Raster Chart Registration Service Interruptions

September 22 2008

The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) and Maptech Inc., of Amesbury, Massachusetts have been collaborating on the production of CHS raster charts in the BSB format as well as associated product registration services since March 31, 2007.

In February 2008, the estate of the founder of Maptech Inc. announced its intention to sell the company. The various business lines of the company have subsequently been sold.

To ensure on-going service to mariners in Canadian waters CHS is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Maptech to purchase the rights to specified intellectual property and software. This purchase will enable CHS to continue providing raster charts and related services directly to clients and end-users.

On Mon-22-Sep-2008 CHS will start the process of migrating the Maptech registration server to CHS servers in Ottawa, Canada. Maptech and CHS personnel are coordinating efforts to complete this transition in a timely and orderly fashion. Every reasonable effort will be made to minimize service interruptions, however there will be periods when the registration service will be off-line during the transition process. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause to our clients and end-users.

If you have any questions please phone (613) 998-4931 or e-mail chsinfo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.