latest version: 3.1

dKart Office

dKart Feature Object Database (FODB) is an advanced tool for centralized storage, updating and managing cartographic data. As part of the dKart Office suite, FODB ensures consistency and accuracy of scale-independent objects across all affected charts.

The information stored in the database fully complies with the S-57 3.1.3 standard, including information encoding and object identification. In addition, it allows storage of data Additional Military Layers of ENCs and Inland ENCs. It also allows user to store data for user-defined objects and attributes for managing internal information about hydrographic and navigational objects.

Its query tools allow accurate search of objects by attributes, locations or user conditions, while users can edit object attributes, spatial geometry and hierarchical relationships using a visual chart editor. Comparison and analysis tools are also available for enhanced data management. Embedded testing ensures compliance with S-58 standards, guarantees data correctness and integrity.

The system makes it easier to receive information updates through automatic notifications from the NtM or Source Messages databases. FODB provides a comprehensive solution for managing, analyzing and compiling hydrographic and navigation data as part of the dKart office software package. This improves the productivity and quality of ENC production , increasing the reliability and consistency of information and saving costs associated with ENC production and maintenance.

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Version 3.1
We’re excited to announce that dKart FODB is now part of the GeoPhone Group International OY family! This marks a new chapter for the software, with GeoPhone Group International OY bringing its expertise and innovation to enhance your user experience.

While the core functionality of dKart FODB remains unchanged, this transition sets the stage for future improvements and integrations. We are committed to maintaining the high standards of performance and reliability that you’ve come to expect, while exploring new opportunities to expand and refine the software.

Stay tuned for upcoming updates as we continue to develop tools that meet the evolving needs of hydrographic organizations and maritime cartographic specialists.

Thank you for choosing dKart FODB and joining us on this journey with GeoPhone Group International OY.

FODB ensures that every real-world object has a single, consistent representation in the database, eliminating redundancy and improving data integrity. All object presentations on associated charts are synchronized, guaranteeing consistency across the portfolio.

dKart FODB tools have a robust interface that easily connects with other dKart Office databases, such as the dKart Archive and the NTM/Source message database. This integration with the Archive Database allows users to view ENCs and raster maps stored in the central archive, as well as import necessary objects from these ENCs into FODB. The connection with the NtM/Source Message Database enables the automatic selection of notices/source messages that relate to objects stored in FODB, ensuring quick and reliable updates.

FODB offers an intuitive query system that allows users to search and retrieve objects based on attributes, geographical location, and complex multi-condition criteria. Secondary queries enable further refinement of search results for detailed analysis.

Users can create and modify feature objects, attributes, and spatial geometries with precision. The system also supports the establishment of hierarchical relationships, such as master-slave connections and object aggregations.
The dKart FODB tools provide an effective method for selecting and importing information from a loaded ENC file into a database.

FODB is compatible with Inland ENC and Additional Military Layers (AML) dictionaries, allowing users to add, process, and manage data for the compilation and updating of these ENCs.

The system provides a powerful chart viewer with thematic layers, object highlighting, and measurement tools. Operators can easily browse and analyze chart data using interactive visualization features.

Built-in testing tools verify compliance of feature objects with the S-57 standard in accordance with checks of S-58 standard applicable to FODB objects. Additionally, similar tests prevent creation and importation of duplicate objects into FODB. This ensures that high-quality data is obtained, ready for operational use.

The dKart FODB tools allow for multi-user access to the database, which is especially useful in real-world scenarios where one operator may not be able to manually update the database in a timely manner. By allowing multiple users to work on the database simultaneously, the update cycle can be significantly shortened. Additionally, monitoring the use and editing of data in this multi-user environment helps to ensure data integrity and prevent errors.

By providing centralized object management, advanced query and editing tools, and seamless integration with other databases and software of dKart Office, dKart FODB empowers hydrographic offices and chart producers to maintain high-quality, consistent navigational data. With support for international standards, FODB ensures that maritime cartographic professionals have the tools they need to improve safety and operational efficiency in data production.

dKart FODB is a feature-oriented database management system that stores information about hydrographic and navigational objects derived from Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) and other sources. It is used for:

• Storing and managing scale-independent object data: dKart FODB stores object attributes defined according to S-57, Inland ECDIS, and AML dictionaries, as well as and their spatial information such as points, lines, and areas.
• Searching and analyzing data: The system allows users to perform complex queries based on object attributes and their geographic locations.
• Editing and updating navigational information: dKart FODB enables editing object attributes and geometry and creating new objects.
• Importing objects from electronic charts: Objects can be imported from ENCs.
• Updating the database using Notices to Mariners (NtMs) or Source Messages Database: dKart FODB supports database updates based on NtM or Source Messages information.

dKart FODB can be protected with either a local or a network license, supplied as hardware keys (Sentinel) or as a software license.

dKart FODB is copy-protected with Sentinel HASP protection key. Before running dKart FODB Installation you need to plug the Protection Key (HASP HL) into a free USB port of your computer or install software HASP SL key later. In case of network licensing, the HASP key (HL or SL) must be on the same network as your computer.

• Please note starting from version 3.1 eToken licensing is not supported

To create an empty database in SQL Server:

1. Launch SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Locate the desired SQL Server in the left panel and expand it.
3. Right-click the Databases folder and select New Database.
4. Fill in the required fields in the New Database window and click OK.
5. Execute the script Create_FODB.sql from the SQLScripts subfolder in the program directory to create tables in the database.

dKart FODB allows queries based on:

• Object attributes: These conditions are set in the S-57 edition 3.1 tab (or another dictionary name) in the New Query window.
• Geographical location: These conditions are set in the By Coordinates tab in the New Query window.

To import objects from an ENC:

1. Open the ENC for import.
2. Compare objects in FODB with those on the chart using the Object Collision window.
3. Import objects individually or in hierarchies using the Append command.

To update the database based on NtMs:

1. Open the NtM Updater window.
2. Review the list of Notices.
3. Process each Notice by accepting, rejecting, or skipping it.
4. Save the changes to the database.

dKart FODB provides a Geometry Editor for spatial object editing. You can:

• Add and remove nodes.
• Move nodes.
• Create and edit lines and edges.
• Create and edit areas.

A detailed description of dKart FODB features and capabilities can be found in the dKart FODB User Guide, which is included with the software package.