I got this back from my query about NOAA providing compatible map tile
products to xml mapping programs.....

================================================== ===

Inquiry: Is there any chance you'll put these raster charts on a server
as
map tiles like Google Earth, Virtual Earth, Runway Finder (aeronautical
charts, and a host of others use from live servers I can use with map
tile
software such as Maemo Mapper on my Linux internet tablets?
https://maemo.org/downloads/product/.../maemo-mapper/ This free
software, coupled with the WAAS-enabled Bluetooth GPS put my boat dead
in
the channel of any of these satellite photo servers, a very valuable
tool
in any waterway inland. To have the latest official NOAA charting, not
some vendor's 3-year-old proprietary chart plug, would be simply a
fantastic service to the marine community. The standardized map tiles
are
stored on SDHC large memory cards in the device, or downloaded fresh
from
the servers via Bluetooth tethering to my cellular phone.

Please investigate the possiblity of providing NOAA chartography on such
a
system, the new standard for the online charting industry.

Thank you.
Larry Butler
S/V "Lionheart"
Charleston, SC


Resolution/Response
Dear Larry,

We're looking at different options for serving up our data. We have a
Beta server at: http://www.charts.noaa.gov/RNCs/RNCs.shtml

We have a network of distributors who are starting to use thse charts in
unique ways. For example, there is a charting program called iNavX that
works on an Iphone. Basically charts are downloaded from the beta
server
on the fly. In the short term, we're going to be keeping with RNCs in
the
..bsb format--all 1000+ charts. There are at least a half dozen
electronic
charting applications that use NOAA RNCs--which can be downloaded for
free--completely updated. From our perspective, we make the data
available for free--and now via the Beta server---more easily accessible
for the private sector to build unique applications around. This iNavX
system is an example of what can be done.

I would say in the longer term--we are looking at providing RNCs in a
geotiff format--somewhat a more standard format that people might be
able
to work with.

All that being said--I'll make sure our technical people and managers
read
your comment.

Best Regards,



Thank you for your interest in NOAA's Nautical Chart Products.
We appreciate you taking the time to bring this matter to our attention.

================================================== ================

Everyone needs just a little push in the OPEN SOURCE direction, instead
of all this proprietary Maptech nonsense they've always had.

I replied trying to get them to contact Google Earth like USGS and NWS
have about putting layers of nautical charts on Google Earth, and Google
providing the coding and server expertise NOAA seems to lack (everything
downloads and there are no "live servers"). If NOAA and Google or
Virtual Earth can get together, live on-demand charting over a cellphone
tethered laptop...or....downloaded xml tiles for offshore, would be a
great leap forward in marine charting.....putting near-realtime chart
upgrades right at your fingertips for peanuts instead of $100/chart,
which is nonsense.

That department and the data it produces is PUBLIC DOMAIN, not Garmin's.