.
Edit- Delete & Un-delete
User data edit functions allow you to delete, and (in the case of lines and
Marks) see deleted and un-delete. Hitting delete icon removes the item
nearest the marker. To delete a subsequent item you must move the marker
first. You can use the See del and un-del icon buttons to re-instate deleted
items. In non ECDIS mode you may also use Block edit for deleting data.
Polygons can only be deleted if they are un-polyd first

Note on corrections
If a feature was created as a correction and an attempt is made to delete or
change it without corrections mode turned on, a warning is given and no
change is made. If a feature was not created as a correction, any change to it
is not logged regardless of mode.

In saving to disk, deleted items are not removed so that 'undelete' remains
available even after exit of Microplot. A button in Files / Display will
remove all such features after a warning. This button has restricted access.

Navtex received marks and information
Some Navtex receivers have a serial output, which allows data to be received
by Microplot. Select a port as active to receive Navtex in serial setup. A
message consists of a number of lines of text, the first of which begins with
"NAVTEX MESSAGE" and ends with a 4 character code. The 2nd code
character denotes the message type, e.g. D = Search and rescue information.
Microplot assembles the message and stores it as a file in a <files
path>\NAVTEX folder, using the code as the name with a NTX extension.
The new message is examined for positions. If found, an "NT" mark is
created at each position in 'ink'. The ID is shown as on-screen text; double-
click displays the time and date of creation. Using SELECTIONS/ 'Mark text
file' will display the message in full. All Navtex message files can be listed
using View/Navtex. Delete is available which also deletes any Navtex marks
using the same name.
Chapter 5 Editing user data
51
160e
Lines
Introducing Lines
These may be used to create for example areas, shipping lanes, coastlines and
sounding lines, using a variety of types including arcs and circles. For lines
only you may use different styles. The symbol icon will add the symbol
currently selected in Marks edit along the line at intervals.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
52
Creating lines
1. Select Edit> Lines, from the main menu bar, and choose Pencil, Ink or
Correction icons. See Mouse control during edit. Select Line type,
Select Colour, Line Style and Width.
2. Move marker to required start position on screen.
3. Select Start Line (Ins). The word Drawing will appear in the window.
(or choose delete and re-colour icons).
4. Draw line (or radius of circles and arcs) by moving marker.
5. Select Mid Point (,) to continue the line in another direction, or End
Line (Ins) to complete the drawing. Add a text description of the line
Line styles
Selectable on with line type Mapping line
1 Standard line
2 Dashed line
3 Dotted line
4 Dash/ Dot
5 Dash/ Dot/ Dot
6-8 Other ECDIS line styles
Line types
This is selected from the drop down box under the markers distance
indicator. There are 7 types.

1. Mapping Line (line styles and width, selectable with this type only)
2. Coast Line
3. Contour Line
4. Sounding Line
5. Separation Zone
6. Shape
7. Danger areas (marked by diagonal hatch)
Line widths
Selectable on with line type Mapping line
Applies to solid lines only. 1~6 narrow to wide.
Chapter 5 Editing user data
53
Circles and Arcs
These are created from the Edit> Lines option from the main menu bar. To
draw (use thicker lines as a rule) proceed as follows

1. Start drawing as normal at centre of required circle.
2. Move marker to length of radius required.
3. Select Circle/Arc icon (/).

To create arcs of circles (the compass rose will be useful): -

1. Start drawing as normal at the beginning of the arc (point 1).
2. Move marker to estimated centre of curvature of arc and select Mid-Point
(,).
3. Move marker to required end of arc (point 2) and select Circle/Arc icon
(/). The arc is drawn clockwise from point 1 to 2 using radius of centre to
point 2.
Danger areas
A red polygon is always created, and when not in edit mode it is always
filled with a diagonal hatch.
Lines- Text description
Using To Near on any point of a line or polygon can bring up a text
description. To achieve this, create a mark with off-screen text on the end of
a line. To Near must be used to ensure the mark is exactly on the point. This
works for both lines and alarm areas.

Lines with symbols

If you wish to add a symbol at periods a long the length of a line, choose the
symbol in marks (arrow keys at the top of the Lines edit) allow you to switch
to edit marks. When you switch back, click icon for symbols in Lines Edit.
Then draw you line in style 1. The symbol will appear along it.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
54
Marks
Marks creation
235e
1. Select Edit> Marks. Choose Ink or Pencil
2. Move the marker to the required position.
3. Select Edit Mark (or symbol etc) in the Mark type listbox.
4. Click on Symbol and select desired symbol.
5. Click on select Colour and select
6. Key in any required text in the box provided. Double click here to access
a typewriter. (Change)
7. Click on Plot. See Mouse control during edit
To add a light plume to the Mark nearest to the marker, click on Light Ind.
You can also delete and re-colour marks.
Chart symbols
Choose Buoys or symbols (all those in the Presentation library are available at stage
3 below. Once you see the symbols you can page through them with the arrow keys
at the top.

Chapter 5 Editing user data
55
1. Select Edit > Marks.
2. Move the marker to the required position.
3. Select Edit (Symbols) in the Mark type
4. Click on Symbol and select desired symbol.
5. Key in any required text in the box provided
Click on The new text icon. Text format is automatically set. A vertical
orange line with a circle on its lower end is drawn on the symbol
Mark type

This is selected in the drop down box underneath the marker distance
indictor. There are 4 types.

Mark (symbol with or without text- Used for instant marks)
Text Point (point with text)
Seabed data (spot depth)
Chart symbol
Marks- Changing text and layer
If you wish to change text associated with a mark, choose Edit> Marks from
the top tool bar. Place the marker nearest the item of interest, type in the text
(to the white text editor box) and hit New text.icon .
If you have created a mark with the on screen text tick box empty, then when
you use To Near> Mark, the text is revealed and you may change the
information in the box.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
56
Marks- Read file
This will show all the marks you have created in a list, with their text and
number attached. This list is in fact a .TXT file with the same first name as
the marks file. All text files for loaded marks files are available. Marker
operated text places messages in numerical order in the text file, and ensures
that any existing text of the number (from a delete mark) is removed.
Merging marks files also merges marker-text, giving them the new number.
Likewise, marks set at 'ink' when passed to a new voyage file, also have the
text messages imported.
Text points
1. Select Edit > Marks.
2. Move the marker to the required position.
3. Select Edit Text point in the Mark type window.
4. Key in any required text in the box.
5. Click on Plot
Mark Identifier
All marks have a number attached. This is automatically switched on when
you use the constant bearing option, but can be done manually using
Selections> Switches> Mark ident
Marks Instant
To make an Instant event mark at own ships position you must first set them
up. You can customise up to 2 and then use Selections> Actions to assign
them a hotkey to create. Use Edit> Marks to create, using the symbol table.
A different event mark type is selected by right-clicking on a symbol. Choose
a colour first. A number against the mark indicates the current selection.
Instant Mark- Info
Use Print Tab accessed with the icon on the tool bar (or Selections>
Menus> M7 settings to set the message parameters. Click on use message
to be prompted to key in text when creating an Instant Event Mark. Use the
options button to access set Date, Time and Position to be selected for
recording with an Instant Event Mark. Info is displayed by placing marker
near mark and using To Near> Marks; or in ownship and target window
(with marker near mark) when mark is set and select button is hit.

Text is stored in a .TXT name of the same filename, with the marks sequence
number at the beginning of the line. Do NOT edit this number. The message
is only displayed when message option is on.
Chapter 6- RNC
57
Chapter 6- RNC- Official Raster (ARCS & Seafarer)
Introduction
Chart system summary
355
The dialog box above can be accessed using the icon. (If not displayed
at top right of main screen, access by View> icons on the top menu bar).
Issued on CD, ARCS charts consist of a main chart, only a small part of
which will appear on screen at any time, and an overview chart, all of which
can be seen on screen. A chart consists of a series of 'tiles', each of which
holds a square area of the chart. It is not possible to alter the contents of the
chart. Chart corrections are effected by replacing only altered tiles. These
corrections are stored separately from the SRNC. SRNC information
available for display during route planning and route monitoring and is
subdivided into two categories; the RCDS standard display consisting of
RNC and its updates, including its scale, the scale at which its is displayed,
its horizontal datum and its units of depths and heights; and any other
information such as mariners notes. Charts are always displayed Chart up,
and an orange arrow at top left of the screen indicates North. When using
ECDIS with raster charts, a message is shown in the title bar. When no chart
system is selected, a warning is also shown.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
58
ARCS, Seafarer, BSB
The control menu for RNC is the Raster Tab accessed with the (or
Charts> Display Options). It contains many functions, which are described
in separate topics elsewhere in Help. Microplot has been developed to
display RNCs (Raster Navigation charts) in HCRF format. This stands for
Hydrographic Chart Raster Format. It is used by Seafarer charts (produced
by the Australian Hydrographic Office) and ARCS (Admiralty Raster Chart
Format). To obtain HCRF charts you will need to give your user ID to an
authorised chart agent, who will then issue either a Skipper or Navigator
permit and licence that allows access to the charts you specify. SIS will
issue a PIN number.
Using RNC
Whenever Microplot is in RCDS mode, an indication is given at top of
screen on the main title bar. All chart systems are accessed from within
Microplot by the top menu bar option Charts>. (You should also explore the
Raster Tab accessed with Charts> Display Options>, also accessed using
the icon. If not displayed at top right of main screen access by View>
icons on the top menu bar). Then choose ARCS. Charts can be switched on/
off. You will be prompted for your PIN number. When re-starting Microplot
after a previous session that used ARCS, you will be prompted for your PIN
(you can switch this off using a tick in the options button accessed by the
Permits & Settings button in the Charts> Display Options), before the
Microplot screen appears. You can pan and scroll the chart and access an
overview of the whole chart. All user information can be displayed on top.
Installing
ARCS- CDs
ARCS data can be read directly from the CD, or (better) transferred to hard
disk. Whilst a single charts CD will hold a limited number of charts, a
corrections CD holds all corrections to all charts. Corrections CD are issued
weekly to those who subscribe to the ARCS Navigator service.
ARCS- Reading from CD
Charts can be read directly from the CD (see Note) using Charts> Display
Options and using the drop downs for chart access. When loading charts
direct from CD, auto-loading methods first verify the permit validity. For
example, when loading by screen position, positioning off current chart and
on one with no valid permit will have no affect.

Chapter 6- RNC
59
Installing RNC
Use Charts> Install> raster off the top menu bar. Charts and corrections
should be moved to hard disk to improve the display and provide for
important features. However, you may read un-corrected charts direct off the
CD, but a warning will be permanently displayed. You must also have a
licence and permit. Remember to click on the radio buttons at top right of the
install program to assign the correct HCRF format.

3000
Once you have been through the options you will see the following dialog
box. Choose start to install and notice any errors.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
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3040
Voyage files- Editing using the Raster Install program
Use this way for installing a group of charts, and their corrections, to your
hard disk. Having chosen Charts> Raster chart install choose Voyage file
and select new or open. Follow the onscreen instructions. If you want to
create or change a voyage file without transferring charts and corrections,
click on OK when you have finished typing (which saves the file), and OK
for the CD prompt and then Back.
Voyage files- Editing in Microplot
First select the voyage file you wish to edit by using Voyage> Voyage
charts>. Then choose Edit and add or delete charts (also by border- right
click on a border to add to the list) as required. When adding a chart
Microplot checks to see if a valid .CDN file exists on your hard drive and
will warn if it isnt present. No such check is made if your are accessing any
other source (e.g. a CD).
Note- Voyage files display
Even if you open another file for display you will still continue to save to
your current one. Only one other voyage file may be open for display
Note- CD refresh
When viewing charts directly from CD, a button is provided in the Charts>
Display Options to cause the system to reread the CD. This should be used
after a change of chart CD to update the chart list required by installed-charts
borders and auto chart-change features.
Chapter 6- RNC
61
The Voyage file
A hard disk may not have space for all charts required, and certainly not
enough to download the whole of an update disk. The program allows the
creation and storage of voyage files, which can be used for any chart format.
These are just a text list of charts required for a voyage, in the correct
sequence and can be used in Microplot. This voyage file is then used to
transfer and delete chart information. You may also copy the contents of your
licence file into a voyage file. Ensure that borders are on. Right click near a
border; you will see the options available to add charts to a voyage file
ARCS- Corrections
Choose Chart> Install off the top menu bar. The latest weeks correction
CD holds all the corrections issued previously. Both the Navigator permit
and the Skipper permit allow corrections but on a different price and time
basis. Consult your USD Arcs dealer. A corrections CD holds all corrections
to all charts. Corrections CD are issued weekly to those who subscribe to the
ARCS Navigator service.

3030
Newly issued ARCS CD
This option is now available under the Utilities drop-down in Rastin. The
resulting voyage chart list is for all charts on the currently inserted CD for
which the user has a permit. The voyage file name is the same as the CD. For
BSB, the existing option to create a list of all charts in a Region is also
accessed from this selection.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
62
You can view the chart with or without corrections choosing Raster Tab
accessed with Charts> Display Options and using the icon (buoy with red
square) for corrections display. Go back into Microplot and you will see the
corrected tiles outlined in red. Use the Space bar to toggle these ON/ OFF.
When the screen is refreshed the chart is displayed in its corrected mode.
Note- space bar
This is a dual- purpose key, switching display of update tiles when tiles
borders are on, and chart border numbers. When update tiles are on, this
takes precedence.
One chart or many charts
Ensure you have plenty of space on your drive: a typical chart takes 2MB.
Choose the one chart option when you need only a single chart. This avoids
having to create too many voyage files so avoiding clutter in your installation
directory. In the same way, the Many charts option is an alternative to
creating a voyage file. It may be more convenient if the charts you are
loading are unlikely to be required again, so avoiding having too many
voyage files to scan through.
Corrections log
The error log name is CHARTERR.REC, stored in \MP7\ records. A log of
errors and successful chart installations and updates is made to log file
CHARTIN.REC. Entries in both logs include the date of publication of the
CD in use as well as the time/date of the entry. It may be viewed in Rastin /
Files.

Chapter 6- RNC
63
3020

ARCS warning- Off Arcs chart.
A warning appears when ARCS is on but the screen is wholly off the chart.
This is because polynomial position calculations become in error. Exit
ARCS when off chart.
ARCS- Warnings
#0
This licence is only valid if the chart permits on this system are licensed to
the person or company named above. If you are not the named person or do
not represent the named company, you may be in breach of the licence
conditions relating to the use of these charts. If in doubt please contact your
nearest ARCS supplier.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
64
#1
Your codes are incorrect for the licence or the GB.LCN file has been altered.
You may be in breach of your licence for the use of ARCS. If licence is
invalid please contact your ARCS agent.

#2
Chart Permit corrupted. Please re-load from the original media.

#3
Updates are for a newer version of the chart. Load the chart CD with chart
issue date

#4
The chart data already incorporates this update information. Load the latest
update CD.

#5
Licence expired - updating is not permitted. Contact your agent to re-new
licence.

#6
Corrections are for a NtoM BEFORE your licence. Corrections:

#7
Licence is not valid for this update. Contact your ARCS distributor to use
this data.

#8
Warning- Licence expires in less than one month. Contact your ARCS agent
for a renewal.

#9
Warning - Licence expired. The displayed chart may not be up to date.
Contact your agent to arrange for a licence renewal.

#10
Licence expired. ARCS charts can not be displayed. Contact your agent for a
renewal.

#11
The loaded version of this chart is too old to be used with the licence. Please
load a more recent version of the chart.
Chapter 6- RNC
65
#12
The licence is too old to be used with this version of the selected chart.
Please contact your agent to obtain a new licence.

#13
The licence is not valid for this version of the selected chart. Contact your
distributor to update your licence or load the version with an issue number

#14
The loaded version of the selected chart is older than the one for which the
licence is valid. Please load the more recent version with an issue number

#15
Licence not valid for this chart version. Contact distributor to update your
licence

#16
Warning- Licence does not allow access to latest correctional information.
Please contact your ARCS distributor to update licence. Licence is valid to
NtoM correction

#17
Warning-Corrections are missing. Please load update CD with NtoM
correction

#18
Warning- Licence is valid for corrections later than chart, and corrections are
missing. Please load update CD that contains NtoM correction

#31
ERROR- The update CD is not correctly installed as selected in the chart
menu. Corrections may be missing. Please load the correct update CD.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
66
Loading
Loading RNC
355
There are a number of different ways of loading ARCS charts (see Note)
suited to various circumstances. These are itemised below. (See also
Autoload on page 77 Zoom load on page 75; you can also right click
anywhere on the main screen to load the largest or smallest scale chart that is
available at the marker position). Information about the chart, T & P notices,
chart notes and chart plans are all accessed off the top menu bar Charts>.
The Raster Tab option accessed with Charts> Display Options ( tool
bar icon) allows you to view, access different drives, load new licences and
check the integrity (CRC) of the chart and permits.

Chapter 6- RNC
67
ARCS- Pan and Scroll
Use View> Scroll bars from the top tool bar. There is a blue pan and scroll
icon (if not shown access with View> off top menu bar). Alternatively if you
may move the arrow icon to the edge of the chart display, where it will
change into a larger arrow. Click at this point to scroll or pan.
Chart switch
The chart system last in use is remembered by the program so that the option
Selections> Charts> Chart switch can be used as a hotkey to quickly
switch chart display on/off.
ARCS display errors
Error conditions in Microplot are at 3 levels.

1. ARCS operates with a warning message, which may be cleared.
2. ARCS operates but a warning remains permanently on screen.
3. ARCS will not operate.

Examples of 2 are when a file has been changed in an unauthorised way, or a
Navigator chart is newly out of date. Examples of (3) are with a wrong PIN,
or licence expired. A menu selection allows updating of permits, and
validation of all permits relating to charts in the current voyage.
Using the chart list
Choosing Charts> List from the main menu bar will show the charts that are
currently available in the chart installation directory. This is set using the
licence, permit & settings button accessed via the Raster Tab from Charts>
Display Options ( tool bar icon) dialog box, OR the Chart button at the
top of the Raster Tab in Charts> Display Options dialog box, which toggles
between the installation drive and the local CD. Plans These can be loaded
by using Chart> Plans off the top menu bar, but will load automatically if
autoload is on either for ship or screen, using the icon buttons in the Raster
Tab in Charts> Display Options off the top menu bar.
ARCS- Load at marker
(See also Autoload on page 77 Zoom load on page 75; Accessed with
Selections> Charts> load at marker (program a hotkey) this option loads
the next chart (up or down the scale) that is available. (See Note). So if you
were passing into the area of a larger scale (more detailed chart) then place
your marker within its bounds and hit this option. The reverse case is also
valid. You can also right click anywhere on the main screen to load the
largest or smallest scale chart that is available at the marker position).
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
68
Using Borders
(See also Autoload on page 77). Switch borders on by using the icon buttons
in the Raster Tab of Charts> Display Options. Put the marker to any corner
of the required chart and use Selections> Chart> Load by border. It will
be easier if you program a hotkey for this purpose. You may switch off the
chart numbers using the Options button in the Raster Tab. Raster chart
options provides selection of chart borders by permit list (not BSB). The list
of permits is compared with entries in ALLCHART.LST to create
PERMIT.LST which is also kept in the Updates folder. Colours are coded by
CD.

