ECDIS Data Export Functions: Usable File Formats

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) is an indispensable tool in modern navigation for voyage planning and managing navigational information. Data stored within ECDIS, such as route data and user-created information, can be exported in various file formats for backup purposes or for use in other systems. This document outlines the primary data formats that can be exported from ECDIS and their characteristics. Finally, this document introduces the file conversion features available on this website.

1. Route Files

These formats are used for exporting the core voyage plan data.

1.1. RTZ (Route Plan Exchange Format) File

  • Features: A standardized XML-based format specifically designed for exchanging ECDIS route data, as defined by IEC 61174 Ed.4.
  • Advantages: Offers high compatibility between ECDIS units from different manufacturers, making it ideal for sharing route data and creating backups. It allows for the structured storage of voyage plan information, including waypoints, leg details, schedules, and more.
  • Uses: Sharing voyage plans with other vessels or shore offices, migrating data between ECDIS systems, and creating backups.

1.2. CSV (Comma Separated Values) / TXT (Text) Files

  • Features: Some ECDIS manufacturers (e.g., FURUNO, JRC) provide the option to export route data in CSV or TXT format in addition to RTZ. However, these formats are not standardized, and their specific structure may vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
  • Advantages: Files can be easily opened, viewed, and edited using spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel. This can be more convenient than the XML-based RTZ format for PC-based data processing, such as when creating Bridge Notebooks in specific formats.
  • Uses: Reviewing and editing route data on a PC, creating voyage logs using spreadsheet software.

2. User Charts (User Chart / User Map)

This refers to the export of information that the navigator has personally created or added onto the ECDIS display.

  • Features: Allows saving user-generated information that is overlaid on the official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). This includes caution areas, restricted navigation or anchoring areas, fishing gear locations, notes, custom symbols, etc. XML (Extensible Markup Language) is believed to be commonly adopted by many manufacturers for this purpose.
  • Advantages: XML provides a structured, text-based way to represent data with high extensibility, making it well-suited for storing and exchanging complex geospatial information and associated attributes found in user charts. This enables backing up valuable, user-accumulated navigational information or importing it into other ECDIS units for reuse.
  • Uses: Backing up user-created information, importing into other ECDIS systems, sharing information with fellow vessels.

3. GPX (GPS Exchange Format) File

A standard file format designed for exchanging GPS-related data.

  • Features: An XML-based format widely used for exchanging data such as waypoints, routes, and track logs (the path travelled) between GPS devices and navigation software. Many ECDIS systems support exporting data in GPX format.
  • Key Information Included:
    • Waypoints: Latitude/longitude, elevation, timestamp, name, description, etc.
    • Routes: An ordered list of waypoints representing a planned path.
    • Tracks: A record of the actual path travelled, consisting of a series of track points (often including timestamps).
    • Metadata: Creation date/time, author information, copyright details, etc.
    • (Optional) Extension Data: Sensor data like heart rate, temperature, speed, etc.
  • Advantages: Allows easy transfer of routes created or tracks recorded on the ECDIS to various other devices and software, including handheld GPS units, PC-based map software, fitness apps, and other navigation systems.
  • Uses: Post-voyage record keeping (e.g., track review), shore-based planning, data exchange with other GPS devices and applications, sharing activity logs from activities like hiking or cycling.

4. KML (Keyhole Markup Language) File

A format used for displaying geographic data in applications like Google Earth and Google Maps.

  • Features: An XML-based file format and markup language for representing geographic data such as points, paths, polygons, and images on maps. Some ECDIS units can export created routes or user chart information in KML format.
  • Advantages: Enables importing ECDIS data into applications like Google Earth, allowing it to be overlaid onto satellite imagery or other geospatial information for enhanced visualization.
  • Uses: Visual confirmation of voyage plans and tracks, creating materials for presentations, sharing information with relevant parties.

5. XML (Extensible Markup Language) File

A highly versatile markup language that may be used for purposes beyond those listed above.

  • Features: While User Charts, RTZ, GPX, and KML are XML-based, some ECDIS systems may also use proprietary XML formats for exporting/importing other types of data, such as system settings, logs from specific navigational equipment, or other voyage-related information.
  • Advantages: Being text-based and structured, XML data is generally human-readable and well-suited for data exchange between different systems and for specialized data analysis.
  • Uses: Backing up and restoring system settings, analyzing log data, integrating with other onboard systems.

6. File Conversion Tools on This Site

On this website, the following types of conversions can be performed:

① Route File Conversion

  • Conversion from RTZ file to GPX file
  • Conversion from RTZ file to KML file

② FURUNO CSV/TXT Conversion

  • Conversion from Furuno ECDIS CSV file to GPX file
  • Conversion from Furuno ECDIS CSV file to KML file
  • Conversion from Furuno ECDIS TXT file to GPX file
  • Conversion from Furuno ECDIS TXT file to KML file

Note: GPX conversions are primarily intended for import into applications like Windy. Therefore, the resulting GPX files contain the minimal information necessary for this purpose.

Select Conversion Type

Choose the type of ECDIS data you want to convert:

RTZ Route Data Conversion

Furuno (CSV/TXT) Route Data Conversion