FarSounder has confirmed that its 3D forward looking sonar (FLS) technology for USVs (unmanned surface vessels) now includes support for official ENC electronic navigational chart) data from NAVTOR in the base software package.
NAVTOR develops electronic navigation tools that are safe, simple, and efficient, making them an ideal match for FarSounder’s Argos 3D Forward Looking Sonar, which provides safe navigation by detecting many ocean obstacles via an easy-to-understand user interface. This partnership brings an impactful software update for Argos technology.
Bjørn Kristian Sæstad, CBDO of OEM/SDK at NAVTOR, commented: “By implementing the NAVTOR ECDIS Kernel in the FarSounder platform, we bring official electronic navigational chart display (ENC’s) to the FarSounder customers for optimal safety, awareness and flexibility. A significant benefit from this partnership is the integration with NAVTOR’s trusted e-Navigation ecosystem. The cloud-based data distribution keeps everything up to date, with the latest charts and publications delivered seamlessly to the vessel. For vessels with an ECDIS installed, there is now the option to have matching map displays on both their ECDIS and FarSounder radar system.”
Cheryl M. Zimmerman, CEO at FarSounder, noted: “In this release, users will not only have support for NAVTOR ENC chart data included, but they will also be able to bring up Automatic Identification System (AIS) targets and Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) targets in the Chart Viewer. Support for new NMEA message types associated with AIS and ARPA targets has been added and are easily displayed on the FarSounder stand-alone system. With this additional information, customers have a complete understanding of their surroundings on one screen.”