Note- space bar
This is a dual- purpose key, switching display of update tiles when tiles
borders are on, and chart border numbers. When update tiles are on, this
takes precedence.
ARCS Finding
Use the Raster Tab in Charts> Display Options ( tool bar icon). When
'chart borders - complete catalogue' is switched on, a FIND icon becomes
available. This permits input of a chart number or scale filter. The screen will
jump to the top left corner of the chosen chart. Use 'chart data' to find
which CD. In addition an edit box is added against 'borders: complete
catalogue'. When a scale limit is used (hit the scale limit button in the Raster
Tab, only chart borders of the ticked options are shown. This allows easier
selection of routing charts. NOTE As jumping to charts far removed from the
current marker position gives position calculation problems, it is often better
to switch charts off when using this feature.
ARCS Best Scale
(See also Autoload on page 77 and zoom load opposite). An option
Selections> Charts> RNC best scale (for hotkey programming) allows you
to select a chart of the best scale at the position of marker. This system does
not work for the marker position. Use load at marker in that case. You can
also right click anywhere on the main screen to load the largest or smallest
scale chart that is available at the marker position).
Better scale indication
On screen reset, screen centre is used to examine all installed charts to find
those on a larger scale (i.e. more detail). If found, a message on the status bar
indicates which chart, and how many others there are. When off the current
chart, all charts are examined regardless of scale.
Chapter 6- RNC
69
Note- Better scale
The named chart is not necessarily the chart loaded by load-at-marker or by
auto-chart-load, which look for the chart nearest in scale (larger or smaller).
Nor is it always the one loaded by zoom, which is the one of a larger scale
that is nearest in scale to the current chart. If several charts are mentioned,
the named one will be the LAST one reached by zoom. This system operates
with installed charts, and those read directly from CD.
ENC availability while in HCRF
When RNC is in use, and any ENC cell exists at screen centre "ENC
available" is shown on the status bar in text message mode. A separate check
is made for a ENC cell of better scale at ownship, than the RNC chart or
ENC cell scale in use. The message appears on the status bar left-most
panel.
Chart corners ARCS
With borders switched on, the chart data selection [Ctrl Y] in Selections>
charts gives, chart name, CD of source data and the geographical limits of
any corner of the chart nearest the marker. With chart borders switched ON,
any of the 4 corners are searched for in order to find the nearest chart.
ARCS- Zoom load
Set this feature ON by choosing the Raster Tab of Charts> Display Options
( tool bar icon) where you will find a tick box. Charts can then load
automatically as you zoom in and out. For best results: -
1. Choose the Permits & settings button and from there choose Settings.
Tick OFF autoload overview and HCRF double zoom. (Not available in
ECDIS)
2. Ensure overview is off (Icon on right of tool bar

(Because the number of charts available at any one point can be large, you
may not always get the right chart. Re-centering the marker can avoid this
problem).

HCRF Notes and source diagram.
To access chart notes choose the option Chart> notes. This has an index and
allows each note, of special interest, to be found and displayed clearly,
simply and quickly even though that sub-area may not be located on the
portion of the chart currently being displayed.

To display ownship on the source diagram choose icon with the a and c on it
(at bottom left) in the Raster Tab of Charts> Display Options.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
70
Chart information
Details of the chart being displayed can be accessed by Chart> information
off the top menu bar. A warning on the status bar shows the chart is
underscale or over scale. The standard display (consisting of RNC and its
updates, including its scale, the scale at which its is displayed, its horizontal
datum and its units of depths and heights; and any other information such as
mariners notes is accessed by hitting the [reset] option off the top menu bar.
350
HCRF Accuracy
The resolution of the digital image (pixels per inch) the methods used to
compress or process the image file are sufficient to display clearly all
information that was contained on the original paper nautical chart. Anti-
aliasing is employed to achieve maximum contrast and fidelity of displayed
chart information compared to the paper chart. The accuracy of the digital
image file, as measured by the ability to determine the correct geographic co-
ordinates of an individual pixel when the image is used together with the
RNC meta-data, allows a ships position to be displayed at least as accurately
as when using the original paper chart.
Colours and Meta data
Colours used for daytime viewing are the same as those used on the paper
versions of the same charts. Colours for dusk and night-time follow as
closely as practicable the Colours and Symbols Standards specified in IHO
special Publication S-52, Appendix 2. The issuing HO has specified colour
palettes for daytime, dusk and night-time in the RNC meta-data.

Where an image file contains more than one discrete chart image, e.g. chart
insets, in addition to the main panel of the chart, the meta-data is included for
each such discrete chart image.

Chapter 6- RNC
71
Automatic load
This is accessed with the auto-load icons in the Raster tab of Charts>
Display Options ( tool bar icon) (a chart system must be loaded first).
Choose either screen or ownship mode. This is how the program works: -

Rule 1. MP7 examines ownship (or marker if in screen mode) position
relative to the chart in use. When within 10% of the chart limit in the
direction of travel the system will look for an installed chart of the best scale
covering ownship's (or marker) position, including any plans available.
Rule 2. MP7 examines ownship position to see if there is a chart of a larger
scale available. If there is, it loads it
Rule 3. When ownship is on 2 charts or plans with the same scale, it
compares the amount of chart remaining in the direction of travel for the
chart in use with the other chart, and will load the new chart if that is better.
If in ownship mode only zoom loading charts either in or out, causes
autoload to be suspended and the blue box appears- if you want, OK this box
and the autoload system will be restored. While this mode is on the system
automatically goes into screen mode for autoload. When trying to load charts
of areas away from ownship, remember to ensure that the blue box is left on
screen.
Voyage charts: automatic change of chart system.
After the chart name add $ and A for ARCS, B for BSB, and S for
Seafarer, "2045 $A Optional text". In addition, if a number is added
immediately after the letter, the listed plan will be active for the chart. For
example, the line: 120 $A5 Gent will change to ARCS, load chart 120 with
the 5
th
(i.e. Plan E) plan active. (The description 'Gent' is for information
only and does not affect the loading process).
When more than 1 raster system is in use, a chart system indicator (CSI) $A,
$B, or $S after the chart name is strongly recommended, because (a) in Edit
when RNCs are installed, the CSI is used for a correct 'not installed' message.
If the CSI is not used, the current raster system is presumed, which may
generate a false error; (b) borders use the CSI to find a .CDN file for the
chart. If found, this is read for border limits. If the file is not found, the
current raster system full catalogue is inspected. On failure you may now use
Cancel to stop error messages for subsequent charts. A properly prepared
voyage charts file will show mixed chart system borders.
A chart without the $? must belong to the chart system in use so that it is
sufficient to use this method only at chart system changes. However this
limits random access. When editing, double click of a chart puts that line of
text into the edit box. When otherwise viewing the chart list, double click
loads the selected chart. Note: - This function will not prompt rastin to look
for different CDs etc to install charts. It will only work for charts already
installed.
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Chart Brightness
Brightness and palettes are controlled using the Brightness icon on the tool
bar or use Selections> menus> M7Settings and the Display tab. Note- using
these dimming tools can result in some chart information becoming less
obvious. Use Contrast rather than brilliance, which will prevent darker
colours being lost.
Chart Overviews
Chart Overview
Use the icon on the right of the tool bar (View> Tool bar off the top menu).
(Or off the top menu, use Selections> Chart> Chart overview). The
purpose of the overview chart is to see the chart's scale and limits, and to
permit quick zoom to a specific area, Scale can be altered up two levels. In
mariner only, you can use Selections> Chart> Magnify tile to zoom in on a
part of the chart, whilst in Overview. Right click on the magnify window to
clear.
ARCS- Overview chart zoom control
When in overview, put the arrow icon at point of interest and hit the
overview symbol on the right of the tool bar (View> Tool bar off the top
menu)- this will zoom you back at standard scale on the marker position.
You can zoom out two levels.

If you want to check your new viewing area before zooming in from
overview, do the following. With chart on overview, a yellow border
indicates the current normal chart view. Place arrow icon at point of interest.
Left click on the mouse to jump the screen marker to the arrow icon. When
using To Marker a first hit will draw a green border showing where the new
view will be; and a second hit (without moving the marker) will re-center the
screen and zoom to the selected display level.

ARCS- Magnify tile
Choose Selections> Charts> Magnify tile to magnify a part of a chart when
in overview mode. Switch this window off right clicking on it. If you are
using these functions a lot then program a hotkey first.
Chapter 6- RNC
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Licence & permits
ARCS security
445
Version 2 ARCS format is encrypted. Microplot abides by the security
specification. The practical implications are as follows: -

A user will need to obtain either a Navigator or Skipper file,
A specially configured Microplot version 7 lock is required.
ARCS- Loading licence and permit files
Use the Permits and Settings button in the Raster Tab of Charts> Display
Options ( tool bar icon) to access the key icon to add a new licence and/
or permit or verify an existing permit. You can also add a single permit for a
chart (sometimes required as a temporary measure until an updated permit
file is sent). All dates and other data affecting the permits are protected by
encryption.
ARCS- Permit file into Voyage file
Use Charts> Install> raster and choose Utilities from the top menu bar of
the install program. Follow on screen instructions.
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ARCS- Permit & chart verification
Choose the Raster Tab of Charts> Display Options ( tool bar icon) and
click on the Permits and settings button. Once into this dialog box youll see
the Verify button. Click the radio buttons on/ off as required to verify either
the charts or the permit, or all installed or the those chosen with the current
voyage file. You can also run a CRC check (to check the data is OK) on the
current chart by clicking on the button provided.
PIN number- ARCS
The PIN allows a licensed user to stop unauthorised use of charts, as it must
be typed in whenever ARCS is freshly started. You can switch off this
prompt, providing ARCS is started, using the Options button in Permits and
Settings button in the Raster Tab of Charts> Display Options
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
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Chapter 7- Routes & Route monitoring
Routes
Introduction
755
Use Voyage> Route> Edit for most of these functions. (Double-clicking a
waypoint in the edit table has the affect of both the Go-to and Edit buttons).
A route is defined as series of wpts joined by course lines (either rhumb line
or GC). If you have a wpt FROM selected in XTE window it is highlighted
by a red border. All your waypoints may also be held in a single file from
which you can make up a route. All waypoints, (and the lines connecting
them), maybe temporarily coloured according to their route search & verify
status. You may also see distances and ETA,s and have arcs at the turn
points
Routes- Creating
Route files can be opened, created, loaded, saved (and described) and
deleted using options in Voyage> Route> edit or File> Files (click on the
Navigation Files tab and select Route) and have a .RTE extension in the
computers directory system. Existing routes can be saved to different names
using the Save as button. The route chosen is included when you save a
current set up .
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Route description
To create a description of the route, select a route and click 'New' on the
route table and enter the description only. This will appear in the title bar of
the edit/table window. The description is saved in the route file on a line
beginning with "!Description:" The ! (as the 1st character) is reserved for
this and other uses.
Route table
Choose Voyage> Route> Table. This will open the route table (or the
alternate route table) and a dialog box on the right of the screen and allows
you to create a new set of waypoints for a route or edit waypoints in a route
that is already created To edit a Route:-

765
1. Select Voyage> Route> Edit.
2. Highlight the waypoint (s) and choose Edit. (You can double click a
waypoint and the screen will centre around it). You will see options for
inputting the Lat/ Long, waypoint name, approach and max cross track
alarm, safety contour, turn arc radius and GC.
3. Click on New to create a new waypoint. This will be added at the bottom
of the list and may need to be re-sequenced
4. To remove a waypoint, select it and click on Remove.

You may highlight a group of waypoints keeping the Control key down and
highlighting the ones you want to edit as a group. Then carry on as normal.

Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
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Route- Distances and ETA (see p133 for more details)
640
Once you have created a route you may wish to see courses, distances and
ETAs for estimated speed made good. For quick access choose off the top
menu View> Main Tool bar and click on ETA. This will put the ETA icon
on the tool bar. (Or you can choose Voyage> Route> Edit - if this dialog
box is not already open- and click on Route Table). This will show the total
distance, and total time at a speed that you may assign (which replaces zero
speeds assigned on a leg). In addition times and distances along each leg of
the route are also displayed.

Bearings and distances measured between legs already drawn on the display,
have an accuracy no less than that afforded by the resolution of the display.
Route leg- great Circle
You may assign a leg of a route or the marker to be in great circle mode (the
default is Rhumb Line). This setting must be switched on and off in the
Navigation Tab accessed with the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7
settings) and also allows the input of a limiting latitude for use with great
circle routes. When you have created a waypoint, highlight it in the route
table and click on the Edit button (on the route table). Ensure that the great
Circle icon button is active. The highlighted waypoint and the succeeding
waypoint will be connected by a great circle. This setting can be switched on
and off in the Navigation Tab . When this latitude is non-zero and a GC route
passes beyond this latitude the section is divided into 3 parts:
a) A GC that will intersect with the limit on a heading of east or west
b) A rhumb line along this parallel,
c) A GC that departs the latitude initially on a east or west course.
The limits of sections are marked. Voyage distances and ETA in the route
table takes account of a composite section so that alternatives can be easily
examined.

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Cross track- Composite GC
If it is required to use cross-track window calculations on a composite
section, it is necessary to create waypoints at the two limits, and set the
resulting legs to GC and rhumb line as appropriate.
Alternate Route
Microplot allows the display of either all routes you have created, the route
you have selected for the current part of the voyage, and an alternative route.
The selected route for cross track info is always coloured red, while the non-
selected route is coloured orange. Note the Icon below RTE in the screenshot
below. (Selections> Windows> Cross track

Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
79
In addition, when editing a route, if you have an alternate route loaded then
icon buttons are available to switch the edit functions between the two. These
icon buttons in edit do not affect the cross track window, where the same set
of icon buttons exist, thus ensuring that route planning does not affect route
monitoring.
Loading an alternate route
Choose the navigation files tab in File> Files. Then click on the Route B
button and load a file in the normal way. In addition your primary route (A)
can be saved as an alternate route (with a slightly altered name) by using the
save as button.
Route- Arcs at alter course positions
In the Navigation Tab accessed with the icon (or Selections> Menus>
MP7 settings) you can set arcs to be on or off. Make sure the icon button for
arcs is on and you have input the vessels turning radius (Voyage> Route>
Edit and select the waypoint- if zero, the general value in the Navigation Tab
will be used). Alter course positions will be arcs corresponding to this figure.
When turn arcs are in use, a line parallel with next leg is shown at the
beginning of the arc, with WO (and ETA for the wpt you are currently
heading for) marked on screen. If using Advance in the Navigation Tab the
line will be advanced by the distance input on every waypoint.
Route leg- Turn arcs
Use the Navigation Tab accessed with the icon to activate. (If zero, the
general value in Selections> Menus> MP7 settings will be used). Minimum
(hard- over) and normal turn arcs (based on standard rudder angle used by
the autopilot) are specified by the vessel and input in miles the serial setup
section (password required). If no turn arcs have been specified for a
waypoint, and turn arcs icon button is specified in MP7 Settings, then this
normal turn arc is used. A turn arc less than the minimum value cannot be
entered. If an arc is entered that is less than that used by the autopilot
normal, the route verification process will show a warning. When 2
waypoints are such that the arc at one cannot complete before the arc of the
next starts, the leg is drawn without an arc.
Route leg speed
A speed may be set for each waypoint which applies for the leg TO the
waypoint. In the route table a 'Normal speed' can be set (defaulting to current
speed). In the table a speed column uses the normal speed for legs without a
set speed (i.e zero). If you wish to have realistic ETAs calculated, assign
your pilotage legs with speeds and the rest leave as zero. The time-on-leg
uses this speed, and the voyage time becomes the sum of each leg.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
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Route- Distances and ETA
640
(See page 133 for more info). . For quick access choose off the top menu
View> Main Tool bar and click on ETA. This will put the ETA icon on the
tool bar. Once you have created a route you may wish to see courses,
distances and ETAs for estimated speed made good. To do this, choose
Voyage> Route> Edit (If this dialog box is not already open) and click on
Route TableThis will show the total distance, and total time at a speed that
you may assign (which replaces zero speeds assigned on a leg). In addition
times and distances along each leg of the route are also displayed.
Route- Time zones
The waypoint edit table has a column and edit box for the time zone at each
waypoint. This is saved to file with the prefix 'Z'. The Voyage Reporting
/Route Table has columns for the time zone, and the ETA at each waypoint,
corrected for time zone. When time zones are not allocated, a calculated one
is used to the nearest hour. A TZ icon permits recalculation without use of
time zones. A warning appears on the title bar if the time zones for system
and first waypoint are not the same.
Search lines
This feature draws parallel lines at a variable offset from a search position.
Two selections in Selections >Utilities are used for this, namely Search line
and Search offset. It will be best to program a hotkey for this. To create a
single search line through a position:-

1. Position the marker and then select offset mode.
2. Move the marker in the direction of the line and click Selections
>Utilities Search Line (Ctrl [ ).
3. To create parallel lines about the search position, ensure marker is in
offset mode, set the marker to the required distance and click Selections
>Utilities Search Offset (Ctrl ]).
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
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Routes. Display all
You can display all the routes you have created by choosing the Navigation
Tab accessed with the icon. The route currently selected will be shown in
red.. The name of the route file is attached to the first waypoint of the route.
The To Near now acts on all-route waypoints, and the associated filename is
shown on the status-bar. Display is preserved after exit.
Routes- Course line
Using Selections> Utilities> Course line (Ctrl H or best to program a
hotkey), you can set up a line from ownship to a selected object.
Importing routes
From navaid. Non ECDIS mode.
Choose Files>Import to import a route from a navaid or other NMEA 0183
output. When selected, a summary of existing serial port settings is shown
with a prompt to select a serial port. If the port is not set for NMEA or
receive is not active, a message tells the user to prepare it and select import
again. The route is imported into the 'B' route. The user is prompted for a file
name which may be new or existing. If existing and it contains waypoints, a
warning is given.

When importing a route, Microplot first looks for a set of NMEA $RTE
message which list the names of all waypoints in the required order. When
this is complete it reads the $WPL message which gives the position of each
waypoint. When this is complete a message informs the user with an
invitation to save to disk. Import is cancelled so that another route can be
selected on the sending device. The process may take a minute or two. If a
confirmation is not shown the user should select import again and abandon as
prompted. The NMEA messages provide for waypoint order, name, and
position only. Description and other attributes must be added thereafter.

A checkbox in Settings permits importing a route by reading WPL messages
only. This would be used when the sender cannot produce RTE messages.
Resulting waypoints are listed in the order they are received, and must be
sorted. The program is unable to inform when the whole route has been
received. Positions are checked to avoid duplications.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
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Importing from weather routeing programs
Microplot has the capability to import and export routes to the Orion
(Oceanroutes software) and Meteoconsult systems. Use File> Import (or
export)> Route> Orion/ Meteo to access this function. The idea is that
routes created on Microplot can be exported to the weather routeing
software, where they can be modifiedfor weather conditions, and then
received back into Microplot for display as Alternative routes.

Advanced option
The first stage is to set the directory paths
for the file exchange by clickong on the
Advance button. This will default to the
first Orion/ Meteo directory that is found-
if you wish to change it use the tools
provided. In the File type drop down
choose the type of file that you are using
for the exchange process. You can only
use one type (i.e. it is not possible to use
one type for export and another for
import). If you are accessing a network
and require login, type in the name and
password in thre area provided.

