Construction method and application of S-111 surface current data for intelligent ship navigation

This paper discusses the pilot production of surface current data products based on the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S-111 standard. With the release of the IHO S-100 General Hydrographic Data Model version 5.0.0, the S-100 series of products has entered the formal production and application phase. As one of the key standards within this series, S-111 provides detailed specifications for the encoding, visualization, and file structure of surface current data. The article first introduces the core content of the S-111 standard, including data model structure, element catalog, symbol representation methods, and data product composition. Subsequently, using the “South Channel (III)” of the Shanghai Hydrographic Chart as an example, the article provides a detailed explanation of the trial production process for S-111 products, covering key steps such as grid point design, ocean current data entry, metadata configuration, and product packaging. Additionally, given the current lack of widespread compatibility with ECDIS terminals, this paper explores alternative distribution schemes such as the KMZ format to enhance data accessibility. The study validates the feasibility of S-111 product production, providing a reference model for future intelligent applications, and outlines development directions such as real-time observational data fusion and automated tool development to support the construction of intelligent shipping systems.