Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) Practice Exam 2025 – The Comprehensive Guide to Master Your Certification!

Choosing raster navigational charts (RNC) over electronic navigational charts (ENC) in ECDIS systems can arise from specific navigational needs where raster data is more suitable. RNCs are essentially scanned images of traditional paper charts, which can provide familiar visual representations for mariners, especially in regions where users are accustomed to paper navigation.

In some cases, navigators might prefer RNCs when they require a visual context that highlights certain features or display characteristics inherent to paper charts, such as color schemes, textures, or clarity of depth contours, which may be particularly helpful in certain operational circumstances, such as coastal navigation or where visual reference is important for decision-making.

While ENCs are vector-based and offer the benefits of real-time updates and attributes, situations may arise where the specific requirements for navigation, such as the need for certain visual elements, lead to the preference for RNC. Thus, opting for raster data can serve specialized navigational requirements effectively, making it a valid choice in those instances.