Import and Export

Use File> Import/ where you will see a
list of the files available to import. If you
want to display the file immediately on
import you can check the tick box and
choose either Route A or B. When you go
into File> Files and Navigation Tab files
imported from Orion will be marked with
a ~. If you wish to save an imported file to
a different name, check the Save as Box
and input as required. To export use File export and select the route (A, B or
selected) to export.
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
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Waypoints
Introduction
Choose Voyage> Route> Edit, off the top menu bar. This will open the
route table and a dialog box on the right of the screen. If you do not have a
route file opened you will be prompted for one. A table will be displayed
(On/ Off) and the Edit dialog box will open on the right of the screen. You
can create , move , insert , delete , and undo waypoints and assign them
as Great Circles. When in Edit, you may double click near a waypoint to get
the bearing and distance to the next one, and from the previous one. If not in
edit mode use the offset option in marker control. To modify the properties
of a waypoint (i.e. approach alarms, time zone etc) click on the icon next to
the Create button. To create a waypoint position the marker as required, type
a name (you can double click the name box to access typewriter) and click on
Create. Once created, the marker bearing and distance indicator is set 765e
to zero, allowing you to type in the course and distance
to the next waypoint. Note: In the marker window, if
you change the from offset button to ownship during
edit, this feature will not operate. To Insert a
waypoint, Click on the insert icon; you will be
prompted to confirm the number of the route before
which you wish to insert a waypoint. To move an
existing waypoint, place the marker at the position you
want the waypoint to be shifted to and click on move.
This option moves the waypoint nearest the marker, so
make sure the position to which you want to move the
waypoint is nearer to its previous position than any
other waypoint. The undo will undo the last waypoint
move or delete carried out with the marker. It does not
operate after a deletion in the waypoint table. The
undo will undo the last waypoint move or delete
carried out with the marker. It does not operate after a deletion in the
waypoint table.
Route Table display. You may find it easier to move your waypoints about
without the table being displayed. You will see on the Edit Waypoint dialog
box at right of screen a icon button for the table. Check this off/ on to
remove or add the table.
Waypoint Sequence
You may move the waypoints in your route file up and down the list,
highlighting the required one and dragging it (with the left button) up or
down the list. If you wish to reverse the order of the waypoints, use the
Reverse button at the right of the dialog box.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
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Waypoint contour alarm
Use Voyage> Route> Edit from the top menu bar and then choose the Edit
button. If you have input a safety contour then Microplot will check to see if
the leg crosses a contour of that depth. This is linked to the route verification
process so that if you enter a safety contour here that is greater than the one
currently being used for verification, your route leg status will not change. If
it is less, then leg status will change to red and youll have to go and verify
the leg again.
Waypoints- multi select
Highlight the one you want and keep the left mouse button down. Then move
the arrow down the list until you come to the last of your block selection-
theyre now all coloured blue. The waypoints are inserted in the order as
they appear in the list, not in the order in which they were highlighted.
Waypoint- display
These can be displayed on screen in a number of different ways. The
switches are held on the Display settings accessed with the icon (or
Selections> Menus> MP7 settings) Waypoint quadrant You may change
the quadrant by clicking on N, S, E or W
Waypoint list- adding from a route
Choose Voyage> Route> Edit. Choose Route files to open a required route.
Highlight the waypoint you wish to add, and click on Add to list. You can
open the waypoint list dialog box from here, if you wish, to see it being
added.
Waypoint list- adding using waypoint list dialog box.
Choose Voyage> Waypoint list from the top menu bar. Position your
marker wherever you want the waypoint to be and then choose New. Type in
the co-ordinates, reading them off the marker indicator window. Type a name
and description and OK.
Routes- adding waypoints to the waypoint list.
The waypoint list (waypoint.lst, a text document in \[installation dir]\route)
can hold a bank of waypoints which you can use in a route. However you
have to create this supply first. When you receive Microplot this list may be
empty.
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
85
Routes- from the Waypoint list
Choose Voyage> Route> Edit from top menu bar. Then click on waypoints.
You will see a number of waypoints on the list (and at the same time they
will be displayed on the plotting screen). Move marker nearest to the one
you want and right click the mouse. Another way is to select (or multi-
select) the oneyou want on the waypoint list by highlighting and then choose
add to route on the waypoint list dialog box). It will appear at the bottom of
the route table list where you can re-sequence it if you wish.
Marker main functions
Marker information
The marker is an orange cross on screen.

1087
You can get information about its position bearing and distance (Great
Circle or Rhumb line) from your vessel, or from any other point. The
accuracy of all calculations in Microplot is independent of the characteristics
any output devices and is at least consistent with the accuracy of the SENC.
Ensure that the marker display window is on using View> Marker
Information; to move the marker, ensure that the pointer is in the main
screen and then click on the left T'ball or mouse button. The marker then
moves to the position of the arrow icon. If you keep the left button down
then moving the mouse causes the arrow icon and the marker to move
together. You can also use the keyboard to move the marker
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
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Ownship or offset
Marker information can be from Ownship or Offset. Click on the set button
to change. When set to Offset (cross symbol appears instead of ship) bearing
and distance is set to zero and the new position will be from the marker
position when the button was clicked. A back bearing indicator (e.g. Bk 123)
is displayed in this mode.
Marker units
A button indicates nm for nautical miles mt for metres and ft for feet. With
this button marker units may be selected in metres or feet when the range-
scale is 480 metres or less. Input of a distance value abides by the same rule.
Rhumb line
Calculations requiring the use of meridional parts use the WGS-84 spheroid.
Great Circle
Great Circle bearing and distance. This can be selected in the Navigation Tab
accessed with the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7 settings). The
marker responds accordingly, with gc' shown after the bearing. Bearing and
distances have an accuracy no less than that afforded by the screen
resolution.

Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
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Marker- EBL
If you wish to have a bearing line attached to ownship, use the third icon
button on the marker window as shown below

1084

When you choose the EBL (second icon) and VRM (first icon) buttons a
dashed EBL or VRM attaches itself to ownship at the bearing and range
currently set in the marker window. Check that the indicator is set to
Ownship and not Offset. Ahint box over the VRM and EBL shows what
range and bearing are currently set.
Marker read out
If the marker is placed near a user defined vector object double left click on
the Trackerball/mouse (F6); the marker will jump to the nearest object and
bearing and distance between ownship and object chosen will be shown.
Marker- Compass rose
Use the compass icon on the right for an orange 360 degree compass at centre
of screen. Use View> Bearing & Distance window for more tools and see page
122. A parallel ruler function is available to draw up to 2 bearing lines. In
addition, a line is displayed from the centre passing through the marker to the
edge of screen. This feature can be used for drawing arcs of circles
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
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Marker- Keyboard movement
The keyboard arrow keys also move the marker. They only do this when
focus is NOT on an edit box or list box. If you click on the main window,
focus goes to the RESET button, allowing marker movement
Marker retrieval and centring
When using the arrow keys on the normal keypad the marker can disappear
off screen you can retrieve it by either:-

1. Click on the left button of the mouse/Tball. Marker will appear at the
arrow icon.
2. Use the top menu bar To ownship, (F10). Both marker and ship will
appear at centre screen.
Marker- Formats
Change the number of decimal points using Selections> Menus> MP7
settings> . To control minutes or minutes and seconds (restricted access)use
the Selections> Switches (use a hotkey if you like). There is also a units
button
Marker additional functions
Marker co-ordinates input
Inputting co-ordinates to the marker, either as required bearing and distance
or as Lat/ Long is the quickest and most accurate way of its positioning. Use
the N and E buttons to change quadrant. Choosing to marker will set the
screen around this point.
Marker- To near
Use To near, off the top tool bar to make the marker jump to the nearest
selected item . Useful if you are loading information whose position you
may not recall, to reveal text attached to a mark or symbol, or to track
(shown on the status bar at the bottom of the screen). It will also reveal (on
the status bar at bottom left of screen) the name of the data file in which the
mark is held.

Marker ETA
Use Selections> Plotting + ETA [Shift Alt =] to show the time taken and
ETA at current speed directly to the marker position. It takes no account of
route. In addition ETA at Critical Point can be accessed choosing To Near
with a CP will give the ETA but taking account of current route at current
speed.
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
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To Near menu ticks
The TO NEAR drop down menu items are ticked when ALL are switched
on. In the case of track, lines & marks, this means all files are visible, and no
items of a colour are switched out. (Not applicable in ECDIS mode). If
nothing is loaded of a type, the menu items are greyed and disabled. A new
SELECTIONS selection 'override hide' [Ctrl E] will display all files set to
not visible and all colours switched out. This will disappear on subsequent
screen reset. (Not applicable in ECDIS mode).
Marker- To near during edit
During edit the data in files other than the one set as editable may be greyed
out you can jump the marker to the nearest editable item by using To near
(on the top menu bar) and select the relevant file type. The marker will jump
to it (maybe off screen)- now hit To Marker off the top menu bar and you
will be amongst the data you want to edit.
Marker- Jumping to nearest
The marker may be jumped to the nearest item of any type by moving the
arrow icon (on its own) near the point of interest and double left clicking the
mouse. It will also reveal (on the status bar at bottom left of screen) the
name of the data file in which the mark is held, so making it clear which file
to open in order to edit it.
Marker- Constant read out from other targets
If you wish to have a constant read out of the range and bearing of a mark,
target or waypoint from another target (which may be own ship), select the
type of vector object by clicking on the toggle button next to Select icon in
the target data window (this button will toggle waypt, mark, or target).
Then hit the select icon button. A constant read-out of bearing and distance
to that object is displayed. You can select target as 0 for ownship thus giving
you the option to have constant read out of two objects.
Marker- Constant read-out from own ship
If you wish to have a constant read out of the range and bearing of a mark,
target or waypoint, or to set a course line , select the type of vector object
by clicking on the toggle button next to Select in the ownship data window
(this button will toggle waypt, mark, or target). Move the marker near to
the item of interest. Then hit the select button. A constant read-out of bearing
and distance to that object is displayed. You can also type in the identifying
mark number before hitting Select; switch these on with Selections>
Display switch> Mark ident.
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Marker toggle right click
Right-clicking on either of the 2 buttons used to select a reference object will
cause the marker to jump to that object. This is the same behaviour as the
target select button.
Data input
A flashing vertical line indicates the dialog prompter. Any white box will
allow input. Use the arrow icon to position the dialog prompter using the left
mouse button. When you have typed in your data, press ENTER (or move the
prompter to another area).
Marker- required bearing and distance
Move highlighter to bearing and distance zone. Type in Bearing. Hit
ENTER; then Type in distance and hit ENTER. Marker will be at this
bearing and distance from ownship. Hit T or R for True or Relative (if you
have a heading input)
Marker- required Lat, Long
Move marker to Latitude indicator. Type in position using the separate dialog
boxes for degrees and minutes (and seconds). Hit Enter or move the pointer
the next dialog box you want and repeat. If you wish to change the
quadrant type in the minutes, then a space and then E, W, N or S (or right
click on the letters). Marker jumps to this position; click on To marker from
the top menu bar, or on the marker icon (black square) on the tool bar (if
visible ).
Minutes and seconds. Restricted mode
Not applicable in ECDIS. Type in the minutes, then the space bar, then the
seconds.

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Marker- to read track data
Use To Near>Track. The track point is read and the details shown in the
status bar at the bottom of the screen. In addition the target status is
displayed using To Near off the top menu bar. The status bar reverts to
display of essential information after 15 seconds unless the pointer is kept
over the status bar.
Track save & display control
Tracking
885
Choose Tracking> Logs for the dialog box. Both the voyage log and the 12
hour log retain detailed information about the navigation status of the ship.
Tracking requirements for ownship in approved ECDIS systems are
governed by certain regulations. Microplot complies with these in all
respects. For tracking of targets see the section on targets and ARPA: display
of target and ownship information can be accessed by Tracking> Control
off the top menu bar. All ECDIS log files are stored in the ECDISlog
directory (restricted access) under your installation directory, and are
automatically saved to disk every few minutes.
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Time & date
1400
Use the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7 settings) to access this tab
and enter a time zone. The value is the difference between local time and
UTC, i.e. plus for east longitudes and, minus for west. The serial port to read
time and date must be set. An NMEA ZDA message is read on this port for
UTC time and date. When found, time zone is applied and the resulting time
and date is displayed on status bar. Failing this or following a timeout of 10
seconds, system time and date are used. When UTC is in use the time zone is
shown on the status bar.
Track information
This is a tabulated display shown when you choose Tracking> Logs. No
other information other than that listed here is retained. In addition all
information is read only and cannot be accessed or changed by the user.

Date, Time, Chart in use (cell# name), Route in use, To wpt in use, Scale in
use, Default scale, Valid Primary navaid source (COM#), Valid dual navaid
source (COM#), CMG, SMG, Posn, Heading, Water speed, Chart last update,
Chart edition, Chart edition date, Update CD, Update installed, Position
offsets, Chart datum
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Voyage & 12 hour Logs
This retains the tabulated data for the whole voyage and past 12 hours with
intervals set at 5 minutes and 1 minute respectively. A voyage file is loaded
automatically every time you start Microplot. You can start a new voyage file
at any time by choosing Voyage> New from the top menu bar. You can back
this file up at any time by choosing the Files option (after selecting
Tracking> Logs off the top menu bar of Microplot).
905
For the current voyage track log only Save As is available. When starting a
new voyage track log, a new lines and marks file is automatically opened and
set as editable. See Editing user data in Help contents.
Distance calculations
The options Tab in Track> Control has a date selection option for display of
track between two dates. Times may also be entered, and when the 'calculate'
button is hit, calculations between the two track positions are shown on the
status bar (at bottom of screen). Any time zone correction may be entered.
Example use: Calculation of day's run, or voyage figures. You can also
export a section of track to floppy drive.
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2275

Controlling the display
For display purposes only, ownship track is saved at a rate dependent as
below, so that track files are do not become too big. (Targets tracks are saved
every minute). Voyage and 12 hour log save rates are not affected.
1. If speed > 1 knot and waypoint is changed, save a position otherwise2.
On completion of each course alteration of 10 degrees, save a position
otherwise3. If speed is less than 1 knot, save rate = 1 hour, otherwise4.
If range scale is equal or less than 3 miles, or leg distance is less than five
miles then save rate = 20 seconds, otherwise 5. If the distance to next or
last wpt is less than 20 miles then save rate = 1 minute, otherwise6. If the
distance to next wpt is less than 200 miles then save rate = 5 minutes
otherwise7. save rate = 1 hour, otherwise8. If no waypoints or route
selected save at 5 minutes

You can overide any of these by hitting the button for 20s save rate at top
right of screen. The left hand button shows you the rate at which track is
currently being saved . If the 20s save rate is in use fro more than 30 minutes
a warning box is displayed.

By using Tracking> Control off the top menu you can alter the display
settings as you wish. Ownship recent track can be set at 6, 12, 30 and 60
minutes or 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 hours. Target recent track can be set at 6, 12, and
30 minutes. The time mark interval is set at 0 (off) to 120 minutes (i.e. a 2
hour watch). To display specific periods of a voyage, use the date time drop
downs. Track review is only available on office versions
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Time-mark or flag at ownship position:
Selections / Time mark [Ctrl G] will create a track time-mark (ECDIS
mode) or flag (non-ECDIS) at ownship's position. An immediate track save
is made. When displaying time-marks, they are shown at the selected interval
(subject to a fast enough track save rate), with any additional manual ones
added. This is a default hotkey on Set 2 called Time mark

915
Past voyage log display
If you wish to display a voyage log file other than the one you are currently
saving to, choose Files> Voyage files off the ECDIS tracking menu,
highlight the file and choose Open, then Exit. Then choose List> Read only
voyage file. To close this file choose Files> Voyage files off the ECDIS
tracking menu, highlight the file and choose Close, then Exit. Normal
logging of 12hour log and Voyage files will continue in the background if
viewing a read-only file.
Past voyage track display
To look at the tracks of past voyages, choose the User files Tab of File>
Files from the top menu bar. Click on the Track radio button and select the
files you require. Tick the check box if you wish to display only particular
files.

Track replay. (Not available with ECDIS locks)
By choosing the Options Tab you can export a section of track. 'Read'
buttons are provided, next to the time/dates. These cause the time/date at the
point of track nearest the marker to be read in.
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12 Hour Log
This is a loop record that retains the tabulated information for the previous
12 hours at one minute intervals. This file (always called ECDIS12.REC) is
loaded automatically (from the ECDISlog directory- restricted access- under
your installation directory- restricted access) every time you start Microplot.
You can back this file up at any time by choosing the Files option (after
selecting Voyage> Track Log off the top menu bar of Microplot). For
12hour log only Save As is available.
Track save- spike filter
Positioning systems can sometimes jump or send out spurious echoes which,
if recorded, can cause problems in the display and save of the track file.
Change the filter value in the Filter tab accessed by the Pos Offsets button in
Selections> Menus> Serial setup to discard positions that are more than a
certain value removed from the previous recorded position.
Route verification
Introduction
665
Route search functions are accessed using Voyage> Route> verify, of the
top menu bar and allows an automatic search along the route for Cat A, B or
C items using certain user defined parameters. These are search box width,
spot depth, depth contour and air draft. If a route has not previously been
verified, a single set of parameters is used for the whole route. Once the user
is into the acceptance phase, these parameters can be set (and are saved
automatically to the route log file) for individual legs.
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Group edit
This function allows you to select a number of legs and re-assign parameters
for re-analysis, including a global acceptance of Cat C items. When selecting
items for group edit, keep the Control button depressed and and then click or
drag the mouse to select. If you want to select all the items click on select all.
Set default search parameters
710
When a route has not previously been verified you may set parameters as
default so that the next time these can be used. When loading a route you are
requested to input the proposed departure draft; if this is greater than the
depth min settings at the last verification of a route leg, and a cell has been
changed since, then the leg will marked as unverified. The largest scale data
is always used for all verification and look ahead warnings
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Search results- initial
Once the search is complete, the initial search results dialog box will be
displayed. This will show all the legs with the number of items found, and
the parameters used to search. At this point only those legs are coloured red.
Either x2 click on a leg or highlight it and hit Properties to see the search
results Acceptance dialog box. You can also edit a group of legs to change
the search parameters of all of them. Remember if you change search
parameters, the leg acceptance will change to N.
Corridor and cross track widths
If a cross track error alarm is set wider than the corridor verify width of that
leg, then the leg will be marked as unverified and turns red. A tick box is
available in the edit selected waypoint dialog box to set the verify corridor
width to that of the cross track error.

