Notification of Changes to Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) Distribution

As part of the digital transformation initiative, and with the move to gridded Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) made the decision to hold digital chart releases temporarily to process a large volume of new gridded ENCs. We have restarted digital chart distribution with the latest release being cumulative for May and June which contained all the new gridded ENCs. Going forward, we anticipate being back on our regular schedule.

Additionally, we are working on a renewed digital chart distribution system with the goal of increasing efficiency and automation. The change to the ENC file structure was intentional, and we will continue to format the delivery of our S-57 ENCs to end users in this way. This structure abides by the International Hydrographic Organization’s S-57 Product Specification and allows us as an organization to provide digital charts more efficiently.

Our ENC collections are being amended. Once published, there will be an ‘Update Available’ status for the updated products in the Digital Data Portal (DDP). Unfortunately, we do not have an automated notification system for the DDP, and account holders will be required to check periodically for updates.

We appreciate your patience while we work on a renewed distribution system.