Using automated cartography to create maritime charts suitable for hard copy printing.

In November 2019, the Office of Coast Survey (OCS) announced its plan to discontinue the publication of all traditional raster and paper nautical charts by 2025. The rationale cites that the use of paper charts has decreased steadily over time as U.S. and international authorities began permitting the use of only electronic navigational charts (ENCs) for inland and oversea voyages. The time saved by maintaining only one product line would allow OCS to focus on improving ENC products to serve its customers better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]