If a corridor width is set less than the cross track error, then the corridor is
automatically set to the cross track error width. A tick box is provided for
you to do this automatically when selecting the properties of a leg
Corridor and XTE display.
The search boxes (if the info is in the route log file) are displayed as soon as
you choose to search a route, but may be switched off using the tick box (in
Voyage> Route> verify) the initial search limits dialog box. Providing a
route has already been analysed corridor widths and and/ or XTE widths may
be shown using the tick boxes provided in the Verify window. So they wont
display, for instance, if the leg parameters have been changed and re-analysis
has not been done.
Route colour coding
The route will be temporarily coloured according to whether it passes close
to Cat A, B or C items. The route log file contains the most recent
information on the waypoints, the cells over which the route passes and their
update status, and search parameters items and acceptance status. As it has a
mirror image of the last changes to the route the program immediately
knows that:-

a) No attached route log file exists (so while you are creating a new route
it will be red)
b) No acceptance of analysis has taken place. (This will also apply if a
waypoint is moved)
c) Chart cells have been updated after the last analysis; so, as with paper,
update charts before planning a route

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If any of these conditions exist, the relevant legs of the route are coloured
red. Once the screen us reset, the colour coding reverts to the normal ones as
described in the alternate route section: i.e. selected route coloured coloured
red, while the non- selected route is coloured orange.
Category A
Category A (purple) items are ones that if found to be less than the
parameters set would endanger the ship. These are unsurveyed areas, land,
depth (contour and spot), traffic lane wrong way and air draft. Caution
should be taken when finding no air draft problems along the route- often
bridge heights are unknown.
Category B
Category(yellow) items are those that could endanger the ship (e.g. passing
through a restricted area). Cat B items include the following :- No cell data
for leg, User items and user danger areas, turn arc less than that used by the
autopilot, Traffic separation zone, Two way traffic route, Deepwater route,
Recommended traffic lane, Inshore traffic zone, Restricted area, Offshore
production area, Area to be avoided, Military practice area, Seaplane landing
area, Anchorage area, Cargo transhipment area, Incineration area, and
Specially protected areas.
Category C
Category C (green) items would not endanger the ship normally but have
information that the navigator should be aware of (e.g. caution areas). Cat C
items include :- Fairway, Caution area, Submarine transit lane, Ice area,
Channel, Fishing ground, Fishing prohibited, Pipeline area, Cable area,
Anchorage prohibited, Dumping ground, Spoil ground and Dredged area
Cat C Global acceptance
On the Route> Verify dialog box, choose select all. Then choose Group edit
and tick Accept all legs (CatC only). Click close and all legs with Cat C only
items will be ticked off. This allows you to go and inspect, at first, only those
legs with important items. To De-select all just click on one of the legs.
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Search Acceptance
670
Once you have initial search results, either x2 click on a leg or highlight it
and hit More details to see the search results Acceptance dialog box. This
will give details of each item discovered in the various categories Cat A, B
or C . You can x2 click each of these and the on screen marker will jump to
the item. You can re-analyse the leg with different parameters- but you will
not be able to exit this page if you change parameters and forget to re-
analyse. You can click on the leg change buttons to move directly to another
leg. This window is also accessible directly via Selections> Menus> Verify
leg and will show information of the leg currently selected in the cross track
windwow. If you hit the Accept button you will return to the Initial search
results dialog box, where the leg will have a coloured tick.
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Tick status
Green Accepted- No items or only Cat C items
Orange Accepted- Cat B items
Red Accepted- Cat A items
Waypoint XTE limit
On any lower panel click on the large left right buttons to access the XTE
window. If no lower panel is on then use View> (tick on) Selected target.
Click on the alarm icon provided. You cannot set an XTE alarm greater than
the corridor width used for verification A icon button is to switch both
corridors and XTE limits On/ Off. Use Voyage> Route> Edit from the top
menu bar and then choose the Edit button. You can enter a cross track alarm
for the course from the waypoint. The alarm is always active while to and
from wpts are selected. Choose Selections> Windows> Cross Track and
select the appropriate TO and FROM waypoints. Then choose any of the
tabbed options accessed with the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7
settings) and click on the alarm button to access buttons for the required
alarm settings.

1800c
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Route log file
The route log file (.RAF) contains the most recent information on the
waypoints, cells in use, cell updates, and search parameters items and
acceptance status. As it has a mirror image of the last changes to the route the
program immediately knows when waypoint in a route has been changed
since the route was last verified

Any route file that is opened without an attached log file will be coloured
red. Also if a waypoint is moved after its associated legs have been verified,
the log file allows this to be detected and the legs (either side) will be
coloured red.

Cell update date
If the log file records this info on each cell of the whole route then the
program can look for cells that have changed and only search those for
infringements. This is important for regular runners; the program will notice
that no legs have been changed and therefore it need only check for changed
cells.

Search items
The log file will record the search items for the last search only, whether or
not they were accepted and the date and time for all of these functions.

Leg status
The log should show whether the leg is accepted or not, checked or not (but
may be unaccepted). If a waypoint comparison of route and log shows one
has moved, its status should go to blank.
Route monitoring
Route monitoring
ECDIS is connected to systems providing continuous position fixing,
heading, speed and depth information. Once you have created your routes
you are then able to monitor the vessels progress along it. Most of the route
monitoring functions are accessed by the icon (or Selections> Menus>
MP7 settings) and clicking on the Alarm button. The Status Tab will give a
summary of the alarm settings and a button to provide an alarm event log. To
access the cross track window, choose Selections> windows> cross track
off the top menu bar

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While tracking you may display any sea area you wish. Whenever the display
covers the area of ownship, ownship and route always appear. This will not
affect the alarm functions, track recording etc. However, the track log will
record the fact that the user is looking at a navigational cell or RNC other
than the one currently occupied by the ship. To return immediately to the
ownships position, choose centre at ownship on the top menu bar

All positions may be described with decimal places set at between 2 and 4 on
the Program setup Tab accessed with the icon (or Selections> Menus>
MP7 settings)

Redraw
Redraw during route monitoring to follow the ship's progress, including scale
changes due to change in the scale of the chart information, takes less than 5
seconds. Some scale changes, particularly upwards, (that may be asked for
by the user) may take longer, and the time that this re-draw takes may not be
predictable by the ECDIS. The user is informed (by a small on screen
message) that redraw is taking place and may take more than 5 seconds, and
the current screen and route monitoring functions continue to operate until
the new setting is ready to display.
Position- Timeout alarm (restricted access)
Applicable to both primary and secondary navaids, this defaults to 10
seconds (its maximum value) and can be changed by using the icon (or
Selections> Menus> MP7 settings) and clicking on the Alarm button.
Except when ownship is selected to manual-mode, an alarm sounds and a
message appears. In the case of a primary navaid failure, the External alarm
unit, will activate. When an external alarm is not in use for normal system
alarms, the primary navaid activates the system failure alarm, but this now
ceases when it is acknowledged on the computer. This would normally be the
case as only when the computer alarm activates does the alternating signal to
the external alarm cease.

Course and speed
The navaid normally passes course and speed made good. If this is not being
passed you can force Microplot to do this using the Program setup Tab
accessed by using the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7 settings). In
the event that this overides the navaid, a warning is given and youll have a
CMG/ SMG timeout warning. For water speed a doppler log is required. If
this is set to output bottom tracking or ground referenced speeds, then CMG
and SMG are extracted and can be displayed if the correct serial port is
assigned. Water speed will show zero if the water speed was also set for this
same port, with a time out warning
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Navaid alarm Primary/ dual
1775
Changed by using the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7 settings), and
hitting the alarm button at bottom. Choose the Navaid Tab. A distance in
metres (0-500) can be input. An alarm is caused when the difference
between primary and dual positions (if dual ticked in Selections> menus
Serial setup) exceeds this value. Set to zero to disable detection. Should the
primary navaid fail, an 'Exchange' button swaps primary and dual navaid
serial ports.

Position type
A GGA position message provides a code meaning DGPS, GPS, or Invalid.
This is indicated on screen as a character in the status bar varying D/d for
DGPS, G/g for GPS or X/x when a code is not available (e.g. GLL
message). On navaid failure, 'F' is shown, and alarm sounds. Should the
primary navaid fail, a swap button in Alarm Settings/ Navaid swaps
primary and dual navaid serial ports.
Not available
When the code indicates 'Not available or Invalid' the position message is not
used, subsequently resulting in an alarm. This is the likely case if the navaid
has gone into DR mode.
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Position (Datums)
Most positioning devices are set to output the WGS84 datum, but many
charts use a different one (e.g. ED50). Microplot allows you to make the
incoming signal fit the chart as described below. It is therefore, advisable to
have your navaid set to WGS84.
Where available, the datum of the chart is recorded in the track logs, along
with any user-defined shifts applied.
Datum output Alarm
Many devices do not have the NMEA $DTM string that outputs this
information. If they do, then Microplot Mariner will compare the datum of
the chart with the incoming $DTM string. If there is a mismatch, an alarm
will sound, with an indication of the datums your chart and navaids are
currently set. Official SENC and C-Map charts will always be WGS84 so in
this case youll need to adjust your navaid. With RNC (ARCS) charts you
may have the option in Charts> Options> Rasterto set the chart to either
WGS84 or the datum in which it was created.
Navaid datum convert (Restricted mode)
1315
All official SENC chart data is set to WGS84 datum and most GPS receivers
output in this format. However some raster data is held in other datums, but
there is no switch to set them to WGS84 (as in ARCS) or the positional
receiver cannot be reset to the required datum (for example, perhaps, in the
case of a Loran receiver). In this case you can use Selections> Menus
emodels convert. Set the datum of the incoming nav signal using the drop
down menu. Click on the icon button underneath so a tick appears and
Microplot will convert this into a WGS84 position.

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Position- Navaid filter
This is designed to avoid spikes in track. When comparing current position
with the last and the last but one, the course and speed for the time interval is
allowed for. Change the filter value (filter limits are 1~100 metres) in the
Filter tab accessed by the Pos Offsets button in Selections> Menus> Serial
setup. When the new ownship position varies from the last reading by more
than the set amount, the position will be discarded. However, if 3 successive
positions are within the filter value, the new position will be accepted.

1700
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Position correction- user defined.
Accessed by using the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7 settings) and
accessing the navigation Tab. Enter in either metres (the E/W value is
corrected for D.Long) and minutes (applied directly). S and W corrections
are minus values. Fill the icon button to apply this to the incoming navaid
position. If this offset is applied, this fact is recorded in the voyage and 12
hour log, along with the values set. 'Offset applied' appears next to ownship's
position when offsets are applied, and a hint for the label provides the values.
Positions are changed to a smaller font to accommodate this.

1715
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Position correction- Raster charts
In Charts> Options> Rastercorrections, if available, can be switched On/
Off, using the apply WGS84 shifts button. This button defaults to ON.

355
When this icon button is Off, and a shift is available, OR if the box is On,
and a shift is un-available a warning message is displayed when raster charts
are first accessed. A permanent magenta caution message is shown in the
RNC chart menu.

User defined offsets can only be applied to raster charts if the icon button is
Off here and On in the Navigation Tab accessed using the icon, in which
case magenta A is shown next to ownship Latitude, and the words Offset
ON are shown next to ownship
On indications
When offsets are activated with raster charts and shifts ON, a message states
that offsets will NOT be applied when shifts are "available and selected".
The 'A' next to ownship Latitude positively indicates offsets are applied: not
merely switched on.

Note- navaid position shift
This shift is applied to the incoming signal of both primary and dual navaids
and the positions recorded permanently with the shift applied. When applied,
a magenta 'A' appears next to ownship's latitude, with a hint explaining its
purpose and values. The track log also records if position shift is on and what
the values are. The words Offset ON are shown next to ownship
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Cross track and route information
This window is accessed with Selections>
Windows> Cross Track. (The alarm icon will get
you to alarm settings for route).Abeam refers to
abeam of course over ground (or course made
good). Click on the relevant buttons to change the
ETA and bearing values. Check out Course and
speed calculations within Microplot. See Note on
composite GC cross track. Ship shape will be either
left or right of leg and the arrows will point towards
or away from leg (above ship shape) if Closing or
Opening. Indicators show the cross-track trend.
Crossing means the vessel will cross the route leg
before the waypoint is reached. When route arcs are
in use the distance on leg is to the beginning of the
arc (WO point). The time until abeam is also to this
point. See Note below and pic 1125a
Leg- up display
Changed by using the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7 settings) and
accessing the Display Tab, where an icon button allows Leg up display. Leg-
up is only available in Vector Chart (either official, unofficial) and if
waypoints are selected in the cross track window. If selected the chart will
align itself using the direction of the leg currently selected. The North
indicator will turn accordingly. RNC (raster) charts are always Chart-up. The
mode name will be displayed at the top of the screen.
ETA values
This defaults to the current speed made good. Type in another number if
required and type in 0 to return to current speed made good.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The ETA on screen for WO and in the Xtrack
window continues to be calculated using the distance until the WO point is
abeam, and NOT the distance until the WO line is crossed. This is because,
with legs of a similar course, the ETA (and approach alarm) would fluctuate
wildly with change of cross-track error.
Cross track- Composite GC
If it is required to use cross-track window calculations on a composite
section, it is necessary to create waypoints at the two limits, and set the
resulting legs to GC and rhumb line as appropriate.
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Waypoint approach distance & Alarms
Use Voyage> Route> Edit from the top menu bar (or right click on the main
display), select a waypoint and then choose the Edit button. You can enter
alarm details for each waypoint. If you want to make these alarms active first
choose Selections> Windows> Cross Track (set a hotkey for this) and
select the appropriate TO and FROM waypoints. Now choose the alarm icon
to activate with the On/ Off buttons. If in the Off position text is red. You can
also use the buttons on the right of the settings to switch off the visible cross
track limits and approach circles. (To access you can also use Selections>
Menus> Alarms. Or add an alarm icon to the tool bar with View> Main
toolbar> and tick alarm). (If zero, the default value will be used). When
approach alarms are active, a circle is drawn around each waypoint
indicating alarm distance. A thicker one is drawn around the currently
selected waypoint.
1800
Route- Arcs at alter course positions
In the Navigation Tab accessed with the icon (or Selections> Menus>
MP7 settings) you can set arcs to be on or off. Make sure the icon button for
arcs is on and you have input the vessels turning radius (Voyage> Route>
Edit and select the waypoint- if zero, the general value in will be used). Alter
course positions will be arcs corresponding to this figure. When turn arcs are
in use, a line parallel with next leg is shown at the beginning of the arc, with
WO (and ETA for the wpt you are currently heading for) marked on
screen. If using advance in the Navigation Tab the line will be advanced by
the distance input on every waypoint.
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Note- Waypoint alarms
Cross track alarm is set in Voyage> Route> Edit> (Edit button) for the leg
starting with the waypoint selected for edit. Approach alarm is set for the To
waypoint. If set to zero, the general value (accessed with the and choose
alarm button, Route Tab) will be used. When approach alarms are active, a
circle is drawn around each waypoint indicating alarm distance.
Waypoint- Auto change
When monitoring position along a route you can set the program to
automatically change the waypoint numbers displayed using the icon button
in Selections> Windows> cross track or the arrows at top right of any lower
panel to change between XTE, DR, and Target windows
Autochange rules
With route arcs OFF, conditions (a) OR (b) apply whichever is the sooner.
With route arcs ON the same applies but the distance to the waypoint must
be greater than the approach distance (defined by the beginning and end of
the arc.)

a) On the line of the NEXT leg.
b) When beyond a line through TO waypoint that is at 90 deg to current leg.

Course Calculations
Use Selections> Windows> Course calc or the arrows
at top right of any lower panel to change between XTE,
DR, and Target windows. A or P indicates tide vector as
calculated (Blue) or predicted (yellow). If P the value is
always for the current date and time irrespective of
settings in the chart work window. The dotted red line
indicates the route and the blue line shows the set
direction (always true to the chart orientation). The To
make section shows the heading for either the leg
selected or from ownship position to the selected
waypoint. (This info is removed if you are using P for
predicted tide). Choose either Present (left icon) or Next
leg (right icon) or use the drop down for User (input in
the Leg box), Select (use the arrows to select any
waypoint to any waypoint), or Scroll ( any two
consecutive waypoints in the route). If you have a speed set for a leg (use
Voyage> Route edit), then this panel will also tell you what speed you should
be doing through the water to make good that speed. Log Auto or Manual
tells you whether ownship speed input is from the automatic log or input
manually by the user.
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Sampling period for calculations
Set a sampling period in Settings; the default is 6 secs. Calculation of cross-
track error and trend uses this value, as do the calculations in the Course Calc
window. Its purpose is to even out fluctuations: the best setting will depend
on consistency of navigational data and speed.

Corridor and XTE display.
The search boxes (if the info is in the route log file) are displayed as soon as
you choose to search a route, but may be switched off using the tick box (in
Voyage> Route> verify) the initial search limits dialog box. Providing a
route has already been analysed corridor widths and and/ or XTE widths may
be shown using the tick boxes provided in the Verify window. So they wont
display, for instance, if the leg parameters have been changed and re-analysis
has not been done.
Corridor and cross track widths
If a cross track error alarm is set wider than the corridor verify width of that
leg, then the leg will be marked as unverified and turns red. A tick box is
available in the edit selected waypoint dialog box to set the verify corridor
width to that of the cross track error.

If a corridor width is set less than the cross track error, then the corridor is
automatically set to the cross track error width. A tick box is provided for
you to do this automatically when selecting the properties of a leg
DR and EP Window
1220
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
113
Use View> (tick on) Selected target and then use the large arrows to get to
the relevant window. For this system water speed and heading info, either
manual or automatic, must be available. The buttons can be depressed for EP
(estimated position) and DR (calculated set and drift). If you choose
estimated position, then the set and drift can be input manually on the
window itself and the EP calculated.

On the display window itself, use the Fix button to start a fresh DR or EP
calculation. Use the Plot function to plot the current EP or DR displayed.
Since fix indicates distance including alterations of course.

The fix is generated from the primary navaid and a vessel fix symbol and
time is plotted. The time of last fix and a calculation of bearing and distance
between DR and current primary nav position is passed to the conning
display.
Heading- Display and error
A black thin heading line stretching off screen may be switched in Display
Settings Tab accessed the icon (or Selections> Menus> MP7 settings)of
Selections> M7 Settings. A short beam line is also shown. This must be
(and is) a minimum of 10 mm each side for ECDIS. Error is applied in the
Navigation Tab also accessed with the icon. Microplot applies the
correction. So if the Gyro was reading 271 when it should be reading 270,
the gyro error is 1 high. Input the error as +1 & Microplot will then subtract
this figure from the received input. The symbol A appears next to the
heading at top right if any error is being applied. Heading time-out alarms
may be set in Selections> menus> Alarm settings. The value can be set
between 0 and 15 seconds. When compass error is applied to heading, the
caption changes from 'Heading' to 'Offset Hdg', and a hint shows the
correction applied.
Chartwork
Introduction
A special dialog box (with Tabs for Position information and Limits is
accessed by Voyage> Chartwork tools, and gives you the options described
below. You may of course use a combination of lines, marks (all orange,
except danger areas) and the functions listed below. All these items are
immediately saved to file (same name as voyage track file) once created. See
page 54 on Ink or pencil function. In chartwork, all items on the Limits Tab
default to ink (automatically carried over to the next voyage), and those on
the Position Tab in pencil (retained on the file for the current voyage but not
carried over).
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
114
Expected position
Use this to create a cross on a route with a time/date contained in an ellipse.
Critical Point & caution/ information notes
Select a leg first. You can insert a critical point anywhere along your route
using this function. If you put the marker slightly off the route when creating,
the program will put the point right on the route nearest the marker position.
Set the alarm for either time or distance using the radio buttons. You can add
a Caution Note as well although this cannot be set for alarm.

ETA at a critical point is given by x2 clicking on the CP showing the ETA
based on current route at current speed. If both TO and FROM waypoints are
set to zero in cross track window this wont work
950
Tide indicators
A dashed arrow with time and tide rate in a box can be created using this
selection. Using the drop down option set the tide for calculated (as being
experienced at own ship), predicted (at the marker position, nearest diamond,
use date and time buttons), and manual (any tide input by the mariner).
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
115
Light visibility
Choose the Limits Tab. Place the marker on the light and hit Create (set
origin). Move the marker to the lights range and first bearing limit and hit
Create (set first limit and range). Move the marker to the clockwise bearing
and hit Create (Second limit).Enter the (optional) light description in the
message box. (For all round lights just hit Create again after setting the first
limit.
965
Danger highlight
Choose the Limits Tab. This is not an alarm zone, although it will alarm for
look ahead- it is used to highlight an area in red with hatching. Start drawing
and use Mid point for the first mid point. Thereafter use right click (repeats
last command) to draw the area. Hitting End will join up to the beginning of
the drawing process no matter when you hit End. You are then prompted for
text, which can be revealed by hitting To near on any point of the area.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
116
Clearing lines
Choose the Limits Tab. Drawn in blue (with NLT- Not Less Than or NMT-
Not MoreThan) these are provided to give you minimum and maximum
bearing indicators on the chart. Place your marker over the point of interest
and hit create (set origin) and drag the marker back (the clearing line bearing
is shown as BK 123). Hit Create (set bearing) again.
Position lines
This function is accessed using Selections> Windows> Brg & Dist (set a
hotkey for this). Put the marker on the point of interest and type in the range
and/ or bearing. Then click on B1. The P/L becomes available which will
draw an orange line after prompting you to accept the current time. You can
plot and transfer two such P/Ls, using the buttons. To clear the lines move
the marker to the end of a line and hit the Erase PL button.

