Mechanically scanned imaging sonars (MSIS) are mainly used for detection of small objects or aiding in underwater navigation in limited area. Obtained images are detailed and, especially for not experienced user, they may give an impression of a photography. However, the acoustic method of acquisition of sonar data must be taken into account, as understanding observed scene is essential to properly interpret the data. To aid the process of image interpretation the reference data may be used. In this paper the application of bathymetric data to MSIS sonar images is proposed. To match high resolution of MSIS images the density of bathymetric data must exceed the requirements of S-44 IHO norm. For this research a swath bathymetric system based on phase interferometry of acoustic signal was used to obtain such data in shallow waters. The article covers the motivation of usage of such data in comparison to other existing bathymetric systems. The proposed method uses acquired data to create additional channel in sonar image emphasizing sea-bed gradient in relation to sonar head position and distinguish invisible / shadowed areas. Proposed method is based on directional derivative of a sea-bed. Method presented in this article is a part of bigger research on enhancing interpretative potential of stationary sonar images [1]

Digital hydrographic products include the ENC Electronic Navigational Charts and the IENC Inland Electronic Navigational Charts used for inland shipping. The process of IENC production comprises data acquisition and editing. Each object belongs to a class specified in the applicable standards and possesses necessary attributes. IENC cells include, among others, data related to depths in a given water body. Contemporary bathymetric measuring systems allow for saving more and more data of increased quality. Examples of systems characterized by the ability to acquisition high density data are interferometer systems. The authors of this article used GeoSwath Plus 250 kHz sonar system to collect bathymetric data. Bathymetric data included in the IENC cell should be up to date, structured and easy to manage. A piece of software by the ESRI Company, also dedicated to creating hydrographic products, allows to do just that. The authors have used a specialized geodatabase during the IENC production, which made managing bathymetric data easier. The article describes an analysis of the geodatabase’s functionality during the production of electronic navigational chart for inland shipping

Mobile devices are increasingly popular among recreational water users and for navigational purposes. Making full use of the possibilities they offer requires a navigational system to be designed and built for mobile devices which make use of mobile cartography. A dynamically adaptive mobile presentation model offering various display possibilities may be an appropriate example of such a system. The navigational purpose of the system, however, requires that the main navigational data presented are integrated in one place, in a so-called conning display. These data should be easily accessible to the user, which is not always the case with mobile devices. The idea of using a Head-Up Display (HUD) as a conning display in a mobile navigation system arose from these considerations. The current paper presents research on implementing a HUD into a mobile system. First, the idea of mobile cartographic presentation is discussed, then the navigational data available in the system are presented. Finally, the concept of using a HUD is explained, a HUD presentation model is shown and technical aspects of HUD integration are described.

Mobile navigation for inland shipping is an example of a GIS system dedicated for recreational users using inland waterways. Developing this system is a primary purpose of the research project “Mobile Navigation for Inland Waters” funded by the National Centre for Research and Development under the program LIDER. System assumptions include the development of a dedicated model of mobile cartographic presentation, taking into account the generalization of data. This article is focused on simplification of line and polygon features, included in the spatial data model MODEF (MObinav Data Exchange Format), which is used in the created system. During the simplification of line features, the Douglas-Peucker algorithm was mainly implemented. During the simplification of polygon features, a simplification method was applied, maintaining the basic shape and size of the objects. A simplification tolerance parameter and a parameter determining the minimum area of the object was also used. In addition, objects within a certain distance were merged. A smoothing tool for the shape and size of buildings and the PEAK method (Polynomial Approximation with Exponential Kernel) were used as well. Furthermore, a selection tool was employed and features with minor importance to the user were deleted during navigation mode. Given the requirements of the future user of the system, a separate model simplification for each of the layers of the system was created; these models are combinations of the methods listed above. The overriding factor that has been taken into account during the research of simplification methods, was the limitation of the sharpness of human eyes. The study of generalization methods was carried out in ArcGIS software.