An Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a
computer-based navigation information system that complies with
International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and can be used as
an alternative to paper nautical charts. IMO refers to similar systems
not meeting the regulations as Electronic Chart Systems (ECS).
An ECDIS system displays the information from
electronic navigational charts (ENC) or Digital Nautical Charts (DNC)
and integrates position information from the Global Positioning System
(GPS) and other navigational sensors, such as radar and automatic
identification systems (AIS). It may also display additional
navigation-related information, such as Sailing Directions and
fathometer.