1250
Position fix (Manual)
If you wish to use the electronic chart to plot fixes in the same way as a paper
one, choose Selections> Windows> Brg and Dist. Click the tick box for
parallel ruler if required. Put the marker on the point of interest and type in
the range and/ or bearing. Then click on B1 and D1. You can plot two such
range and bearing lines, using the buttons to turn on/ off or to clear. Now
choose the fix icon select the type of fix and it will appear on the screen with
time and fix type alongside.
Position lines transferred
Once you have drawn a position line, you can transfer it by typing in the
direction and distance you want it transferred, and hitting the Transfer
position line.
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
117
Parallel rules
2175
Switch on the compass rose with the tick box Selections> Windows> Brg
and Dist. (The compass rose can be switched on on its own using the
compase icon in the marker window). Put the line on the required bearing,
and then put the mouse pointer on the square at the middle of the compass
rose. Keeping the left mouse or keypad button depressed, move the line to
the point of interest and release. You can draw up to 3 lines. Erase using
Selections> Windows> Brg and Dist, Clear B & D
Parallel Indexing
The limits Tab of Voyage> Chartwork Tools has controls for the creation
and display switching of 4 index lines. During creation a line will be
positioned relative to an offset position. When set this will become relative to
ownships moving position. Lines are preserved after exit. Select individual
lines with the number button, and use the icon button (whose current action
is given alongside)

ARPA marker position
Use the icon at top right of the marker window to align marker to ARPA
cursor which will jump the marker to the ARPA cursor if available,
otherwise to the ERBM. An NMEA 'RSD' message must be received for this
feature.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
118
Alarm controls
Alarm selections
Use the Alarm button accessed with the icon (or in Selections>
M7settings) and then click on the Status Tab for all alarm details. For quick
access use View> Main tool bar and tick the alarm option. This adds the
alarm icon to the tool bar. Clicking on ON, OFF or Alarm will take you to
the correct tabbed display. The alarm activates on the sound card and is
amplified in a set of twin speakers, whose sound pressure level is set to at
least 75 db and 10 db above the ambient noise levels on the bridge, and then
sealed with glue. The frequency is adjusted between 200- 2500 Hz and also
sealed.

In addition the status-bar switches to display a message on the alarm type.
Once it is acknowledged, ALL existing alarms are shown. The largest scale
cell is always used for alarms. The reset button on the status bar changes to
an alarm button. This is used to stop the sound warning. The button will
remain while any alarm status exists, and may be hit to display a list of active
alarms. Alarm are activated using data from the largest scale available from
the vector data charts.

1750
A button in alarm settings will cause the alarm to sound for a few seconds,
with a TESTING ALARM message. An actual alarm will override this, as
will hitting the button a second time. A second button will cause the
alternating signal to the external system failure alarm to cease for test
purposes, thus activating the alarm.
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
119
Time out alarms (restricted access)
The following devices and inputs have time out alarms (in seconds),
accessible by the appropriate Tabs from Selections> menus> Alarm
settings
Navaid 0, 6-10 Keypad 15s
Depth 0, 6-15 Sounder 0, 6-15
Heading 0, 6-15
CMG 0, 6-15
SMG 0, 6-15
Waterspeed 0, 6-15
Target (ARPA) 0, 6-60

These limits have been set so that you can switch the time-out alarms off, but
not set limits too fast so that the alarm goes off all the time. Many devices,
for instance output every two seconds, so the program will allow itself a
couple of missed signals before it will alarm.
Alarm acceptance
Alarms are maintained until they are accepted by the pressing of an Alarm
Accept button, which cancels the audio and flashing alarm (permanent and
alternating between bright and dark red, with a pulse frequency of 1 Hz). The
visual indications of alarms remain (the alarm button at bottom right) until
the fault has been corrected, when the alarm system is automatically reset to
the normal operating condition. Existing and accepted alarms are indicated
by a constant indicator (the alarm button at bottom right) and new alarms are
indicated by a flashing light and audio alarm. Alarms can only be cancelled if
the condition causing them has been dealt with successfully.

1917b
If an alarm has been accepted and a second fault occurs before the first is
rectified, the audible and visual alarms operate again.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
120
Alarm zones- Look ahead
1935
The icon next to depth will take you to contour and depth settings page.
Applicable only with vector charts (both S57 and C- Map, and the button
next to depth takes you the S57 display options box), the look ahead function
allows you set up a time ahead and width in which the program will alarm
for all Cat A, B and C items (see page 105), in addition to the user definable
elements of safety contour and spot depth limits set for the leg currently in
use in the Voyage> Route> verify options. Click on the alarm log button to
see a text record of all items found in the look ahead. The look ahead
function will always use the largest scale available in the SENC.

1965
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
121
Look ahead alarms
An alarm will always sound for all Cat A items. For Cat B and C items the
program allows you set an alarm and or indication (orange squares around
the object). A Selections menu item 'Clear LookAhead' [Alt Del] is provided
so that a hotkey can clear the square orange marks. When an indicator is no
longer valid it is automatically removed, though it will not disappear until
next screen reset. A button is added that jumps the screen to the indicator
nearest to ownship. The number of active look-ahead warnings is shown in
Alarm Settings.
Alarms zones- Complex
1815a
Open a file in File> Files. To draw choose Edit> Alarm zones (or the Edit
button above)and create with the appropriate buttons. If set as active, the
areas created are filled with a 25% wash.
161
You can use the right mouse button for repeat
commands. Then use the Zones Tab accessed
through the Alarm settings button on Selections>
M7 Settings. For quick access use View> Main
tool bar and tick the alarm option. This adds the
alarm icon to the tool bar. There are two icon
buttones in the display which activate alarms for
targets and / or ownship. You can choose any two
colours to be active. . If set as active, the areas
created are filled with a 25% wash.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
122
Alarm zones- drawing controls
End draw A line is drawn to the start point if the user has not done this. If
end draw is hit with only 1 or 2 points, the area is deleted.
Recolour Re Colours the whole area. Colours Red (9) or Yellow (11)
only
Delete During draw deletes the last line but continues drawing. Delete
when not drawing removes the whole area after a confirmation.
Own ship
Ownship will alarm EVERY time a new alarm zone is violated. This means
that a zone within a zone will also cause an alarm. Look ahead is based on
the Course made good not the heading. Obviously you go could go very
close to an alarmed area with an alarm, but the cross track alarm should take
care of that.
Alarm indicators
a) With multiple zone alarm conditions exist, a message is retained on the
status bar for each: previously one would overrule the others.
b) Look ahead alarm activates for leaving a complex zone.
c) Look-ahead for miles/minutes in/out applies for complex zones (not
circles) and for ownship only to reduce processing overhead.
d) NOTE Zone alarms do NOT operate whilst a new zone is being created.
Alarms zones- Circular
These can activate on entering or leaving the defined area. If they are active
(box ticked) then they are 25% transparent colour filled with red. You may
create as many as you wish. Access the menu by choosing from the main
menu Edit> Alarm zones.
1. Put your marker at the centre of circle you wish to create and click on
Create zone.
2. Move your marker to required radius and click on Set Radius. A red circle
will appear, with a red Z at the centre
Use the Alarm button accessed via the icon (or Selections> Menus>
MP7 settings to activate. For quick access use View> Main tool bar and tick
the alarm option. This adds the alarm icon to the tool bar

If they are active (box ticked) then they are transparent colour filled with red.
If vessel is inside this when it's drawn, then a zone alarm will sound on exit;
if outside the alarm sounds on entry.

Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
123
Alarm lines
When drawing a complex alarm zone, if a single line is drawn this will
become an alarm line. If ownship crosses this line in either direction an alarm
will be activated. This alarm differs from most others in that, once
acknowledged, the alarm will reset.
Setting for the lines are the same as those for complex zones, except that
either 'alarm in' or 'alarm out' can be chosen. An alarm line that is activated is
shown thicker, and with a red 'A' at each end. The look-ahead operates for
lines in the same way as zones.
Alarm event log
Every time there is an alarm, it is recorded to an alarm event log file. This
records the time and date of the occurrence, its nature, when it was accepted
and when the alarm status no longer applied. It can be printed out at any
time, using the print option on the dialog box title bar
1755

Important items temporarily switched out
A message box is permanently displayed listing all important selections that
are may be temporarily switched out. As well as acting as a warning, this
provides an easy way to return each feature to normal. Closing the box or
using [reset screen] returns all features to normal operation.
Features affected include:-
1. Non-display of marks and lines marked as Pencil or ink, set in the Files
Menu / Display tab. 3. Suspension of RNC auto chart load, caused by manual
load of a chart. 4. Off track alarm OFF
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
124
External alarm unit
Failure states
These are:-

Software- List Index, Access violation,
Operating system-
Power

The unit can be tested by choosing Selections> Menus> Alarms off the top
menu and choose the Test external button. For quick access use View> Main
tool bar and tick the alrm option. This adds the alarm icon to the tool bar.
Alarm acceptance
Alarms are maintained until they are accepted by the pressing of an Alarm
Accept button, which cancels the audio and flashing alarm. The visual
indications of alarms remain until the fault has been corrected, when the
alarm system is automatically reset to the normal operating condition.
Existing and accepted alarms are indicated by a constant indicator Alarms
can only be cancelled if the condition causing them has been dealt with
successfully.

If an alarm has been accepted and a second fault occurs before the first is
rectified, the audible and visual alarms operate again.
Voyage plan report system
Voyage plan report
Choose Voyage> Voyage reporting to access a customisable form to allow
you to enter, and print, details of radio frequencies, paper items and so on.
You can also show, and print, the route selected (either primary or alternate)
and get projected ETAs at any waypoint for any speed. Both the Voyage
Report and the Route Table can be printed from the File Menu.

Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
125
1010
Auto formatting
1) Start a new report and format the headings as your default report.
2) Choose File -> Save as and give your report the name TEMPLATE.
3) Now you can choose File -> New Report using Template
Your new template will load and some fields will be automatically
populated:- i.e., Vessel Name, Call sign and Report heading (as in your
template); ETD and ETA values ( from your route file ); time zones at
waypoint 1 and last waypoint (as it appears in the route table); current
voyage file is loaded and charts listed in the Chart List section; report
heading (top right) gets current Voyage name and Route Description; Vessel
Report is given the same name as the Voyage file; logo is loaded (again if set
from the Template.). The facility to populate fields is also available from the
new Tools menu, choosing Auto Complete Report. This means ANY report
you have can be updated with current Microplot settings as above. For a new
report select File - New. All fields in the report window are blanked out
allowing the user to customise the settings.. For day to day use it is best to
create a 'blank' report with the headings configured as you want them. Save
this report calling it a Template and load it each time you need to create a
new report. Save your report with File - Save.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
126
Voyage report graphics
TO change the LOGO use Settings - Change Logo. Point the program to the
file and click OK. The logo will appear in the left hand top corner. The main
heading fonts can be changed by right clicking on them and selecting fonts.
The dark zones are not customisable.
Voyage report- route table
Use Voyage> route> ETA Table off top main menu. . For quick access
choose off the top menu View> Main Tool bar and click on ETA. This will
put the ETA icon on the tool bar. (To view the route table off the voyage
reporting dialog box, choose Route- View route table). Input an ETD and
speed: click on calculator icon and ETAs at the various wpts will be shown.
For info between any two waypoints, click one on the list and click on the
buttons provided at top. Hitting the FROM/ TO buttons again without further
selection will eject the button and show First Wpt/ Last Wpt. Click on the
ownship icon button to change ETA from current position via selected
waypoints (ETD time is autoset to current time). The speed input here is only
assigned to those legs that have zero speed. If you wish to have realistic
ETAs calculated, assign (in Voyage> Route> edit) your pilotage legs with
speeds and the rest leave as zero. A Kt icon button is provided so that legs
assigned speeds can be assigned the Normal Speed (no tick). With the TO
wpt selected you can select For ETA and use the calculator button to give
the required speed. It will still use existing leg speeds unless the Kt icon is
off. (L in the waypoint list indicates user defined leg speeds are in use).
You can synchronise the time shown in the calculated ETA box to the time in
the required ETA drop down by using the (=) button between the two.

640
The graph icons will access the tide curves for the ports selected (the ones
nearest your first and last waypoints). To select tide info for other parts of the
world, place the marker at required position and right click on the screen:
select Tide info.
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
127
Voyage report- route table- time zones
The waypoint edit table has a column and edit box for the time zone at each
waypoint. This is saved to file with the prefix 'Z'. The Voyage Reporting
/Route Table has columns for the time zone, and the ETA at each waypoint,
corrected for time zone. When time zones are not allocated, a calculated one
is used to the nearest hour. A TZ icon permits recalculation without use of
time zones.

Marker formulae
Marker formulae Rhumb Line
The formula used in Microplot Mariner are those which have been supplied
by the UK Hydrographic Office. The accuracy of these calculations is such
that there is no visible distortion on the display between the rhumb line and
the chart data, and the accuracy is no less than that afforded by the display
resolution. The accuracy of all calculations performed by ECDIS should are
independent of the characteristics of the output device and are consistent with
the SENC accuracy

Major Axis a:= 6378137
minor axis b:= 6356752.314
flattening f:= 0.003352811
eccentricity E:= 0.081819194
e squared e2:= 0.00669438

L1 = Latitude 1 in radians, s1 = latitude 1 in metres
L2 = Latitude 2 in radians, s2 = latitude 2 in metres

These are sub-routines in the formulae after R13)
r1:= (a-b)/(a+b)
r2:= r1^2
r3:= b*(1+r1)*(1+(5/4*r1^2)+(81/64*r1^4))
Known position to known position
Microplot Mariner uses r3 and r4 to r8
r4:= r1*((3/2)-(9/16*n^2)+(3/32*r1^4))
r5:= (r1^2)*((15/16)-(15/32*r1^2))
r6:= (r1^3)*((35/48)-(105/256*r1^2))
r7:= 315/512*r1^4
r8:= 693/1280*r1^5

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
128
From known position to projected position given course and distance

Microplot Mariner uses r3 and r9 to r13

r9:= r1*((3/2)-(27/32*r1^2)+(269/512*r1^4))
r10:= (r1^2)*((21/16)-(55/32*r1^2))
r11:= (r1^3)*((151/96)-417/128*r1^2))
r12:= 1097/512*r1^4
r13:= 8011/2560*r1^5

This subroutine calculates the distance, in metres, along the meridian from
the equator to Latitude L

s = r3*((-1*r8*sin(10*L))+(r7*sin(8*L))-(r6*sin(6*L))+(r5*sin(4*L))-
(r4*sin(2*L))+(L))

DLat = s2-s1
DLong = 60*(Long1 Long2) // Longitude in degrees giving answer in
minutes
Mer Part = 3437.746771*(LN(Tan((Pi/4)+(L/2))*((1-
E*Sin(L))/(1+E*Sin(L)))^(E/2)))
DMPs = Mer Part 1 Mer Part 2
Course = ArcTan(DLong / DMP)
Distance (in metres) = Dlat /Cos (course)
Distance in miles = distance in metres / 1852

Given initial position, course and distance, assuming distance is in metres

DLat = Distance * Cos Course

Using formula above, calculate the distance in metres from equator to
Latitude 1.
Latitude 2 (from equator in metres) = Lat 1 ~ DLat = s2

The following subroutine calculates the Latitude 2 (in radians)(L), whose
distance along the meridian from the equator is (s2) metres

Theta (T) = s2/r3
Chapter 7 Routes & Route monitoring
129
L2=
T+(r13*sin(10*T))+(r12*sin(8*T))+(r11*sin(6*T))+(r10*sin(4*T))+(r9*sin(
2*T))

Using the two latitudes, calculate the Mer Parts thus the DMP
DLong = DMP * Tan (Course)

Marker formulae (Great Circle)
The formula used in Microplot Mariner are those which have been supplied
by the UK Hydrographic Office. Solutions of Geodesics on the Ellipsoid by
(T Vincenty). The accuracy of these calculations is such that there is no
visible distortion on the display between the great circle and the chart data
Notation
a, b major and minor semiaxes of the ellipsoid
f flattening = (a-b)/a
\ Geodetic latitude, positive north of the equator
L Difference in longitude, positive east
s length of the geodesic
]1, ]2 azimuths of the geodesic, clockwise from north; ]2 in the direction
P1 P2 produced
] azimuth of the geodesic at the equator
u
2
= ](a
2
-b
2
)/b
2
U, reduced latitude, defined by tan U = (1-f) tan \
^ difference in longitude on an auxiliary sphere
_ angular distance P1 P2 on the sphere
_1 angular distance on the sphere from the equator to P2
_m angular distance on the sphere from the equator to the midpoint of the line

Direct Formula

Used given bearing and distance (m), find projected position

tan _1 = tan U1/cos ]1 1
sin ] = cos U1 sin ]1 2
A = 1+ u
2
/ 256 (64 + u
2
[-12 + 5u
2
]) 3
B = u
2
/ 512 (128 + u
2
[-64 + 37u
2
]) 4
2_m = 2_1 + _ 5
`_ = B sin _(cos 2_m + 0.25B cos _(-1 +2 cos
2
2_m)) 6
_ = s / bA + ` _ 7
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
130
Equations 5, 6 and 7 are iterated until there is negligible change in _. The
first approximation of _ is the first term of 7

tan \2(second Lat) = sin U1 cos _ + cos U1 sin _ cos ]1
(1-f)(sin
2
] + (sin U1 sin _ cos U1 sin _ cos ]1)
2
)
1/2
8
tan ^ = sin _ sin ]1 9
cos U1 cos _ sin U1 sin _ cos ]1
C = f/16 cos
2
] ( 4 + f (4 3 cos
2
])) 10

L (d. Long) = ^ (1-C) f sin ] (_ + C sin _ ( cos 2_m + C cos _ (-1 + 2 cos
2
2 _m))) 11

tan ]2 = sin ] 12
-sinU1 sin _ + cos U1 cos _ cos ]1
Inverse formula
Given two positions find the bearing (course) and distance (m) between.
(Using 1852.0 m to a nautical mile

^ = L (first approximation) 13
sin
2
_ = (cos U2 sin ^
)2
+ cos U1 sin U2 sin U1 cos U2 cos ^)
2
14
cos _ = sin U1 sin U2 + cos U1 cos U2 cos ^ 15
tan _ = sin _ / cos _ 16
sin ] = cos U1 cos U2 sin ^ / cos
2
] 17
cos 2 _m = cos _ 2 sin U1 sin U2 / cos
2
] 18
^ is obtained by equation 10 and 11. The procedure is iterated starting with
equation 14 until the change in ^ is negligible

s (distance m) = bA(_ `_) 19
where `_ comes from equations 3, 4 and 6

tan ]1 (bearing) = cosU2 sin ^ 20
cos U1 sin U2 sin U1 cos U2 cos ^
tan ]2 = cos U1 sin ^ 21
-sin U1 cos U2 + cos U1 sin U2 cos ^
Chapter 8 RNC Official Raster (BSB/NOAA)
131
Chapter 8- RNC- Official Raster (BSB/ NOAA)
Introduction
BSB chart system summary
Issued on CD , BSB charts are a raster format chart, with a weekly
correction service accessed through the Internet supplied through Maptech
using official NOAA chart data. A chart consists of a series of 'tiles', each of
which holds a square area of the chart. It is not possible to alter the contents
of the chart. SRNC information available for display during route planning
and route monitoring and is subdivided into two categories; the RCDS
standard display consisting of RNC and its updates, including its scale, the
scale at which its is displayed, its horizontal datum and its units of depths and
heights; and any other information such as mariners notes.

