UKHO, ESA Support Commercial Engagement With S-100 Hydrographic Data

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is partnering with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) to support companies developing commercial services combining S-100 universal hydrographic data with satellite Earth observation, communications or navigation information.

The S-100 Universal Hydrographic Model Thematic Campaign seeks to engage companies through ESA’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) and help turn their concepts into scalable, commercially sustainable services. The campaign will provide relevant S-100 data licenses free of charge, helping companies develop services that address real maritime customer and operational needs.

S-100 was designed from the outset to support interoperability between different domains, providing a common framework for different types of hydrographic and maritime information. While its introduction is transforming navigation, its potential applications extend further. Combining S-100 data with satellite Earth observation, communications or navigation information creates opportunities to develop services for use beyond traditional navigational products for use on board vessels, in ports and ashore.

Space-enabled supporting capabilities could include:

• Earth observation: Providing environmental information across wide areas, with repeat observations to complement hydrographic surveys and other data sources.

• Satellite communications: Supporting the delivery of information between ships and shore, including beyond terrestrial network coverage.

• Satellite