AUTOMATED
LNM PROJECT
The Navigation Center’s (NAVCEN) web site has been "the
site" for a broad spectrum of mariners to obtain information
and tools to aid in navigation. One of those tools, the Local
Notice to Mariners (LNM), has been a mainstay on the web site
for several years. As reliance on the Internet and associated technologies
has advanced, electronic distribution of navigation information, such
as the LNM, has become routine. However, the process of creating the
LNM is a manually intensive process, with minimal reliance on automation.
NAVCEN will be assuming responsibility for the Local Notice to
Mariners Automation project. The goal is to share information from
several disparate (and non-compatible) aids to navigation databases
and automate the collection and dissemination of aids to navigation
information (e.g., LNM). The integration of the information into
the current Aid to Navigation Information System (ATONIS) will put
a wealth of data into one functional database.
The integrated ATONIS database is considered by NAVCEN to be an
opportunity to facilitate the Coast Guard’s transition to the
use of electronic navigational charts (ENCs). NOAA’s National
Ocean Service will be able to use the Coast Guard’s ATONIS
database to update ENCs automatically, thus enabling them to maintain
a current portfolio of electronic charts. In turn, the Coast Guard,
as well as any mariner using an electronic navigation system will
benefit from this up-to-date ENC portfolio.
The Navigation Center is excited about its new role in automation
and dissemination of electronic navigation information; it is a
natural progression from our radionavigation roots. New initiatives
in support of electronic navigation, such as an expanded use of
ATONIS, are essential to achieving the Coast Guard’s goal of
promoting safe navigation.
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