Charts

Chart database 

Almost all Swedish charts are stored in the chart database. The data is used in the production of electronic charts and customized products such as printed paper charts and small craft charts.

The main source of data in the database is analogue navigational charts that have been digitised, meaning that the information in the database maintains the same standards of quality. A higher ambition is to create “safe sea routes,” which would entail improving the information on the most important Swedish fairways by means of an entirely digital production line from measurement input to digital navigational charts. The digitally stored information has been adapted to the international S57 standard. 

Updates

The Swedish fairway system changes constantly. New beacons, buoys, lights etc. are added, eliminated or moved. Fairways and port conditions are changed and new hydrographic surveys are performed. As a result, navigational charts must be constantly updated. About 1,500 updates are made to Swedish navigational charts every year and charts are printed in new and corrected editions at least once a year. In between new editions, navigators must correct their own charts. Correction notices are issued weekly in the publication NtM (Swedish Notices to Mariners). Continual updates are also issued for digital navigational charts.

Copyright & rights of use

According to the Swedish Act on Copyright to Literary and Artistic Works (1960:729), the Swedish Maritime Administration owns the rights to Swedish navigational charts. Persons wishing to use navigational chart illustrations may apply for permission to produce analogue or digital follow-on products. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. There is a fee charged for the right to use navigational chart information, which varies with the extent of the use. Users are obligated to cite the source and a permit number.
Example: © The Swedish Maritime Administration, publishing permit xxxx.