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Supporting the hydrographic community
S-100 will underpin the next generation of navigation technologies. With dynamic data layers, greater granularity and improved interoperability, S-100 enabled solutions will enhance the way decisions are made from ship to shore.
The UKHO is embracing these technical changes and collaborating with partners across the hydrographic community to ground guidance in real-world experience.
S-100 trials and data sets
Read about our recent collaborative S-100 sea trials and how to access the data.
Collaborating for S-100 readiness
The UKHO is collaborating with hydrographic offices, technology providers, ports, training organisations and mariners to test S-100 data sets.
As part of this trial, the UKHO joined the Australian Hydrographic Office (Australian Department of Defence), Land Information New Zealand (NZ hydrographic office), Hydrographic Service of the Royal Netherlands Navy (NL hydrographic office), as well as major ports, captains, pilots and equipment manufacturers, at Carnival Corporation’s CSMART training facility. This test brought together different perspectives under the IHO’s International Testbed to evaluate S-100 data sets in real-world scenarios, testing display, interoperability and operational value.
S-100 trial data sets
In support of the development, testing and use of future S-100 products and services, we’ve created a range of S-100 trial data sets that are free to download. These have been made available as part of the IHO’s coordinated testbed framework.
Supporting the future of paper charts
Read about how we are sustaining the long-term future of our ADMIRALTY paper chart portfolio with the use of AutoChart technology.
A future for paper chart production
The UKHO is using AutoChart to automatically generate Standard Nautical Charts (SNCs) from Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) data, helping to secure the long‑term future of paper chart production.
Maximising automation with technology partners
Developed in collaboration with CARIS, the SNCs produced using AutoChart maximise the use of automation while remaining firmly grounded in mariner insight. Continuous user research and UKHO technical expertise have driven iterative improvements, ensuring the SNCs meet real-world navigational needs.
Light sector appearances
We have applied our understanding of mariners’ needs to ensure that SNCs generated from ENC source data meet the quality standards they expect. For example, ensuring full light sectors appear with characteristics and concentrated light descriptions at the end of the band.
Improving display content
Teams from the UKHO and CARIS worked together to reduce clutter on the charts, streamlining content by removing duplicate legends and condensing contours to standard intervals.
Developing a consistent service for mariners
These paper charts integrate seamlessly into our existing paper chart service, with the same quality assurance, trusted updates, and global ADMIRALTY distributor network.
The Empowering Women in Hydrography project
The UKHO is proud to collaborate with the IHO to highlight the work of the Empowering Women in Hydrography project. Through initiatives such as the UK Gender Balance Fund, the UKHO has supported women in the maritime industry with training, event participation, and workshops – opportunities that may not otherwise have been possible.
Hear women from across the international hydrographic community share their experiences and reflect on the importance of continued progress on diversity.