Sounding grouping is the process of grouping sounding points with identical attributes (except depth values). This enables more efficient management of sounding data, ensuring the generated chart data complies with international standards. Through grouping, related sounding points share attributes and FOID, facilitating data management and modification while enhancing the standardization and accuracy of chart data.

In the chart data storage structure, each feature object (e.g., a beacon) is typically stored as a single feature record with a unique Feature Object Identifier (FOID). However, sounding points are exceptional - a nautical chart often contains numerous sounding points where most attributes and values (except depth) are identical. Storing each sounding point separately would result in significant data redundancy and reduced management efficiency.

Therefore, S-57 specifies that points sharing identical attributes except depth values must be merged into groups during data storage, each assigned a unique FOID. This optimizes the chart data storage structure and improves the storage efficiency of 000 files.

SuperMap iDesktopX supports automatic sounding grouping, editing of sounding group attributes, and viewing/modifying attribute values for sounding groups.

This chapter covers:

• Add/Delete Soundings: Procedures for adding or removing sounding points.
• Edit Sounding Group Attributes: Instructions for editing attributes of sounding groups, enabling uniform settings for attributes other than depth values.
• Edit Depth Values: Procedures for modifying depth values of sounding points.

Note:

Performing Sounding Group operations is mandatory before exporting 000 chart data to ensure compliance with S-57 specifications and proper functionality across platforms.