Using BSB
All chart systems are accessed from within Microplot by the top tool bar
option Charts>. Then choose BSB. (If you wish to switch charts ON/ OFF
quickly program a hotkey from Selections> Charts> Chart Switch) . You
can pan and scroll the chart and access an overview of the whole chart.
There is no discreet overview chart, but overview functionality is achieved
by scaling the whole chart to the screen. Use the overview icon (right of the
toolbar) to access. Use the icon on the tool bar (use View> Tool bar off
top menu if not shown) to access chart options

Introduction
Support for BSB format version 2 is incorporated in all MP7 versions.
Operation is similar to ARCS and Seafarer.
Rastin 2.4 includes BSB chart handling.
Installation
BSB- Corrections
Weekly corrections are available as a single file for all published charts on
the Internet. Consult your chart supplier. Choose Chart> Install> Raster
from the top menu and follow on screen instructions.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
132
Drives (CD etc) BSB
Source and destination drives for your charts are assigned in Charts>
Options> Raster BSB. If you run Rastin off-line, remember that you have
assigned the drive letters here, especially if you are mapping drives to
resources on other local machines. The raster chart install program shows
drive information at the top left of the display.
Installing BSB
Remember to click on the radio buttons at top right of the install program to
assign the format for BSB, and to check the destination and source drives at
top left. Charts and corrections are moved to hard disk in a special directory
structure to improve the display and provide for important features. A
program (click here , for rastin.exe, or use Chart> Install> Raster) is
provided for these purposes and as a general voyage chart manager. If these
are not set as required, shut down Rastin, go to Microplot and use Charts>
Options> Raster BSB reset. Click on DRIVES (above, this page) for more
info.
BSB Regions
Charts are divided into regions. There is a general chart with names like
REG12 for each region to provide a background for local chart borders.
These are stored on CD in \INDEX and when copied to hard drive are stored
in BSBCHART\INDEX along with the associated .IDX file that contains
chart limits.
Charts- Deleting information
If you want to delete chart, voyage or route information choose File> Files
and in box 4 click on the relevant item to display a dialog box.

You can also use Charts> Install> Raster>View [Item]. You can then
highlight the file in question and use the delete button. Alternatively you may
use your operating systems file handling options within the Microplot
directory structure
Loading
Autoload
Use the icon on the tool bar to access chart options where you can view,
access different drives, and check the integrity (CRC) of the chart.
(See Autoload on page 77 Zoom load on page 75; you can also right click
anywhere on the main screen to load the largest or smallest scale chart that is
available at the marker position). Information about the chart, T & P notices,
chart notes and chart plans are all accessed off the top menu bar Charts>.
Chapter 8 RNC Official Raster (BSB/NOAA)
133
Choosing Chart> Options> List charts from the main menu bar will show
the charts that are currently available in the chart installation directory.

Load at marker
(See also Autoload on page 77 Zoom load on page 75; Accessed with
Selections> Charts> load at marker (program a hotkey) this option loads
the best scale chart available at marker position (if no chart is shown). You
can also right click anywhere on the main screen to load the largest or
smallest scale chart that is available at the marker position), or Go Back/
Forward to previous displays
In addition, you can use the icon to access the raster tab of chart options.
Choose the options button in borders section and choose "BSB Find place
Name" [Ctrl '] and input all or part of a name. A list of places agreeing with
this is shown along with other details. If required, double-click on the name
to jump to that place. The largest scale chart of the area is loaded.

Chart corners BSB
The chart data selection [Ctrl Y] in SELECTIONS> charts gives, chart
name, CD of source data and the geographical limits. With chart borders
switched ON, any of the 4 corners are searched for in order to find the
nearest chart.
BSB Using borders
Switch borders on by the borders Tab using the icon on the tool bar to
access chart options where you will see a drop down for the border types.
The select button provides selection of regions that have been loaded using
Rastin. A check box gives the option of loading the region overview chart
that incorporates all the region's chart borders. It is not essential to select a
region chart. Put the marker to a corner of the required chart and use
Selections> Chart> Load by border. It will be easier if you program a
hotkey for this purpose. You may switch off the chart numbers using the
Space Bar
Better scale indication. On screen reset, screen centre is used to examine all
installed charts to find those on a larger scale (i.e. more detail). If found, a
message on the status bar indicates which chart, and how many others there
are. When off the current chart, all charts are examined regardless of scale.
Note- The named chart is not necessarily the chart loaded by load-at-marker
or by auto-chart-load, which look for the chart nearest in scale (larger or
smaller). Nor is it always the one loaded by zoom, which is the one of a
larger scale that is nearest in scale to the current chart. If several charts are
mentioned, the named one will be the LAST one reached by zoom. This
system operates with installed charts, and those read directly from CD.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
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BSB- Reading from CD
Charts are assumed to be in directory \BSBCHART on the CD (see Note).
Charts can be read directly from the CD using the raster Tab accessed with
the icon (or Charts> options )and using the Chart and Update drop
downs at the top. These toggle between the chart installation directory
(which has been set using the licence, permit & drives button in this dialog
box) and the local CD drive.
BSB Using the chart list
Choosing Charts> BSB from the main menu bar will show the charts that
are currently available in the chart installation directory. This is set using the
licence, permit & drives button the raster Tab accessed with the icon (or
in the Charts> options) dialog box, which toggles between the installation
drive and the local CD.
Voyage files- Using to load charts
Choose a voyage file using the navigation files Tab in File> Files> and
clicking on voyage. Then select the voyage chart window from either
Charts> Voyage chart or Selections> Windows> Voyage chart (this
option allows a hotkey to be programmed). In the Voyage window the
current chart name is shown in blue. Another chart (even one with another
format- see p77) can be loaded by highlighting it and hitting the LOAD
button. Voyage chart lists must list the chart and plan names (format example
12345_2), and NOT the chart header name (example 12345) as before. After
exit, Microplot returns to plan last in use.This system operates for both raster
and vector charts, whichever is in use. Remember that the chart will only
load if it is installed on the hard disk.
Chart Brightness
Brightness and palettes are controlled using the Brightness icon on the
tool bar or use Selections> menus> M7Settings and the Brightness tab.
Note- using these dimming tools can result in some chart information
becoming less obvious. Use Contrast rather than brilliance, which will
prevent darker colours being lost.
BSB- Pan and Scroll
Use View> Scroll bars from the top tool bar. There is also blue pan and
scroll icon (if not shown access with View> off top menu bar). Alternatively
if you may move the arrow icon to the edge of the chart display, where it will
change into a larger arrow. Click at this point to scroll or pan.
Chart switch
Chart system last in use is remembered by the program so that Selections>
Charts> Chart switch can be used as a hotkey to quickly switch display
on/off.
Chapter 9 - Unofficial vector (C-Map)
135
Chapter 9- Unofficial vector (C- Map)
Installation
C- Map
CM-93/3, has been developed by C-MAP as a data structure for the SENC
database, and supports all features of S-57/3, including application of
updates. In C-MAPs approach to ECDIS, CM-93/3 is used as exchange and
processing format for all electronic charts intended to be used by the ECDIS,
regardless of their origin.
Installation of the C-Map chart application
You should have two sets of CDs: one comprises the chart data received
from your C-Map agent, the other the Microplot CD which allows the option
to install the C-Map software SDK

1. Install the C-Map software from the Microplot CD
2. Type in the ID number given by SIS at the prompt Send the USER.USR
file to Cmap with the prompted option. If you forget to do this at this
stage you can, from within Microplot, choose the chart options icon
. At bottom right you will see Administration and click on the drop
down to choose copy USR file to A:

Installation and registration of charts
1. Install the returned PASSWORD.USR (the licence) onto a floppy, and
note down the contents.
2. Insert the C-Map world CD and fom Microplot run Chart> Install>
Vector from the top menu bar. Type in world for the database name and
continue.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
136
3. Registration. The database will now have to be registered. From
Microplot choose the chart options icon . At bottom right you will
see Administration and click on the drop down to choose Database
admin.

586

On the right hand side navigate to \program files\ CM93\databases\ world.
On the left hand side highlight the World database. Hit Register and wait
until the success message appears. Then click on set as default end ensure
the green tick appears.

Installation of the licence
From Microplot choose the chart options icon from top right and
choose the database tab. At bottom right you will see Administration and
click on the drop down to choose licence admin.

587

Chapter 9 - Unofficial vector (C-Map)
137
From here you must choose, on the right hand side, your zones and areas.
Now you can either type in the contents of the password.usr file you received
from the C-Map agent or you can addthe licence from file on floppy.

C- Map and official data
Although a chart (SENC) received direct from C-Map and not produced on
board is unofficial, it looks and can be used in the same way as an official
S57 data. (However, a warning (NON ENC data on display) is displayed to
show that it is not official data). These functions are accessed via the Vector
tab in Charts> Chart menu, using the C-Map chart options button. Official
data on the same srea as Unofficial Cmap always takes preceddence
System Purchase
The system works similarly to the ARCS, either by subscription (See Tab
above- equivalent to Navigator) or purchase (equivalent to Skipper:-

1. The end user buys a Microplot with an ECS or ECDIS based on CM-93/3
technology from SIS (or one of its distributors).
2. Usually, together with the ECS or ECDIS, the end user will receive (free
of charge) a full, updated copy of the CM-93/3 Database, stored on CD-
ROM. Copies of the CD (still free of charge) can also be obtained from
C-MAP, or one of its distributors and dealers.
3. The user accesses charts off the CD via a registration and licence
system.
Purchase
In case of purchase, licenses are valid on a permanent basis (i.e. they never
expire). Updating, in this case, means buying another chart
Grace period
Upon expiration of a subscription, a period of grace of two months is
granted, ensuring access and display of the charts needed, in case of delay to
the first CD-ROM of the following.
Chart switch
The chart system last in use is remembered by the program so that the
selection Selections> Charts> Chart switch can be used as a hotkey to
quickly switch chart display on/off.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
138
Ordering
C- Map
Two types of charts are supplied- background charts which are not
encrypted and all other chart types (which are encrypted). The user must
first choose which charts he wants to access (i.e. which licenses he needs to
buy or subscribe to) Once this is complete, the order may processed. The way
this is done is described below. The user is allowed to select electronic charts
using any of these modes, or any combination of them (for example, a B-type
area, plus all charts along a route, plus three charts chosen from the catalog
file).
Order processing
Once the selection is completed, the CM-93/3 Data Administration Library
(License Administration Component) generates an order file. This can then
be transmitted by Telecom, Floppy disk, Hardcopy, or Spoken
Order file
The data selection (i.e. list of electronic charts, and/or pre-defined
collections), as defined by the user.
The indication whether the transaction is a subscription or a purchase, as
chosen by the user.
The CD-ROM ID (i.e. a unique identifier for the individual CM-93/3
Database CD-ROM), that is automatically retrieved by the License
Administration Component.
The System ID, that is automatically retrieved by the License Administration
Component.
The User ID, i.e. a nickname that will hereinafter identify the user at the
CM-93/3 Distribution Center, instead of the anonymous System ID; the User
ID shall be entered by the user the first time he gets in touch with the CM-
93/3 Distribution Center, and remembered to be used in any further
communication. The License Administration Component provides a graphic
interface to help the user selecting his User ID, and to re-enter it when
necessary.
Floppy disk
the ECS or ECDIS saves the order file on a floppy disk, that is sent by the
user to C-MAP, via surface mail, express mail or courier.

Chapter 9 - Unofficial vector (C-Map)
139
Spoken
the user dictates the order to C-MAP (or to a C-MAP authorized dealer or
distributor) via telephone; the practical feasibility of this last option depends
on the size of the order file (orders listing tenths or hundreds charts shall
necessarily be sent in printed or digital form).
Telecom link
if a telecommunication link is available and connected to the system, the
License Administration Component will directly connect the ECS or ECDIS
to the CM-93/3 Distribution Center, and transmit the order file.
Hardcopy
the ECS or ECDIS generates a printout of the order, then the user sends the
printed order to C-MAP (or to a C-MAP authorized dealer or distributor), via
fax, surface mail, express mail or courier
Choose from catalog
The system loads and display the catalog file, listing all electronic charts
stored in the CM-93/3 Database; the user must be allowed to sort and locate
records by scale, Hydrographic Agency issuing the source chart, catalog
number of the source chart, coordinates, etc. The user then selects one or
more charts choosing them from the list.
Draw polygon
The system presents a cartographic display corresponding to the background
charts, that the user can pan and zoom, using appropriate commands. Using
the keyboard and a pointing device, the user draws a polygon on such
background and chooses one or more navigational purposes, thus selecting
all charts that are within the polygon and have the desired navigational
purpose(s).
Draw route
Similar to the previous one, but the user draws a route instead of a rectangle,
thus selecting all charts that are along the route and have the desired
navigational purpose(s).
Extending an Existing Selection
After purchasing (or subscribing to) licenses, users have the possibility of
extending their chart collection, by simply repeating the data selection
procedure in append mode (meaning that the user will only select the new
charts that he wants to add to his collection). An order file is generated and
sent to C-MAP, and licenses are sent back from C-MAP to the user, using the
same procedure already explained for the main order. From that moment
on, the users collection will also include the appended charts. This
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
140
procedure can be repeated as many times as necessary. Reducing an existing
collection is not allowed.
Encrypted charts
These charts require the user to buy licenses to access and display them.
Each license corresponds to one electronic chart in CM-93/3 format.
Encryption change
If the CD-ROM is the second or the third one in a subscription cycle, the
licenses received with the first CD of the subscription cycle are normally still
valid, and Database Registration is the only operation to perform. However,
C-MAP may decide at any moment, for security reasons, to change the
encryption keys of the charts stored on the CD-ROM. If this happens during
a subscription cycle, the next CD-ROM received by the user (regardless of
whether it is the first, the second or the third one in the subscription cycle)
will be accompanied by a floppy disk containing new licenses; in this case,
License Registration shall be performed, in addition to Database
Registration.
Un- encrypted charts
These are stored on the CM-93/3 Database CD-ROM can be freely accessed
and displayed in the ECS or ECDIS, before the user actually buys licenses
for the charts.
First CD
If the CD-ROM is the first one in a subscription cycle (except the first cycle
ever), the user receives a floppy disk containing the licenses for the new year
together with the CD. Licenses must be registered in the ECS or ECDIS,
using the semi-automatic procedure (see 4.6).
CD's annually
1. The CD that the user gets free of charge together with the system, or from
a C-MAP authorized dealer or distributor)
2. A second CD, four months after the first one (for the first year of
subscription, four months after transmission of the first order)
3. A third CD, eight months after the first one (for the first year of
subscription, eight months after transmission of the first order).
A-type areas
These are the equivalent of CM-93/2 Zones, and typically cover large
regions, such as Northern/Western Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, etc. The
sum of all A-type areas corresponds to the world-wide collection, i.e. the
whole CM-93/3 Database.

Chapter 9 - Unofficial vector (C-Map)
141
B-type areas
These are the equivalent of CM-93/2 Areas, and are smaller than A-type
areas, covering for example part of the North Sea, the Caribbean Sea, etc.
C-type areas
These are the equivalent of C-MAP NT C-Cards of Marine type. Their
coverage may vary to a large extent, depending on the coverage of the
corresponding C-Card.
Choose collection
The system presents a list of collections pre-defined by C-MAP. Collections
are presented by the system by drawing their boundaries on a cartographic
display corresponding to the background charts. The user may select one or
more collections. Three types of collections exist, namely A-Type, B-Type
and C-Type
C- Map
Licences are valid for a period of 12 months (+ a period of grace) from the
moment in which they are registered in the system (see below). The
subscription fee includes the updating service performed through the CM-
93/3 Distribution Center, plus two new issues of the CD-ROM, that will be
sent to the user after four and eight months. Subscriptions are automatically
renewed and invoiced after the first year and every subsequent year; C-MAP
must be notified in writing of subscription termination, at least three
months before the renewal date.
Subscription expiration
Licenses expire after one year; if the subscription is renewed, a floppy disk
containing new licenses is sent to the user along with the first CD-ROM of
the following year. The new licenses must of course be registered, using the
semi-automatic procedure. (In case of purchase, licenses never expire).

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
142
Updates
Update registration
Telecommunication link (Automatic). If the file containing updates has been
transmitted via telecommunication link from the CM-93/3 Distribution
Center directly to the ECS or ECDIS, updates are automatically installed and
registered in the system by the CM-93/3 Data Administration Library
(Updating Administration Component). No intervention by the user is
required. See Note
Floppy disk or CD-ROM (semi- automatic) In this case place the floppy disk
or CD-ROM in the ECS or ECDIS and use an appropriate command/
function of the system, to make it read and install. See Note
New charts/ editions
New charts and new editions are transmitted to all users subscribing to the
CM-93/3 Database with the first available distribution in release mode (i.e.
with the next CD-ROM); users owning licenses on a purchase basis get
neither new charts nor new editions.
Ordering Updates
Ordering updates is very similar to the licensing process. Use the chart
options icon to access the dialog box below.

586
Chapter 9 - Unofficial vector (C-Map)
143
Choose request updates which sends the prepared order file for updates to
the A drive; this consists of the User ID, the CD-ROM ID, plus a list of all
charts currently licensed to the user, along with their edition number and
updating date. If updates have been already downloaded by the user and exist
in the system, the updating date of the relevant charts will reflect the date of
the latest received updates. This list is an implicit request of all updates
newer than the updating date, for each chart.

Email this file to [email protected]. Automatically a file will be returned
which you put in the floppy drive and choose process updates from the
same drop down list as above. Thats it

Updates- display & storage
Immediately after installation, all updates are available to the ECS or ECDIS
for further processing (e.g. combined display, together with the relevant base
cells). See Note. Updates are always stored in a separate area of the system,
and they do not physically overwrite base cells (or other updates) already
stored in the system. Updates are applied in real-time mode, while generating
the screen display, or performing the anti-grounding task, etc.
Note Update log file
The Updating Administration Component (registration) creates the update
log file required by the standards on ECDIS.
C- Map
Only those users subscribing to the CM-93/3 Database automatically receive
a new CD-ROM every four months. Such CDs are customized, i.e. they
have exactly the same CD-ROM ID as the first CD received and installed by
the user. During one subscription cycle (i.e. one year), the user receives
three CD-ROMS from C-MAP. The user performs database registration
every time he gets a new CD.

New editions, charts and withdrawals. The updating service in CM-93/3
Technology consists of transmission of update files only, i.e. it does not
cover transmission of base cell files (new charts, new editions or re-issues).
The following conventions apply:
Collections
Users subscribing to pre-defined collections will automatically get licenses
(free of charge) for all new charts and new editions added to such collections
(meaning that licenses for these charts will be included on the floppy disk
accompanying each new CD-ROM).

