EC2007 ECDIS Kernel FAQ

What is the EC2007 ECDIS Kernel?
The ECDIS Kernel is a function library which contains all the properties required to handle electronic charts, to navigate and more. It meets the IEC, IMO and IHO ECDIS standards. The EC2007 library consists of various high and low level functions which are grouped in particular sets for Chart Import, Chart Work, Visualisation, Feature Query, Route Planning, Sensor Input, etc.
The ECDIS Kernel is not 'ready to use' navigation software. The concept of the EC2007 ECDIS Kernel is to provide companies or organisations with software that allows them to implement their own ECDIS with characteristic housing and proprietary sensors without investing in software development in order to meet the IHO/IMO requirements.
Nevertheless a 'ready to use' tool called ChartHandler is delivered with the ECDIS Kernel which can be built into your application and which considerably simplifies the handling of electronic charts.

Does the Kernel delivery include electronic charts? Where can I get them from otherwise?
The Kernel delivery includes sample data, a world data set in small scale and large scale data of the Baltic Sea. Up to date chart data can be purchased from Chartworld (www.chartworld.com). The Kernel software also supports the import of official S-57 data and S-63  data from Hydrographic Offices.

For which platforms is the ECDIS Kernel available?
The Kernel is available for the Windows and UNIX/Linux platforms:
Here is a detailed list of EC2007 ECDIS Kernel supported operating systems.

Which development environments are supported?
Which development environments are supported?
For the current Kernel version the programming language is C++ with ANSI C interface. Under Windows we use Visual Studio 2005. Borland C++ Builder can also be used (with some minor restrictions). Under Linux the Kernel is compiled with the GNU C++ compiler and built with the Glibc library.

How do I start the Kernel?
Since the Kernel is a library you have to write an application that calls Kernel functions. For a start there are sample applications delivered with the Kernel as executables and as source code to compile and run. In addition a detailed programming guide is delivered with the Kernel software. Finally there is the possibility to attend one of the Kernel training courses offered by SevenCs.

How do I register the Kernel on my system?
After having installed the Kernel you only have to start a sample program or the register tool and a registration dialogue pops up. It shows a unique Hardware-ID of your system generated by the Kernel.
In receipt of this Hardware ID we will send you the required registration keys.
You can also acquire the keys automatically by sending an e-mail to our “registration robot”. This procedure is described in the Kernel programming guide.
If you order certain electronic charts from a chart distributor like ChartWorld then your hardware ID is used to generate chart permits to protect the charts. With these chart permits you can install the charts exclusively on your system.

Can I use the registration keys and the purchased charts on one system only?
Generally speaking this is true. However, we offer the use of a dongle which can be plugged into your system and which has a Hardware ID of its own. With a registered dongle you can use the Kernel and purchased charts on several systems though only on one at a time. For example you can use dongles for development purposes. A developer can plug a dongle into any system he wants to use.

What happens if my system crashes?
In case of a hardware replacement you have to renew the Kernel registration for your new system with new keys that we will provide. This procedure is called a “service registration”. It ensures that you will be able to use the purchased charts on the new system. However, there are some formalities which come along with a service registration. If you use a dongle you can instantly start on the new system without a new registration.