NauticalCharts.gov's electronic commerce site was further recognized through funding by the Information Technology Innovation Fund. NauticalCharts.gov not only captures orders and manages a flexible subscription service, but defines all production parameters from which customized print-on-demand nautical charts are manufactured on-the-fly. In addition, it is designed to push to the mariner electronic information, such as real-time water levels, status of the port, Department of Agriculture quarantine and inspection protocols, and U.S. Customs and Immigration information. In fact, NauticalCharts.gov was designed to be a one stop government information service to the mariner.

Nautical charts are the fundamental tool of marine navigation. Hundreds of critical chart changes occuring each week need to be applied, charts manufactured, and then efficiently and quickly distributed by chart retailers to mariners.

The Print-on-Demand Updated Nautical Charts project is one-of-a-kind amongst hydrographic offices of the nations of the world. It provides to the mariner absolutely up-to-date information critical to safe navigation. It uses large format plotters, digital asset management, and electronic commerce to make nautical charts from digital files continuously maintained by the Office of Coast Survey. Charts are only printed when ordered using the up-to-date files. The technology enables customization of each chart to specfic mariner, vessel, ship company, or industry needs.

Coast Survey has two strong private partners contributing to this success. Software Performance Systems, Inc., Arlington, VA, works under contract to develop the electronic commerce capability. OceanGrafix, L.L.C., St. Paul, MN, working under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, provides the print-on-demand research, development, and manufacturing capability.