scope:

Purpose. This manual provides technical and administrative guidance for development, production, publication, and maintenance of Inland Electronic Navigational Charts (IENCs). IENCs are digital cartographic products (i.e., electronic charts) of U.S. inland waterways that are distributed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the primary purpose of ensuring safety-of-navigation. IENCs apply to inland waterways that are maintained for navigation by USACE for shallow-draft vessels (e.g., maintained at a depth of 9-14 feet, dependent upon the waterway project authorization). Generally, IENCs are produced for those commerciallynavigable waterways which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) does not produce Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). However, Special Purpose IENCs, which are further defined in this manual, may be produced in agreement with NOAA. The standards and procedures contained in this manual are intended to facilitate USACE-wide uniformity of IENC products and services, as well as to ensure consistency in the distribution of IENCs to outside users. 

Applicability. This manual applies to all USACE commands having responsibility to develop, produce, publish, update, or manage programs pertaining to IENCs in support of the Corps' civil works activities. The manual also applies to USACE commands which produce other types of electronic chart products that are distributed to outside users for the purpose of safety-of-navigation. In this manual these are defined as Special Purpose IENCs.