SHOM Raster GeoTIFF Marine Charts – Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Marmara

Introduction

SHOM raster GeoTIFF marine charts of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Marmara are georeferenced digital charts designed for navigation preparation, route planning and the study of these extensive maritime areas. They provide, within a compatible computer environment, a digital raster representation of marine cartography together with the geographical information required for accurate positioning.

The Mediterranean is a particularly vast and diverse maritime area. It includes numerous coastlines, islands, archipelagos, straits, international navigation areas, commercial and recreational ports, as well as areas with very different hydrographic characteristics. The Black Sea and Sea of Marmara extend this maritime system towards the northeast and also present specific navigation conditions.

A SHOM GeoTIFF marine chart can be used to prepare a passage, study a coastal area, analyse a maritime route or work with navigation software compatible with georeferenced raster data.

What is a SHOM raster GeoTIFF marine chart?

A raster marine chart is a digital representation of a chart in image format. It therefore preserves the graphical representation of the cartography, including symbols, soundings, depths, bathymetric contours, lights, buoys, wrecks, hazards, rocks and other hydrographic information shown on the relevant chart reference.

The GeoTIFF format adds georeferencing information to the image. The software can therefore determine the precise geographical position of the chart on the Earth's surface.

This characteristic distinguishes a GeoTIFF from a simple TIFF file or standard digital image. An image alone does not necessarily contain the information required by navigation software to position it correctly. A GeoTIFF combines the cartographic image with the geographical information required for use in a compatible environment.

A SHOM raster GeoTIFF marine chart can therefore be used as a digital chart background for route planning or analysis of a navigation area.

Why use a SHOM digital marine chart in the Mediterranean?

The Mediterranean is an especially important maritime area for recreational sailing, commercial shipping, fishing, professional maritime activities and long-distance cruising.

Navigation conditions vary considerably from one region to another. The Mediterranean includes highly indented coastlines, archipelagos, islands, straits, headlands, shoals, port areas and numerous maritime infrastructures.

A SHOM raster GeoTIFF digital marine chart makes it possible to study the cartography of a specific area and prepare a route according to the scale and coverage of the selected chart reference.

It can be particularly relevant for:

• coastal navigation planning;

• Mediterranean passage planning;

• planning routes between islands;

• offshore navigation planning;

• analysing coastal approaches;

• studying harbour approaches where the scale is appropriate;

• planning long-distance routes.

What geographical area does this cartography cover?

The Mediterranean extends across a vast area between Europe, Africa and Asia. It includes several basins and sub-regions with different geographical and nautical characteristics.

Depending on the selected SHOM chart reference, the cartography may cover different parts of the Mediterranean and its approaches.

The geographical coverage may be relevant to navigation around:

• the western Mediterranean;

• the central Mediterranean;

• the eastern Mediterranean;

• the main Mediterranean islands and archipelagos;

• European coastlines;

• North African coastlines;

• the eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern coasts;

• areas connecting towards the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea.

The exact chart reference, scale and geographical coverage of each GeoTIFF file must be checked. A small-scale chart intended for a general overview does not necessarily provide the level of detail required for coastal navigation or a harbour approach.

SHOM GeoTIFF marine chart of the Black Sea

The Black Sea is a large maritime area located between Eastern Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus. It is connected to the Mediterranean through the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara and Dardanelles.

A raster digital marine chart can be used to study the general configuration of this area, plan a route and analyse the cartographic characteristics of the relevant region.

For navigation in the Black Sea, choosing the appropriate scale is particularly important. A general chart may be suitable for long-distance route planning, while more detailed cartography is required for coastal navigation and harbour approaches.

Digital marine chart of the Sea of Marmara

The Sea of Marmara occupies a strategic geographical position between the Aegean Sea and Black Sea. It is connected to these two maritime areas by the Dardanelles and Bosphorus.

This configuration makes it an important navigation area for transit routes and passages connecting the Mediterranean with the Black Sea.

An appropriate SHOM raster GeoTIFF marine chart makes it possible to work within a georeferenced digital environment and study the different cartographic features represented on the selected chart reference.

In this region, navigation conditions should also be studied using appropriate regulatory, nautical and local information.

GeoTIFF marine chart for Mediterranean islands and archipelagos

The Mediterranean contains a large number of islands and archipelagos. For a sailing yacht or vessel navigating between several islands, the cartography must allow the navigator to identify coastlines, depths, hazards and the various elements required for route planning accurately.

A SHOM raster chart preserves the graphical presentation of the cartography, allowing navigators familiar with traditional charts to recognise the main cartographic conventions.

When navigating between several islands, several chart references or different scales may be required depending on the length of the route and the level of detail required.

SHOM raster chart for coastal navigation in the Mediterranean

Coastal navigation generally requires a higher level of detail than offshore route planning.

Close to shore, the navigator needs to study depths, shoals, rocks, wrecks, buoyage, hazards and other relevant cartographic features.

A SHOM GeoTIFF marine chart at an appropriate scale can be used for this type of navigation in compatible software.

The scale must nevertheless be appropriate to the intended purpose. A chart covering a large part of the Mediterranean cannot be considered equivalent to a detailed chart of a bay or harbour approach.

Using a SHOM GeoTIFF chart for a Mediterranean crossing

Consider the example of a sailing yacht planning a passage between France and Greece.

Cartographic preparation can begin with a general overview of the Mediterranean in order to study the overall route. Regional charts can then be used to analyse the different stages of the passage.

Depending on the route, the navigator may need to study successively:

1. the departure area;

2. navigation areas in the western Mediterranean;

3. the central Mediterranean;

4. approaches to the eastern Mediterranean;

5. coastal areas and destination ports.