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
144
Withdrawal/ replacement
If issuing of a new chart or new edition implies withdrawal or replacement
of a chart already included in the CM-93/3 Database, all users owning
licenses for the withdrawn or replaced chart will be notified by a proper
update cell file, according to the conventions at para 5.7 of the ENC Product
Specification (Appendix B.1) of S-57/3.
Using. See Also Chapter 4
C- Map
CM-93/3, has been developed by C-MAP as a data structure for the SENC
database, and supports all features of S-57/3, including application of
updates. In C-MAPs approach to ECDIS, CM-93/3 is used as exchange and
processing format for all electronic charts intended to be used by the ECDIS,
regardless of their origin.
Chart content & Display
IHO Special Publication S-52, Specification for Chart Content and Display
Aspects of ECDIS, 5th Edition, December 1996 (hereinafter called S-52). It
provides specifications and guidance regarding the issuing of ENC, their
updating, and their display in ECDIS (including details about colors and
symbols to be used for on-screen presentation).
Contour colouring and shading
Areas shaded blue are either less than 10m (regardless of the setting of
Shallow contour) OR (if on a very low range scale) less than the safety
contour (if it is set lees than 10m). The safety contour is always emphasised.
If none is selected then the 30m contour line is selected.
Areas shaded dark grey/ green are less than the deep depth contour
Areas shaded light grey green are deeper than the deep contour.

Chapter 9 - Unofficial vector (C-Map)
145
Safety contour
500

Access using the icon on the tool bar. This will highlight the contour
that you set as the safety contour in a thicker, darker line than normal. This
can only be altered if no route is selected. Otherwise you must go to route
edit and change the values for the specific waypoint. If no values are set in
waypoint, the values are read from the default values used in route verify.
Depth areas less than your safety contour are always coloured blue. If no
safety contour is selected, a default of 30m is selected automatically. If you
select a safety contour value that is not contained in the SENC, due to
changes in source data, then the next deepest contour will be selected, and a
warning given. OK this if appropriate. Always, the safety contour is the one
specified by the mariner or the next deepest if this one is not available. The
button on look ahead alarms will go directly to the look ahead alarms settings
page. If alarms are set these will be shown on the dialog box above.
.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
146
Safety depth
When selecting a safety depth you will see all depths equal to or less than the
depth selected highlighted in red, providing you have the spot depth
functions on. However any route that you plan over such a depth will alarm
even if the spot depths are not displayed.

Note: Depth information on the SENC is only displayed as it has been
provided in the ENC and not adjusted by tidal height. The units for depth are
displayed at bottom right when the SENC is on and on the status bar at
bottom of the screen when RNC is displayed.
Standard layer
This means the SENC information that shall be shown when a chart is first
displayed on ECDIS. The level of the information it provides for route
planning or route monitoring may be modified by the mariner according to
the mariners needs. When a chart is first displayed on ECDIS it provide the
standard display at the largest scale available in the SENC for the displayed
area.
Note- Standard display
This is only applicable when the first chart is displayed subsequent to
powering up the ECDIS system. The reset screen button at top right will
set the screen to standard display and no hotkeys, with the default scale of the
chart .
Standard layer information
The Display base plus drying line, indication of fixed and floating navaids,
fairway and channel boundaries, visual and radar conspicuous features,
prohibited and restricted areas, chart scale boundaries, and indication of
cautionary notes.
Base layer
This is the level of SENC information which cannot be removed from the
display, consisting of information which is required at all times in all
geographic areas and in all circumstances. It is not intended to be sufficient
for navigation.
Base layer information
Coastline (HW), own ship safety contour, indication of isolated underwater
dangers less than safety contour, indication of isolated dangers (bridges
buoys beacons etc) within the safe water, traffic routing systems, scale
(including orientation and display mode, units of depth and height
Chapter 9 - Unofficial vector (C-Map)
147
Spot Information
2075
Use Selections> Chart> Spot details (set a hotkey) to see more information
about chart objects. A list shows the objects within a box 30 pixels (2 cm)
square whose centre is the marker. Move the marker over the area (or point
of interest) and choose the option (or hit the hotkey). A dialog box appears
with a list of objects found and a sublist where more information about the
objects in the main list will appear. Highlight an object in the main list and
details will appear below. If you see an item with a + double click it and you
will see further items that you can select for more details.

User defined information when hitting spot details is preceded by an M
symbol to indicate manual. Text for objects (eg name and light info) can be
switched on or off using radio buttons in the Display Tab of Charts> Senc
options.

Should an "unknown object" occur in the SENC which is not adequately
defined or for which no symbol exists, its presence is indicated on the
display by a magenta "?" with the IMO category "Standard Display",
indicated when accessing spot details.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
148
Other information layer
Spot soundings, submarine cables and pipelines, ferry routes, details of all
isolated dangers, details of aids to navigation, contents of cautionary notes,
ENC edition date, geodetic datum, magnetic variation, graticule, place names
Special condition areas
Traffic separation zone, traffic route scheme crossing or round about, traffic
route scheme precautionary area, two way traffic route, deepwater route,
recommended traffic lane, inshore traffic zone, fairway, restricted area,
caution area, offshore production area, areas to be avoided, military practice
area, seaplane landing area, submarine transit lane, Ice area, channel, fishing
ground or fishing prohibited, pipeline or cable area, anchorage or anchorage
prohibited area, dumping ground, spoil ground, dredged area, cargo
transhipment area, incineration area, specially protected area.
Chapter 10 - Targets
149
Chapter 10- Targets
Targets
Microplot can take acquired target output from suitable ARPA and AIS units.
To clear acquired targets use Selections> Ownship + Tgt> Clear Targets.
ARPA targets can be switched Off and ON by use of the ARPA button on the
top menu bar. Raw radar display is shown on Microplot and the display
conforms with the ECDIS regulations and does not degrade the SENC. Other
targets may be shown from the radar video overlay but these cannot be
acquired from within Microplot.

All acquired target information is referenced to the conning position and
offsets for radar (and position) antenna are provided to achieve this. If
necessary ownships position may be shifted to accord with radar data. See
ARPA marker position below and navaid position offsets, user defined.
Display control
Targets- Information
1090
The Target window is located below the Marker window at the right of the
screen and can be switched ON/ OFF with View> Target Information
Left-clicking the target button in the target window selects the target nearest
the marker. Right clicking sends the marker to the currently selected target.
The number on the left of Target changes accordingly and ARPA appears in
the target status window; the course and speed of the target is displayed. You
can name a target by typing in letters next to Target and hitting Enter. To see
vectors of targets use the Display settings tab accessed with the brightness
icon on the Tool baror via Selections> Menus> MP7 settings to set
True/ Rel and length. Choose the Table icon to see CPA, TCPA info
Targets- Clear
Use Selections> Ownship + Tgt> Clear Targets.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
150
ARPA marker position
Use the icon in the top right of the marker window next to the set button
(which will be seen also as a hotkey) to align marker to ARPA cursor which
will jump the marker to the ARPA cursor if available, otherwise to the
ERBM. An NMEA 'RSD' message must be received for this feature.
Target- Switching out names
Target identification is switched [Ctrl Alt.] in Selections/Vessel/ Target
ident
ARPA target receive details
NMEA 0183 ARPA messages TTM and TLL are read. Target status
becomes arpa with lost added when this is received. A vessel will be
removed when the ARPA system indicates to Microplot that it is a 'Bad
Echo', (See Note) which will cause the target to turn red on Microplot.
Microplot can receive information on up to 999 targets: vessels numbered 1-
999 in Microplot and automatically named e.g. 1.
Note- Lost ARPA target
On some radar this indicator is not always sent and so the lost target indicator
is not made. If no information is received on a target after 30 seconds it will
be displayed as bright red until a signal is received. The target has a status
message of arpa lost'. The target remains at last known position, and its name
is changed to LOST. You can clear all targets labeled LOST' by choosing
Selections> Ownship + Tgt> clear targets.
Chapter 10 - Targets
151
Target Acquire window
1190
Click on the left right icons in a lower panel if not shown, or the table icon in
the target panel (or Selections> Windows> Selected target) shows CPA
data on up to 3 acquired targets. To acquire a target, place marker close to it
and hit the slector icon. To cancel a target's acquire hit the wipe icon. To
clear all targets on the main screen use Selections> Ownship + Tgt> Clear
Targets. (on a hotkey in set 1)
Targets
The positions of targets when exiting Microplot may be saved to a target file
if required. All ARPA generated target tracks (there are no manual ones) are
saved to a track file named the same as the ECDIS voyage track file and
automatically opened at the same time. Use Tracking> Selections to set
details
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
152
Track- display width & depths
2275
Use the Tracking> Control function. Remember that all target track is saved
automatically every minute, but the user may decide what part of these tracks
are displayed. All target tracks can be switched On/ Off and set for user
defined history. In NON-ECDIS mode only the wider you set track, the
longer the screen will take to refresh (on range scales of 12M or higher width
defaults to 1 pixel; use the override tick box if necessary).
Track Display by date
1. Click on the Options Tab of Tracking> Control
2. Then click on the date from, and click From.
3. Repeat for To
4. Click on Active box so tick appears.

Only track recorded within the specified dates will be shown.
Chapter 10 - Targets
153
Target vectors

To see vectors of targets the Display settings tab accessed with the icon
on the tool bar (or in
Selections> Menus>
MP7 settings) to set
True/ Rel and length.
Course and speed from
ARPA targets is closer
to heading and water
speed than COG/SOG,
though subject to drift
errors of both vessels.
These are now
compared with
ownship's heading and
w/s to draw sea
stabilised vectors. (If there is a timout on water speed or heading all vectors
revert to sea stabilised, if true is chosen). Ownship continuously calculates
set and drift (tide) by comparing ground and sea information. Applying this
tide to the target's movement gives an approximation of target's COG / SOG
(presuming subject to the same tide), and thence ground stabilised vectors.
You can select either as above using S or G buttons. In Settings, a message in
red indicates any limitations. These are :
* No valid tide and T/Gnd: "Target vectors: sea stabilised only"
* No Hds/Wsp and Rel: "Set/drift will make vectors inaccurate"
* No Hds/Wsp and T/ Sea: "Ownship vector: ground stabilised only"
* No CMG/SMG and T/Gnd: "Ownship vector: sea stabilised only"
Note: These will not appear if program has been running for <30 seconds!

Time marks are drawn at 1 minute intervals for ownship and ARPA targets.
Every 6th mark is thickened. Ownship has an arrowhead on the vector. The
Vector length is limited to 60 minutes
Target Alarms
CPA alarm (for a geographical position only)
Choose the Alarm button accessed via the icon (or in Selections>
M7settings) and then choose the Target Tab. Choose either ownship or a
remote position as the origin for CPA TCPA calculations in the Selected
Target window. When selected to a remote position, alarm settings for CPA
and TCPA are available. There is a button to set the position to the marker,
which is indicated with a symbol of 2 triangles, points together. When CPA
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
154
and TCPA values are other than zero, an alarm will sound if any target (not
just those in the window) transgress the limits, with the vessel number shown
on the status bar. In addition the target becomes the 'selected' target.Note-
CPA, TCPA alarms Microplot does not allow alarms to be set for ownship
as this conflicts with the operation of collision avoidance procedures using
the ARPA radar. A target (MARINER only), will cause an alarm for the first
zone violated, but will NOT cause further alarms until it has first gone clear
of all zones. A zone within a zone will NOT cause an alarm.
AIS Targets (Automatic Identification Systems)
This system uses 'Time Division Multiple Access' which provides 2250 time
slots in a minute. A VHF frequency is used so that only stations within line-
of-sight can communicate. Should this slot limit be exceeded, further- away
stations are dropped to preserve complete local coverage. Each station has a
unique 8 character ID contained with each message, called its MMSI
number. A marine transponder uses a hex number in the range 00000000 ~
3FFFFFFF. (Aviation uses 8 alphanumeric characters). AIS equipment
handles time slot handling without user intervention. It takes input directly
from a navaid and other sources, or indirectly from an ECS/ECDIS. This is
transmitted, whilst similar messages are received from other vessels, shore
stations, and aircraft. It passes NMEA proprietary messages to the ECS. It
can also handle text messages containing undefined data.

AIS communication interfaces
A configuration program is used to allocate:
Auxiliary port : Rx of NMEA and RTCM messages from equipment
Presentation System Port (PSP): Rx/Tx of NMEA messages and text.
Configuration port: For use with the configuration program
GNSS0 port : RTCM Rx from a navaid. Rx/Tx of differential corrections
GNSS1 port: NMEA Rx from a navaid.
AIS PSP NMEA messages
The configuration program can set ports for RS232, or RS422/RS485.
Baudrate is set during AIS configuration. Microplot defaults to 9600.
In Microplot set an Rx port for AIS. There are many message types. All
begin with $PAIS,##, when ## is a number indicating the type. For targets,
the next field is the MMSI number which becomes the name.
Note: Target names are expanded from 6 to 8 characters.
An ownship message is part of the format, for passing data to and from the
AIS. The AIS configuration allows sensors or an ECS to feed this data.

Chapter 10 - Targets
155
AIS Display

1198
When an ARPA target is displayed, double click on it and you will see the
base display above. Click on details and the following will be available

1196

Click on settings and the following will also be available

1197
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
156
AIS Symbols in use

Chapter 11 Echo Sounder
157
Chapter 11- Echo Sounder
Sounder
1345_ec
The display is called up by adding the sounder icon to the toll bar (View>
main Tool bar> and tick on sounder menu) or choosing Selection>
Windows> Echo sounder (Shift F11), and then switching the display of the
depth profile on. The display appears at the bottom of the screen with a
vertical scale on the left, and the digital depth on the window heading. The
depth is also displayed on the Status Bar at the bottom of the screen

Note: Depth information on the SENC is only displayed as it has been
provided in the ENC and not adjusted by tidal height.
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4.
158
Echo sounder features
Depth correction for draft & depth alarm
If you wish to have the true depth displayed, as opposed to depth under keel,
then you should input your draft. To set depth correction:-

1. Choose sounder menu as above. (Shift F11)
2. Click on draft and type in your draft and hit ENTER.
3. For depth alarms choose the alarm icon and input the depth setting for the
alarm. Set to 0 to switch off.
Scales setting
This can be set to manual or automatic. To change scales do the following:-

1. Choose Echo sounder menu as above
2. Click Depth Min (and Max) and type in your required numbers.
3. If you are setting it automatically tick the option auto scale. Sounder
display automatically resets for depth.
4. Click on Close to remove window.
Depth alarms
Echo Sounder alarms can be set using Selections> Menus> M7 settings and
choosing the Alarm settings button, or from the icon in the sounder menu. A
timeout alarm can be set (in seconds). Zero disables this alarm. A low-depth
alarm, also off when zero, can also be set. Note that the depth used is the
sum of depth as read, and draft.
Units setting
Units are always set to those in use by the charting system. Depths in the
track record are always saved as metres, irrespective of any units setting on
the output of the echo sounder. Draft units are as for depth units at the time
they are changed. If depth units are then changed, draft is converted also.
Draft is added to depth for display, and for recording to track file.

Track display by depth
When the Echo Sounder Menu is selected, ownship's track is displayed as
well astarget's track, subject to the setting restricting track to a recent period.
The track is displayed in its recorded colour which may be colour coded by
depth. Microplot features to review and reanalyse track by colour are
available. ECDIS track display is switched off whilst in this display mode.
Chapter 12 Backup system
159
Chapter 12- Backup system
Introduction
For ECDIS to be used without paper charts a full backup system is required. In
the case of SIS Microplot this will be another complete Microplot Mariner
ECDIS system. Annex G of the ECDIS standard makes no mention of
connecting the two machines in any way, but SIS sees no reason why this
should not be the case.

The purpose of the Microplot backup is solely to provide simultaneous
display of exactly the same chart, user data and route display as that shown
on the main machine, so that if main machine fails a seamless transfer is
possible without having to load charts, routes or anything else.

To achieve this, the backup software must behave differently when it is a
backup from when it is the primary (ie the primary has failed). For example
the backup cannot load a route that is different from that in use at the
primary, unless the primary is off.

With respect to user data the route is particularly important. Even with no
chart if a vessel sticks to a route previously verified with charts, then it is in a
better position following that route with no chart on the screen (or an
uncorrected chart) than with an up to date chart and no route. This avoids the
scenario where, on the backup machine, someone had changed the route (for
route planning purposes for example) and then the main machine breaks
down. Which route was in use on the main machine is not immediately
apparent

As a result, the software on the backup machine is different to that of the
main machine, in that it restricts what files and charts the user may load, in
the event that the backup machine is switched on and working.

Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
160
System description
Connection
The system will be connected via a direct network cross over cable. The
main machine will named Microplot on the windows network and the
backup will be known as Microplotb

Both machines have drives mapped so that when the primary saves a file to
D:\MP7\GLOBAL.A, (itself) it can also save it to G:\MP7\GLOBAL.A (the
backup). The backup will have a drive mapped to the primary purely as a
means of finding out if the primary has failed; it will not have the capability
of copying files anywhere other than to floppy.

Independence
The backup will be as independent of the main machine as possible. Parallel
position, heading, ARPA etc feed (at least) from primary and secondary
position systems through a Navaid Interface Unit. There will be Backup
TCPIP feed from primary ECDIS. In all other respects identical to main
system complete with NIU, EAU, and keypad.

The backup is not to be used as a planning station and therefore no transfer of
data from the backup to the primary would be possible, other than by floppy.

Charts in use
Charts are already on CD (i.e. backed up). Therefore charts should be loaded
at the primary and the backup machine separately, rather than relying on
transfer from the primary.

There seem few advantages of allowing the backup to run a different chart
system to that being used by the primary. One disadvantage is that if the
primary chart system is official ENC vector and the backup is using ARCS,
then in the event of failure at a critical moment the (possibly inexperienced)
user may have to switch chart formats.

Chapter 12 Backup system
161
Backup user files
Whenever a user file (either lines, marks, chartworkings, or routes) is loaded
on the primary machine (including at start up) it should be backed up on the
backup machine, and loaded automatically at the backup. No editing of user
data will be permitted at the backup unless it has gone into primary mode.
Track files will be loaded and named independently

File comparison
The backup machine should make a comparison between its own charts and
those being used on the primary (and vice versa, in case someone loads
charts onto the backup and not the primary). If there is a mismatch (which
will only apply to charts, because of previous item above) a warning should
be given. to indicate that its charts are out of synch.

