The application of radar overlay on raster based electronic charts

Radar overlay on optically scanned nautical charts is now a viable reality due to the proliferation of low-cost, high-performance personal computer hardware coupled with the willingness of radar manufacturers to provide sufficient interface capability within their radar product lines. Both systems display real-time graphical data relative to the vessel. The electronic chart displays hydrographic and topolographic information related to the absolute position of the vessel, while the radar displays fixed and floating targets relative to the vessel. Merging the two graphic images creates a combined image that both complements and enhances the visual information produced separately by each system