The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words is really true in this case. Dr. Lee Alexander, research associate professor with C-COM, specializes in the developing field of electronic chart technology. The electronic chart represents an entirely new approach to maritime navigation. Charts all over the world are being translated into electronic charts. Alexander is working to integrate the capabilities of the mapping software, which will eventually include real-time analysis of tide levels and patterns.
Ultimate success lies with improving the maps' accuracy.
Alexander said C-COM's maps show safe water within about 6 feet of total accuracy. The goal is 4 to 5 inches. Reis said the accuracy of the computer-generated maps isn't quite good enough at this point to allow his company to completely rely on them. It's a tremendous product. The second annual International Conference on High-Resolution Surveys in Shallow Water follows the first event held in Sydney, Australia, in 1999.