This course introduces the desktop CARIS Paper Chart Composer software program for nautical paper chart production. It uses hands-on exercises throughout.

Audience

Anyone wanting to learn how to use CARIS Paper Chart Composer for Standard nautical and custom chart production and updating.

Topics Include

• Overview of Paper Chart Composer theory, concepts, data model
• An introduction to the Paper Chart Composer program: menus, toolbars, pop-up menus and windows
• Chart creation steps and workflow in Paper Chart Composer
• Data pre-requisites: source data in CARIS, ENC or other formats
• Defining chart, sheet and panel properties
• Creating charts with main panels and one or more plans/insets
• Controlling the display: viewing, filtering and selecting objects
• Investigating the Options settings and what these do
• Viewing external vector and raster files in Paper Chart Composer
• Georeference external vector and raster datasets
• Creating new chart features interactively
• Using Template Editor to create and customize border styles, etc.
• Adding borders, scale bars, grids and marginalia to charts
• Adding borders to non-rectangular and non-north up charts
• Adding cartographic symbols such as compass roses, logos, etc.
• Importing data from vector files: S-57, CARIS, SHP, DGN, DXF...
• Importing data from text files/ODBC databases
• Adding new linear, slanting and curved text interactively
• Creating and inserting text blocks for chart titles, notes and tables
• Automatic annotating of features with textual information
• Adding image features of diagrams/sketches to charts
• Editing of cartographic data
• Overriding symbols, colours, sizes, angles of individual features
• Masking features automatically and interactively
• Quality control, validation and certification of charts
• Exporting completed charts to PostScript and colour separate files
• Exporting charts to other formats: GeoTIFF, vector formats, BSB
• Paper chart product revision cycle
• A brief look at Paper Chart Composer customization options

Prerequesites

• Some knowledge of the IHO S-57 Standard and ENC concepts
• Familiarity with operating computers and software
• Previous working experience creating digital paper charts