See: http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/index.htm
Computer-based navigation systems that use official raster data, such as NOAA RNCs, may also be referred to as Raster Chart Display Systems (RCDS). RCDS use raster nautical charts and electronic positioning to provide an integrated navigational tool. Today, national hydrographic offices such as OCS endorse the use of RCDS to enhance safe navigation. RCDS’s offer the mariner functionalities, such as real-time positioning — the ability to use the familiar chart image and show at an instant exactly where one’s ship is in relation to its charted surroundings. Existing raster navigation software interfaces with electronic positioning systems including GPS and DGPS. These powerful navigation tools support voyage planning and monitoring (routes, way points, off-track alarms, log books, voyage recording,…), access to chart notes, access to large suites of charts on-line, bearing and distance calculations, subdued night colors, and much more.
For technical questions about the NOAA RNCs™, its format or the standards involved; and for questions related to production scheduling or cartographic content of the NOAA RNCs™, please click Here for NOAA’s Nautical Chart Product Inquiry page.
Resources
For viewing NOAA RNC™ (BSB format) files, click on the link below:
Via The Map Room.