The GeoTIFF chart then provides a cartographic planning tool. It should be supplemented by weather information, tide and current data where relevant, as well as up-to-date nautical and regulatory information.

SHOM raster or vector chart: what are the differences?

A raster chart is a georeferenced image reproducing the graphical representation of a chart. It therefore retains the chart's appearance, symbols and presentation.

A vector chart consists of individual digital objects. Soundings, buoys, lights, wrecks, contours or areas can be stored as separate objects and interpreted directly by the software.

Raster is particularly useful when the objective is to retain a representation close to traditional graphical marine cartography.

The choice between raster and vector depends on the software, navigation system, available data and intended use.

Using the chart with navigation software

A SHOM GeoTIFF marine chart is not automatically compatible with all software.

Some navigation and charting applications, such as Adrena or ScanNav, can use certain georeferenced raster data. Exact compatibility should nevertheless be checked for the specific file and software version being used.

Before use, it is important to check:

• supported data formats;

• SHOM chart reference;

• geographical coverage;

• scale;

• resolution;

• coordinate reference system;

• map projection;

• software compatibility;

• licensing and terms of use;

• information concerning updates where applicable.

The GeoTIFF format alone does not guarantee compatibility with a particular software application.

Planning navigation from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea

A passage between the Mediterranean and Black Sea is a good example of multi-level cartographic planning.

The route may involve the eastern Mediterranean, Aegean Sea, Dardanelles, Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus and then the Black Sea.

Such a passage requires cartography appropriate to the different stages of the route.

Planning must also take into account the specific characteristics of these passages, applicable regulations, nautical information and local conditions.

Digital marine cartography is therefore one component of the overall navigation planning process.

What criteria should be checked before choosing a SHOM GeoTIFF chart?

Before selecting a SHOM digital marine chart for the Mediterranean, Black Sea or Sea of Marmara, it is recommended to check:

• exact chart reference;

• geographical coverage;

• chart scale;

• resolution;

• coordinate reference system;

• map projection;

• compatibility with the software being used;

• required level of detail;

• terms of use;

• information concerning updates.

These criteria make it possible to select cartography suitable for both a Mediterranean crossing and coastal navigation or a route towards the Black Sea.

Conclusion

SHOM raster GeoTIFF marine charts of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Marmara provide a georeferenced digital cartography solution for planning and studying a wide range of navigation routes.

The GeoTIFF format combines a raster representation of the cartography with the geographical information required for positioning within compatible software. It therefore makes it possible to work in a digital environment while retaining a graphical representation similar to that of a traditional marine chart.

The considerable geographical diversity of the Mediterranean, together with the particular configuration of the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea, means that the chart reference, scale and geographical coverage must be selected carefully.

A digital marine chart does not replace the other information required for navigation. It should be used together with up-to-date nautical data, weather forecasts, tides, currents, Notices to Mariners and applicable regulations.

FAQ – SHOM Raster GeoTIFF Marine Charts for the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Sea of Marmara

What is a SHOM raster GeoTIFF marine chart of the Mediterranean?

It is a georeferenced digital marine chart reproducing SHOM cartography for a Mediterranean area in raster format. The GeoTIFF format combines the chart image with the information required for geographical positioning.

What is a SHOM GeoTIFF chart of the Mediterranean used for?

It can be used to plan coastal navigation, a Mediterranean passage, a route between islands or a long-distance voyage in software compatible with georeferenced raster data.

Are SHOM GeoTIFF charts available for the Black Sea?

Coverage depends on the available chart references. The SHOM chart reference, geographical coverage and scale must be checked before selecting a chart for navigation in the Black Sea.

Does a SHOM GeoTIFF chart cover the entire Mediterranean?

This depends on the chart reference. Some charts may cover large areas, while larger-scale references are required to provide an appropriate level of detail for coastal navigation.

Can a GeoTIFF chart be used for navigation in the Sea of Marmara?

Yes, provided that the selected chart reference covers the relevant area and the file is compatible with the software being used. Navigation in this region also requires consideration of applicable nautical and regulatory information.

Which SHOM chart should I use for navigation from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea?

References covering the different stages of the route should be selected, including the eastern Mediterranean, Dardanelles, Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus and Black Sea, depending on the route and available chart coverage.

Is SHOM GeoTIFF compatible with Adrena?

Adrena can use certain georeferenced raster data, but compatibility depends on the characteristics of the file and software version. The specifications should therefore be checked before use.

Is SHOM GeoTIFF compatible with ScanNav?

ScanNav can use certain georeferenced raster data. Exact compatibility should be checked for the specific SHOM chart reference and file.

What scale should I choose for coastal navigation in the Mediterranean?

The appropriate scale depends on the area and type of navigation. A small scale is suitable for studying a general route, while a larger scale is required for coastlines, narrow passages, anchorages or harbour approaches.

Is a SHOM GeoTIFF chart sufficient for navigation in the Mediterranean?

No. It is one component of cartographic preparation. It should be supplemented with weather data, tides, currents where relevant, up-to-date nautical information and applicable regulations.

What is the difference between a SHOM raster GeoTIFF chart and a vector chart?

A raster chart is a georeferenced image reproducing the graphical representation of the chart. A vector chart consists of digital geographical objects that can be interpreted and dynamically displayed by the software.

Can a SHOM GeoTIFF chart be used to plan a Mediterranean crossing?

Yes. It can be used to study the overall route and the different areas crossed, provided that the appropriate chart references and scales are available for each stage of the voyage.

Why should the SHOM chart reference and scale be checked?

Because geographical coverage and level of detail vary between chart references. A chart suitable for offshore route planning does not necessarily provide the level of detail required for coastal navigation or a harbour approach.