Federal Computer Week: Nautical charts on demand

“…the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office
of Coast Survey is developing a new electronic commerce and
print-on-demand system that will enable retail stores to order the
most up-to-date nautical charts online.”

“Retailers, called chart agents, will log on to the system using
a World Wide Web browser to order custom copies of maps. The system
will send order information to a print-on-demand system that will
print out the most current map information, including where
navigation aids are located, characteristics of coastlines, water
depths and navigation hazards.”

“The system, which is in development, will use a
Java-based architecture. It will run on a Linux server that
will be located at an Internet service provider?s facility so that
it can have a direct connection to the Internet. SPS will
manage the system remotely, which is one reason the company chose
Linux.”

” ‘Since we can’t [be there physically to] push a reboot button,
we decided to use Linux because we felt it was more efficient for
us to maintain remotely for this size project,’ Linza said.”

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