Primary mode activation
The backup will go into primary mode if (a) It cannot find the primary drive
(or else an "I'm in control" message from the primary has timed-out) or (b)
the user hits a control to confirm the mode. (to avoid this happening if the
primary is rebooted)
Microplot Mariner ECDIS 7.4
162

Index
Index
<
<MOB> .............................................................................................................................. 47, 48
drift ....................................................................................................................................... 48
<Status Bar>............................................................................................................................ 12
1
12 hour track log................................................................................................................ 91, 96
A
A/r ON (OFF) ........................................................................................................................... 10
AIS communication interfaces.............................................................................................. 154
AIS Display ............................................................................................................................ 155
AIS Symbols in use ............................................................................................................... 156
Alarm lines for ECDIS............................................................................................................ 123
Alarms- see also waypoints and routes................................................................................. 102
Alarm indicators ................................................................................................................. 122
alarm zones- drawing controls........................................................................................... 122
alarm zones- Look ahead .................................................................................................. 120
alarms zones- Circular ....................................................................................................... 122
alarms zones- Complex ..................................................................................................... 121
controls....................................................................................................................... 119, 124
CPA alarm (for a geographical position only) .................................................................... 153
event log............................................................................................................................. 123
Look ahead alarms- Cat C................................................................................................. 121
Own ship ............................................................................................................................ 122
selections ........................................................................................................................... 118
Targets............................................................................................................................... 154
Alternate Route........................................................................................................................ 78
loading.................................................................................................................................. 79
Approval- Hardware................................................................................................................... 3
ARCS....................................................................................................................................... 58
description............................................................................................................................ 58
directory structure ................................................................................................................ 59
system summary.................................................................................................................. 57
ARCS Best Scale..................................................................................................................... 68
ARCS- display- Overview charts ............................................................................................. 72
magnify tile........................................................................................................................... 72
zoom control......................................................................................................................... 72
ARCS- display- see also ARCS overview............................................................................... 58
brightness & palettes ............................................................................................. 13, 72, 134
corrections...................................................................................................................... 61, 62
Dimming- Program & Dialog boxes...................................................................................... 13
display errors........................................................................................................................ 67
double zoom......................................................................................................................... 14
information by border ........................................................................................................... 69
warning- Off Arcs chart. ....................................................................................................... 63
ARCS- installation.................................................................................................................... 59
CD........................................................................................................................................ 58
corrections................................................................................................................ 59, 62, 68
deleting............................................................................................................................... 132
licence and permit files- loading........................................................................................... 73
Index
one chart or many charts ..................................................................................................... 62
permit & chart verification .................................................................................................... 74
permit file into Voyage file.................................................................................................... 73
PIN number- ARCS.............................................................................................................. 74
security................................................................................................................................. 73
voyage files- Editing using Rastin........................................................................................ 60
ARCS- Loading.................................................................................................................. 58, 66
automatic- note .................................................................................................................... 71
borders ................................................................................................................................. 68
borders- info......................................................................................................................... 69
CD........................................................................................................................................ 58
CD refresh............................................................................................................................ 60
finding................................................................................................................................... 68
list ......................................................................................................................................... 67
marker .................................................................................................................................. 67
plans..................................................................................................................................... 67
zoom .................................................................................................................................... 69
zoom- note ........................................................................................................................... 69
Areas and Locations (See also Files)...................................................................................... 21
ARPA- marker position.................................................................................................. 117, 150
ARPA- targets........................................................................................................................ 149
acquire window .................................................................................................................. 151
clear ................................................................................................................................... 149
display width....................................................................................................................... 152
information ......................................................................................................................... 149
lost ARPA target................................................................................................................. 150
Note- no CPA TCPA alarms ............................................................................................. 154
receive details .................................................................................................................... 150
switching out names .......................................................................................................... 150
track save........................................................................................................................... 151
vectors................................................................................................................................ 153
window............................................................................................................................... 149
Auto reset of screen ................................................................................................................ 10
Auto save (of user data) .......................................................................................................... 48
Available files........................................................................................................................... 23
B
Back-up files ............................................................................................................................ 21
Backup system ...................................................................................................................... 159
Bearing and distance............................................................................................................... 85
EBL ...................................................................................................................................... 87
Great Circle.......................................................................................................................... 86
ownship or offset .................................................................................................................. 86
Rhumb line........................................................................................................................... 86
Bearing lines.......................................................................................................................... 116
clearing lines ...................................................................................................................... 116
transferred.......................................................................................................................... 116
Block Edit................................................................................................................................. 48
BSB........................................................................................................................................ 131
BSB system summary........................................................................................................ 131
Chart corners BSB............................................................................................................. 133
chart overview.................................................................................................................... 131
drives (CD etc) BSB........................................................................................................... 132
installing BSB..................................................................................................................... 132
reading from CD................................................................................................................. 134
regions ............................................................................................................................... 132
using borders ..................................................................................................................... 133
Index
Using BSB.......................................................................................................................... 131
using the chart list .............................................................................................................. 134
Voyage files- Using to load charts ..................................................................................... 134
C
C- Map- display.............................................................................................................. 135, 144
base layer..................................................................................................................... 37, 146
base layer information.................................................................................................. 37, 146
contour colouring and shading..................................................................................... 40, 144
other information layer ................................................................................................. 38, 148
spot Information ........................................................................................................... 36, 147
standard layer .............................................................................................................. 38, 146
Standard layer information........................................................................................... 38, 146
standard layer- note ............................................................................................... 14, 38, 146
status.................................................................................................................................. 137
C- Map- installation................................................................................................................ 135
C- Map- ordering.................................................................................................................... 138
areas- A-type...................................................................................................................... 140
areas- B-type...................................................................................................................... 141
areas- C-type ..................................................................................................................... 141
catalog................................................................................................................................ 139
CD's annually..................................................................................................................... 140
collection ............................................................................................................................ 141
Encrypted charts ................................................................................................................ 140
Encryption change ............................................................................................................. 140
Grace period ...................................................................................................................... 137
Order processing................................................................................................................ 138
polygon............................................................................................................................... 139
route................................................................................................................................... 139
subscription........................................................................................................................ 141
Un- encrypted charts.......................................................................................................... 140
C- Map- updates
Collections.......................................................................................................................... 143
display & storage................................................................................................................ 143
Note Update log file ........................................................................................................... 143
registration ......................................................................................................................... 142
subscribers......................................................................................................................... 143
Cell availability......................................................................................................................... 32
Chartwork
alarm lines.................................................................................................................... 53, 123
clearing lines ...................................................................................................................... 116
critical Point & caution note................................................................................................ 114
danger areas........................................................................................................................ 53
danger highlight.................................................................................................................. 115
danger highlight- text description......................................................................................... 53
expected position ............................................................................................................... 114
light visibility ....................................................................................................................... 115
manual corrections- chart symbols ...................................................................................... 54
parallel ruler ....................................................................................................................... 117
position lines ...................................................................................................................... 116
position lines transferred.................................................................................................... 116
tide indicators..................................................................................................................... 114
Circles & Arcs .......................................................................................................................... 53
Copy files ................................................................................................................................. 21
Corridor verify and cross track limit display............................................................................. 96
Course calculate window....................................................................................................... 111
Course line............................................................................................................................... 75
Index
CPA alarms............................................................................................................................ 149
Cross- Track window............................................................................................................... 75
composite GC .............................................................................................................. 78, 109
cross track limits display ...................................................................................................... 96
ETA values......................................................................................................................... 109
information ......................................................................................................................... 109
route verify and XTE display. ....................................................................................... 98, 112
waypoint- auto change....................................................................................................... 111
waypoint- auto change rules.............................................................................................. 111
waypoint XTE limit.............................................................................................................. 101
Current files setup.................................................................................................................... 22
Cursor ...................................................................................................................................... 85
D
Date
display tracks by date .......................................................................................................... 91
Datum mismatch- Navaid ...................................................................................................... 105
Days run calculations .............................................................................................................. 93
Dead reckoning...................................................................................................................... 112
Deleting data............................................................................................................................ 50
Depth alarms ......................................................................................................................... 158
Depth profile .......................................................................................................................... 157
Display- see also Screen
depth values in track ............................................................................................................ 92
display control- raster charts................................................................................................ 58
display control- SENC.......................................................................................................... 37
display control- user data..................................................................................................... 49
filename of user item............................................................................................................ 85
ranges .................................................................................................................................. 14
Distance calculations............................................................................................................... 93
E
ECDIS
description.............................................................................................................................. 2
ECDIS Software Version control ............................................................................................ 1
IEC 61174 .............................................................................................................................. 3
legal equivalency with paper charts....................................................................................... 3
standards ............................................................................................................................. 25
Type Approval Of ECDIS....................................................................................................... 2
Echo sounder......................................................................................................................... 157
scale................................................................................................................................... 158
track display by depth ........................................................................................................ 158
units setting........................................................................................................................ 158
Edit-
autosave............................................................................................................................... 48
deleting................................................................................................................................. 50
display in edit ....................................................................................................................... 49
exiting................................................................................................................................... 50
input ..................................................................................................................................... 90
Mouse- right click repeats last left click ............................................................................... 18
Editable files ............................................................................................................................ 48
ENC ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Erasing (deleting) data ............................................................................................................ 48
Estimated Position (Position fix) ............................................................................................ 102
ETA information......................................................................................................... 77, 80, 109
Event log
all alarms............................................................................................................................ 102
Index
look ahead.......................................................................................................................... 102
Event mark............................................................................................................................... 56
Exiting edit ............................................................................................................................... 50
External Alarm unit
alarm acceptance....................................................................................................... 119, 124
failure states....................................................................................................................... 124
F
Filename of displayed items.................................................................................................... 85
Files
back up- note ....................................................................................................................... 21
backing up............................................................................................................................ 21
closing.................................................................................................................................. 23
Copy..................................................................................................................................... 21
dialog box............................................................................................................................. 22
merging ................................................................................................................................ 23
opening ................................................................................................................................ 23
properties ............................................................................................................................. 24
Saving data .......................................................................................................................... 48
type select ............................................................................................................................ 23
Fix (manual)........................................................................................................................... 116
G
Great Circle.............................................................................................................................. 86
Composite.............................................................................................................. 75, 78, 109
route leg defined as ............................................................................................................. 77
Grid.......................................................................................................................................... 14
H
Heading
compass error .................................................................................................................... 113
Help system........................................................................................................................... 4, 5
adding your own notes........................................................................................................... 6
description.............................................................................................................................. 4
hypertext links ........................................................................................................................ 6
using the system.................................................................................................................... 5
window description................................................................................................................. 5
Hotkeys.................................................................................................................................... 17
Hotkey sets. ......................................................................................................................... 17
setting up with the mouse .................................................................................................... 17
I
Ink or pencil ....................................................................................................................... 23, 48
Installation directory (User & program files) ............................................................................ 21
Instant Marks ........................................................................................................................... 56
K
Keypad..................................................................................................................................... 18
hotkey control ....................................................................................................................... 18
with Version 7....................................................................................................................... 18
L
Lat/ Long.................................................................................................................................. 48
decimal ..................................................................................................................... 86, 88, 90
moving marker and screen to required. ............................................................................... 90
Layering of user data
Index
changing marks range inhibitor............................................................................................ 54
Light visbility- see also chartwork.......................................................................................... 115
Lines ........................................................................................................................................ 51
Clearing lines ..................................................................................................................... 116
creating ................................................................................................................................ 52
deleting data......................................................................................................................... 48
EBL ...................................................................................................................................... 87
position lines ...................................................................................................................... 116
search lines.......................................................................................................................... 80
52
Text description.................................................................................................................... 53
types..................................................................................................................................... 52
widths ................................................................................................................................... 52
Logs
Alarm event log .................................................................................................................. 123
track ............................................................................................................................... 93, 96
Look ahead alarm.......................................................................................................... 120, 121
M
Man Overboard.................................................................................................................. 47, 48
drift ....................................................................................................................................... 48
Mark type................................................................................................................................. 55
Marker control .......................................................................................................................... 85
bearing and distance input................................................................................................... 90
co-ordinates (formats).............................................................................................. 86, 88, 90
EBL ...................................................................................................................................... 87
Marker- Constant read out from other targets ..................................................................... 89
Marker- Constant read-out from own ship ........................................................................... 89
Marker- Keyboard movement .............................................................................................. 88
Marker toggle right click ....................................................................................................... 90
moving............................................................................................................................ 88, 89
track data read ..................................................................................................................... 91
Marker formulae..................................................................................................................... 129
Marker formulae Rhumb Line................................................................................................ 127
Marks....................................................................................................................................... 54
changing text and layer ........................................................................................................ 55
creating ................................................................................................................................ 54
deleting data................................................................................................................... 48, 50
idents.............................................................................................................................. 54, 56
Instant .................................................................................................................................. 56
text tick box. ......................................................................................................................... 49
Menu structure........................................................................................................................... 8
MOB......................................................................................................................................... 47
N
New range (marks) .................................................................................................................. 55
New text ................................................................................................................................... 55
Note- Temporary save............................................................................................................. 49
O
Object (spot) information ......................................................................................................... 29
Off (cross) track alarm........................................................................................................... 102
Offsets
Positional............................................................................................................................ 105
On-screen text ......................................................................................................................... 54
Other information layer .......................................................................................................... 137
Index
Overview chart (ARCS) ........................................................................................................... 58
Ownship input
automatic screen reset around ownship.............................................................................. 10
DR...................................................................................................................................... 102
EP ...................................................................................................................................... 102
Ownship track........................................................................................................................ 151
P
Palettes & Brightness .............................................................................................................. 58
Parallel ruler (manual posn fix).............................................................................................. 102
Permit file (Skipper or Navigator) ............................................................................................ 58
loading.................................................................................................................................. 66
permit file into voyage file .................................................................................................... 59
PIN (HCRF) ............................................................................................................................. 58
Position
filter .............................................................................................................................. 96, 106
manual position fix ............................................................................................................. 102
Note- navaid position shift.................................................................................................. 108
Planned position................................................................................................................. 113
time-out alarm.................................................................................................................... 103
Position- Datum shifts
correction for chart datum.................................................................................................. 105
Navaid datum convert ........................................................................................................ 105
On indications .................................................................................................................... 108
raster charts ....................................................................................................................... 108
user defined ....................................................................................................................... 107
Position- Primary/ Dual Navaid
alarm Primary/ dual ............................................................................................................ 104
Position- status ...................................................................................................................... 104
Primary route ........................................................................................................................... 75
Printing Screen (&screen utilities) .......................................................................................... 20
Prsentation Library and test data............................................................................................. 30
R
Range control .......................................................................................................................... 14
block scale ........................................................................................................................... 17
circle and rings..................................................................................................................... 14
in ARCS (and other HCRF).................................................................................................. 58
Range scale Go Back and Go Forward ............................................................................... 14
scale- Latitude scale bar ...................................................................................................... 13
scale- mile scale bar ............................................................................................................ 15
Read file (in Marks edit)........................................................................................................... 56
Redraw .................................................................................................................................. 103
Rhumb line calculations........................................................................................................... 86
Route planning with official vector data........................................................................... 96, 113
acceptance................................................................................................................... 99, 100
category A............................................................................................................................ 99
category B............................................................................................................................ 99
category C............................................................................................................................ 99
colour coding........................................................................................................................ 99
corridor search width.................................................................................................... 98, 112
group edit ............................................................................................................................. 97
log file................................................................................................................................. 102
results- initial ........................................................................................................................ 98
search parameters- default .................................................................................................. 97
status- tick.......................................................................................................................... 101
Route- Time zones .................................................................................................................. 80
Index
Routes ..................................................................................................................................... 75
Alternate Route .................................................................................................................... 79
approach and Xtrk alarms.................................................................................................. 102
course line............................................................................................................................ 81
creating ................................................................................................................................ 75
creating- from waypoint list .................................................................................................. 85
description............................................................................................................................ 76
display all ............................................................................................................................. 81
DR and EP Window ........................................................................................................... 102
great Circle........................................................................................................................... 77
leg speed.............................................................................................................................. 79
table ..................................................................................................................................... 76
table display ......................................................................................................................... 83
turn arcs ............................................................................................................................... 79
turn arcs- at alter course positions............................................................................... 79, 110
S
Safety contour.................................................................................................................. 41, 145
Safety depth..................................................................................................................... 42, 146
Saving data.............................................................................................................................. 48
Scale bars- see also range scales..................................................................................... 13, 15
Scale- cell usage levels in ECDIS........................................................................................... 35
Screen control
auto reset ............................................................................................................................. 10
log ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Mouse- right click repeats last left click ............................................................................... 18
movement .............................................................................................................................. 9
palettes & brightness ................................................................................................... 72, 134
print ...................................................................................................................................... 20
save to.BMP......................................................................................................................... 19
scroll bars..................................................................................................................... 67, 134
user defined scale (vector charts)........................................................................................ 17
view...................................................................................................................................... 19
Scroll ................................................................................................................................ 67, 134
Search lines............................................................................................................................. 80
See del..................................................................................................................................... 48
Select ....................................................................................................................................... 87
in ownship window............................................................................................................... 87
in target window................................................................................................................... 87
SENC....................................................................................................................................... 26
ordering................................................................................................................................ 27
SENC- Display......................................................................................................................... 29
base layer..................................................................................................................... 37, 146
base layer information.................................................................................................. 37, 146
Cell availability and scale warnings ..................................................................................... 32
cell boundaries..................................................................................................................... 31
cell information..................................................................................................................... 34
cell names............................................................................................................................ 35
contour colouring and shading..................................................................................... 40, 144
corrections- highlighting....................................................................................................... 45
corrections- information about ............................................................................................. 45
corrections log...................................................................................................................... 44
other information layer ................................................................................................. 38, 148
Presentation Library............................................................................................................. 30
safety contour............................................................................................................... 41, 145
safety depth.................................................................................................................. 42, 146
Spot Information........................................................................................................... 36, 147
Index
standard layer .............................................................................................................. 38, 146
standard layer information ........................................................................................... 38, 146
The SENC database............................................................................................................ 26
SENC- Installing
conversion from S-57........................................................................................................... 35
corrections...................................................................................................................... 42, 44
transfer standard.................................................................................................................. 26
SENC Layering........................................................................................................................ 30
SENC Layering- Mariners controls.......................................................................................... 38
Shapes
at ownship.............................................................................................................................. 9
Startup sequence....................................................................................................................... 4
Status Bar ................................................................................................................................ 12
Support Services ....................................................................................................................... 2
Symbol sizes............................................................................................................................ 31
T
Tests for systems
ECDIS Software Version control ............................................................................................ 1
Text
changing mark text............................................................................................................... 54
creating on screen ............................................................................................................... 54
with marks............................................................................................................................ 54
Text points ............................................................................................................................... 56
Time & date ............................................................................................................................. 92
Time out alarms..................................................................................................................... 119
Time zones .............................................................................................................................. 80
To Near menu ticks ................................................................................................................. 89
To ownship- Screen Movement............................................................................................... 88
Tool bar...................................................................................................................................... 9
Track
12 Hour Log ......................................................................................................................... 96
display by date ................................................................................................................... 152
Distance calculations ........................................................................................................... 93
information table................................................................................................................... 92
Past voyage track file display............................................................................................... 95
target save ......................................................................................................................... 151
Voyage Log.......................................................................................................................... 93
Track display by depth........................................................................................................... 158
U
Undelete .................................................................................................................................. 50
Units
Marker ............................................................................................................................ 85, 86
Sounder.............................................................................................................................. 157
User data ................................................................................................................................. 48
V
Verifying route.......................................................................................................................... 96
View........................................................................................................................................... 7
voyage charts .......................................................................................................................... 60
Voyage charts add by border ................................................................................................. 66
Voyage file............................................................................................................................... 61
copying permit information................................................................................................... 59
deleting................................................................................................................................. 59
editing in Microplot ............................................................................................................... 60
Index
Voyage plan report ................................................................................................................ 125
Voyage report File handling................................................................................................... 125
Voyage report graphics ......................................................................................................... 126
Voyage report- route table- time zones ................................................................................. 127
Voyage Track file..................................................................................................................... 93
VRM......................................................................................................................................... 14
W
Waypoint list- adding uisng waypoint list dialog box. ............................................................. 84
Waypoint- add to routes .......................................................................................................... 83
Waypoint- display .................................................................................................................... 84
Waypoints ................................................................................................................................ 83
abeam in cross track............................................................................................................ 75
adding from a route.............................................................................................................. 84
alarm- approach distance .................................................................................................. 110
alarm- contour ...................................................................................................................... 84
alarm- note......................................................................................................................... 111
create ................................................................................................................................... 83
display.................................................................................................................................. 84
insert .................................................................................................................................... 83
move .................................................................................................................................... 83
multi select ........................................................................................................................... 84
quadrant ............................................................................................................................... 84
Sequence............................................................................................................................. 83
Undo..................................................................................................................................... 83
XTE limit............................................................................................................................. 101
Z
Zoom........................................................................................................................................ 14
ARCS (and other HCRF) ..................................................................................................... 14
autoload of ARCS ................................................................................................................ 66
User defined zoom area....................................................................................................... 17