Partners in Data Management: Creating a National Channel Framework Database by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the US Army Corps of Engineers

The united states army corps of engineers (USACE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) work closely together to provide navigation information to the maritime community. NOAA is responsible for charting the territorial waters of the United States including navigation channels used by transiting vessels into and out of United States ports. These navigation channels are portrayed and described on NOAA products including the NOAA Electronic Navigation Chart (NOAA ENCreg). The NOAA ENCreg is a vector- based digital file containing marine features suitable for marine navigation. The USACE is responsible to maintain the navigation channels and to provide accurate channel data to NOAA. The USACE channel data consist of hydrographic survey information and channel framework Channel framework contains the outside channel limits and the inside configuration of the navigation channel. USACE channel data supplies essential information to the mariner and therefore, comprise a fundamental component of the NOAA ENCreg. NOAA and USACE are working closely to communicate issues concerning USACE hydrographic survey work and channel framework data. This continuing effort provides improved navigation products for the mariner.