NOAA Nautical Print-on-Demand Charts

1. Source Images

984 NOAA Charts released weekly

All charts re-issued weekly with a minimum of a date change

NOAA native file format: CRL (Intergraph)

Each chart is a unique, fixed physical size.

Pixel registration is maintained between updates.

NOAA generated file conversion: 400 ppi at 8-bit paletted color depth PackBit TIF

Two versions of each chart is required (Commercial & Recreational) totaling 1968 individual charts.

24-hour turnaround from NOAA release to print-ready updates at Output Locations is required

2. Format Conversion

NOAA to provide initially converted file. PackBit Tiff format is currently a confirmed format producible by NOAA and likely to be 8-bit paletted at 400 ppi.

Constraints

Lossless conversions should be used to conserve detail of small fonts and fine line work.

Small file sizes when possible for speed of file manipulation, conversion, and workstation requirements.

Options

PackBit TIF Conversion available from NOAA. Some difficulty opening files with reviewed software but may be workstation related. Good file manipulation software available. Long processing times to print. Raster only

LZW TIF More mainstream support than PackBit. Excellent file manipulation software available. Some difficulty opening larger files on moderately equiped workstations. Long processing times to print. Raster only

HPGL/2 (.plt) Converted easily from TIF. Native HP print language. Fastest print times. Vector & raster mix.

RTL (.plt) Converted easily from TIF. Native HP print language. Fastest print times. May be more difficult to file patch than HPGL/2. Raster only.

PDF Lossy compression, detail dropout. Fast loading for viewers and converters. Faster printing than TIF. Vector and raster mix.

JPG Lossy compression, detail dropout. No dissernable advantages over TIF or PDF. Raster only

PostScript File size extremely large. Very slow to print. Vector & raster mix.

BSB NOAA Format. Unable to obtain viewer/converter. Vector & raster mix between 2 linked files.

3. Chart Updating

Chart Revision:

As a minimum, ALL chart files WILL be graphically updated with date- based revision information.

Newly generated charts may either be; updated and sent to Output Locations in whole, or, newly generated charts may be compared against current-issue charts for identification, isolation, and extraction of graphical differences to generate "patches" that remotely update chart files at Output Locations.

Pros: (of sending files in whole)

Files can be converted to print-ready format prior to distribution which can decrease processing requirements and increase printing speed at Output Locations.

Update process can be centralized, controlled, and verified prior to distribution.

Cons:

Large file sizes.

Doubles the number of files that need to be transferred when not "building" recreational vs. commercial charts at Output Location.

Pros: (of remote file patching)

Smaller file sizes.

Cons:

Additional software and control processes required, e.g. tile differencing between chart versions and management of patches prior to distribution, file patching and update verification after distribution, etc.

Constraints

File Size

Processing Speed

Update Options

Physical Map Change

FIle Patching

RT Patch Software

Tile Differencing

Image Magic

Raster File Combining

Image Magic

Metadata Synchronizing

Full File Overwrite

Date-Based Only Change

Raster File Combining

Image Magic

Metadata Synchronizing

Full File Overwrite

Process Options

Scenario 1 Charts updated and include commercial and recreational information prior to distribution. Can be made print ready

Scenario 2 Charts updated but exclude commercial and recreational information prior to distribution. File combining or appending is performed to create commercial and recreational versions after distribution. Probably not print ready.

Scenario 3 Charts compared against current-issue charts to identify and extract graphical differences. Patches generated from differences to remotely update charts after distribution. Patches may include commercial and recreational information or file combining or appending may be performed after patching. Not print ready.

4. Infrastructure

Constraints

DoD Directives

VPN Connection not allowed

Little to no remote support

Little to no remote software

Little to no software development

End user interface must be useable by retail personnel familiar with only basic computer concepts

Updating and distribution should not interfere with normal Output Location operations

5. File Distribution

Constraints

Speed

Considerations

Regionalization (map sets based on Output Location demand.)

Bandwidth minimums based on number of map sets maintained at Output Location.

Lossless, self-extracting File Compression Prior to Transmission

Format Options (based on conversion options above)

Print Ready Format - HPGL/2

Non-Print Ready Format - TIF

Transfer Options

Direct Push from NOAA

Direct Pull from Output Locations

Push or Pull from Third Party Distributor

6. Chart Output

Constraints

Both Commerical and Recreational versions

Print Speed - 5 Minute Average Output

400 DPI Resolution Minimum (to preserve small text and line work)

Pigmented, Lightfast Inks (pigmented inks provides longer UV tolerance than aqueous inks.)

Coated, Waterfast Bond (Waterfast bond is water permeable but retains excellent wet tear strength and coating prevents displace of image when wet.

Printer Options

HP Z6100

The HP Designjet Z6100 is the fastest printer reviewed and the only printer proven capable of delivering the chart print speeds stated in the constraints. Lightfast characteristic can also be achieved due to all inks being pigmented. The HP Z6100 also falls within acceptable quality and pricing when compared to the incumbent HP Designjet 5500 printer.

See related topics and documents

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF25a/18972-18972-3328061-12600-3328080-3338748.html