The views expressed in this paper are personal to the author, and not intended to represent official policy of the UK Hydrographic Office.

With the ever increasing use of electronic charts in the small craft sector, this paper is designed to give some background to developments at the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. Included is a short review of the state of the market, with the author's view of possible future progression. The various formats of data are discussed, with a summary of the legislative background within the commercial market. This discussion is relevant, as it will ultimately shape the future market for small craft users