Electronic document and records management software, TRIM Context, forms backbone of chart management system

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has chosen TOWER Softwares TRIM Context electronic document and records management (EDRM) solution to manage thousands of its UK navigational charts and publications. In a deal worth 100,000, around 300 cartographers and chart plotters at the Taunton-based operation will use TRIM Context as part of a Source Data Receipt and Assessment (SDRA) project that aims to capture all source data digitally and distribute it around the organisation digitally. This should dramatically shorten the time scale for altering charts.

The project involves integrating the digitisation of all analogue source data which will be held with all digital source data, this information will then be viewed from within a Geographic Information System (GIS) based on ESRI technology. This information will be stored within an electronic archive. TRIM Context will form the backbone of the SDRA project, managing the location of all source items, including Foreign Government charts and notices to mariners allowing them to be assessed against UKHO products. This includes sea depth changes, wrecks and new lighthouses, for example.

Tony Sumpster, Managing Director at TOWER Software explains, The UKHO will receive documents and charts which will be checked into TRIM Context. Work packages will be created which will allow the Source Documents to be assessed against UKHO products, this assessment will suggest what changes are required to the UKHO Products used by both the Royal Navy and Merchant Marine customers. Not only does TRIM Context manage the many versions of the source documents received, but it also provides the facilities to manage loans from the Physical Archive in a system approved by the National Archives.

Tim Squire, Technical Director of the UKHO is delighted to embark on this project, "The resulting capability provided by this work will transform the way we handle incoming material, ultimately providing an even better service to the mariner."

The whole project is lead by TOWER Softwares partners BAE Systems that is supported by T-Kartor of Sweden. BAE Systems will deliver the capability to capture all incoming hydrographic source data and, where required, convert it into digital format. This will streamline every aspect of the initial data assessment process and also allow direct comparison against existing UKHO products. T-Kartor will supply its highly successful CPS NG product for the project as well as providing an integrated workflow. The SDRA system will also incorporate a state of the art high-density secure storage and archive system pioneered by BAE Systems for the Defence Geographic Service.

SDRA will deliver digital data to over 300 desktops by early 2006.