Certificate Citation:  For the development and implementation of Print on Demand and Electronic Commerce for NOAA nautical charts.

Program Booklet Citation:  Messrs. Smith, Loeper, Fefe, and Ms. Gray are recognized for the development and implementation of Print on Demand and Electronic Commerce for NOAA nautical charts.  The team’s exceptional accomplishment radically advanced the state of the art in nautical chart production.  It advanced the ability of the nautical chart to quickly and accurately transmit critical navigation data to mariners.  Their success also advanced the ability to leverage government technology and expertise with the private sector’s investment and expertise to provide a world-leading product.

Background:  Nautical charts are the fundamental tool of marine navigation.  Hundreds of critical chart changes occurring 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 Chart 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 specific mariner, vessel, ship company, or industry needs.