S-100: Next Generation Maritime Products and Services
What is S-100?
The S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model is a standardized framework developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for the representation and exchange of hydrographic data. Based on the ISO 19100 series of geographic information (GI) standards, S-100 will eventually replace the S-57 standard.
Designed to enhance the accuracy, consistency, and interoperability, S-100 will be essential in the development of next-generation digital maritime products and services.
The Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) plays an active role in the development of S-100 and related product specifications. The AHO is focused on providing S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC), S-102 Bathymetric Surfaces, S-104 Water Level Information for Surface Navigation, and S-111 Surface Currents products for select areas starting in 2026.
Although S-100 products will become available in 2026, navigation systems capable of reading and displaying these new formats will initially be limited. Early adopters, such as Portable Pilot Units (PPU), are expected to lead the way. The first type-approved S-100 ECDIS systems are anticipated by the end of 2027, though installation on existing ships will remain voluntary at first. From January 2029, new ship builds will be required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to be equipped with an S-100 ECDIS.
These news systems will have to support both S-57 and S-101 ENC formats simultaneously in what is known as a Dual-Fuel configuration.
The IMO is expected to officially retire the S-57 standard once significant global S-101 coverage is achieved.
S-101: Electronic Navigational Charts
S-101 is the next generation standard for Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC). S-101 ENCs are designed to be more flexible and interoperable than the existing S-57 ENC’s. Some of the enhancements introduced by S-101 when compared to S-57 are: S-101 can cater for a wider variety of languages; introduces new symbology to reduce the use of explanatory text; optimises the visualisation of sectored lights and improves the identification of changes introduced by ENC updates. The development of S-101 is an ongoing process, and the standard is expected to continue evolving to meet the changing needs of the hydrographic community.
Port of Melbourne – S-101 ENC in ECPINS (OSI Maritime)
S-102: Bathymetric Surface
S-102 bathymetric surface product is a digital elevation model which represents the seafloor in a regular grid structure and is intended to support safe passage and precise berthing and mooring.
S-102 is designed to be more flexible and customisable than traditional bathymetric data formats, such as XYZ grids or raster images. S-102 will enhance the accuracy, consistency and interoperability of bathymetric data and will play a key role in the development of next-generation digital navigation systems and marine spatial data infrastructures.
In ECDIS, S-102 can substitute S-101 ENC depth information to provide a higher resolution and more accurate picture of the seafloor to mariners.
Port of Melbourne – S-102 in in SEAiq PilotS-104: Water Level Information for Surface Navigation
S-104 covers water levels for surface navigation and is intended for the encapsulation and data transfer of tidal and water level data for use in an ECDIS or any proposed dynamic application. The S-104 datasets are provided for fixed stations as a regular grid. Tidal and water level predictions are fundamental in route planning and entry to ports for navigation and other purposes.
In ECDIS, S-104 products can be used to adjust S-102 depth information and, as a consequence, enhance S-101 ENC bathymetric content by providing more accurate depths in support of high precision navigation in congested or restricted areas.
Port of Melbourne – S-102 and S-104 in SEAiq PilotS-111: Surface Currents
S-111 is designed to describe the speed and direction of the surface currents to the top 25 metres.
S-111 products will not only provide critical information in support of navigation in restricted waters but also support the planning of fuel efficient routes that would contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and cost savings.
Port of Melbourne – S-102 and S-111 in SEAiq PilotS-128: Catalogue of Nautical Products
S-128 datasets describe the availability and revision status of paper charts, ENC, nautical publications and other S-100 based navigational products and online services.
The catalogue of nautical products will provide the sole point of truth for ECDIS, maritime authorities and service providers when it comes to identifying the latest versions of the navigational products and services in force in the country.
AHO S-100 Roll Out Plan
The AHO plans to release an “S-100 sample area” in Port Botany (NSW) at the end of 2025. This area would include S-101, S-102 and S-104 datasets for users’ familiarisation and testing.
AHO S-100 test datasets will be provided as single product Exchange Sets. To access the AHO S-100 test datasets for Port Botany, please contact hydro.licensing@defence.gov.au.
For more details regarding the public release of S-100 products please see our S-100 Roll Out Plan.
AHO S-100 Roll Out Plan - Focus Areas
The Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) Australian S-100WG
The Australian S-100WG was stood up to take a leadership role in the creation, implementation and oversight of the introduction of S-100 based services in Australia by developing documentation, creating national guidelines and policies, defining roles, responsibilities and controls that will harmonize the e-Navigation data chain.
The Australian S-100WG is responsible for coordinating and managing the timely and effective implementation of a broad range of S-100 products and services in the region.
For more information refer to S-100 Working Group | Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping.