Basic Functions of Operational Control of ECDIS

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and controls related to the basic operational functions of the ECDIS900 system.

ECDIS900

A Windows-based Electronic Chart Display Information System that integrates sensor data (GPS, Gyro, Log, radar, AIS) with electronic charts.

ECDIS

Electronic Chart Display Information System—IMO-approved digital navigation system for official vector charts (ENC).

RCDS

Raster Chart Display System—mode of ECDIS that displays official raster charts when vector ENCs are unavailable.

ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart)

Official vector chart format supported by ECDIS; contains standardized, updateable chart data.

ARCS

Admiralty Raster Chart Service—official raster charts from the UKHO supported by ECDIS900.

AVCS

Admiralty Vector Chart Service—official vector ENC collection from the UKHO for ECDIS use.

Raster Chart

Chart stored as a pixel image; displayed in RCDS mode.

Vector Chart

Chart stored as individual digital objects and attributes; enables dynamic display layers.

Human-Computer Interface (HCI)

Windows-based graphical interface of ECDIS900 operated mainly with mouse and keyboard.

Cursor (Red Cross)

Default ECDIS pointer whose shape changes with context; used for all selections.

Prompt Window

Small pop-up that appears after hovering 2 s over an object, showing key properties.

Dialogue Box

On-screen window containing controls (tabs, buttons, lists) for setting ECDIS parameters.

Bookmark (Tab)

Dialogue-box page selector that lets users switch between option sets.

Option Button (Radio Button)

Circular control allowing one choice within a group in ECDIS dialogue boxes.

Check Box

Square control allowing independent on/off selections in ECDIS dialogues.

Input Box

Field for entering or incrementing alphanumeric values via keyboard or arrows.

Information Box

Read-only display of alphanumeric data such as latitude, longitude, or speed.

Text Box

Editable field where free text (e.g., target name) can be typed or replaced.

List Box

Window listing multiple values from which one can be selected directly.

Drop-Down List Box

Combined text/list box that reveals choices when the down arrow is clicked.

Push Button (OK / Apply / Cancel)

Clickable control to save, apply, or discard settings in a dialogue box.

Hot Key

Keyboard shortcut that triggers ECDIS functions (e.g., F1 Zoom In, F3 Centre on Ship).

Main Window

ECDIS screen divided into Window Title, Chart Area, Toolbar Panel, and Console Area.

Toolbar Panel

Row of icons providing quick access to chart, navigation, and system functions.

Man Overboard (MOB)

Emergency function creating a MOB waypoint, centring the chart, logging data, cancelling route/autopilot, and broadcasting AIS alert.

Event Icon

Tool that plots a geographic event point at the ship’s current position and stores it in user data.

Zoom In / Zoom Out

Functions (icons or F1/F2 keys) that change chart scale one step closer or further.

Standard Display Mode

Preset ENC/C-Map layer configuration activated via icon or F7 key; shows required objects.

Select Area

Feature to pre-define named chart areas (lat, lon, scale) for quick display.

Auto Centring

Function that scrolls the chart when the ship exits a defined centring zone.

Static Centring Zone

Fixed zone based on current heading within which the ship can move before auto-scroll engages.

Dynamic Centring Zone

Adaptive zone that always maximizes chart view ahead of vessel regardless of heading changes.

Centre on Ship

One-time action (icon or F3) that positions the vessel at chart centre and can enable Follow Ship.

Ship Properties Window

Dialogue showing editable vessel parameters such as dimensions, offsets, sensors.

Ship-to-Point Range & Bearing

Tool that creates a point at specified range/bearing from vessel and displays VRM/EBL data.

Point-to-Point Range & Bearing

Mode for measuring and fixing two points’ mutual range and bearing on the chart.

New Route Tool

Icon that starts plotting waypoints graphically or via keyboard in the Route Plan window.

Active Route Plan

Window listing waypoints, distances, and ETA for the currently selected route (Hot Key F6).

Logbook Record

Manual or automatic entry documenting voyage data; created via New Logbook icon.

Set Target

Feature to plot a manual AIS/ARPA target for tracking and collision assessment.

Target List

Table displaying AIS/ARPA targets with CPA/TCPA; supports centring, sorting, and property access.

Lost Targets Alarm

Configurable alert when an AIS or ARPA target disappears within a set range of own ship.

Target Prediction

Function that projects future positions of own ship and targets using linear/vector predictors.

Chart Handling

Module to view, install, or delete charts within the ECDIS catalogue.

Tide & Current Information

Display of tide stations and current arrows; detailed data via right-click; visible at scales >1:2 000 000.

Port Database

Fairplay ports guide integration providing icons and detailed port information when subscribed.

ECDIS Options

Settings menu for console layout, time, route parameters, security, and more.

Print Function

Tool to send the current chart view to a printer.

Help Icon

Access point for software version details and the on-line user manual.