Standard S-100

General Description

The S-111 product, developed under the IHO S-100 framework, defines the data model and exchange format for representing surface ocean currents, supporting safe navigation, maritime operations planning, and marine traffic management.

The Instituto Hidrográfico (IH) is developing this S-111 sub-product with the aim of achieving operational implementation and distribution to the maritime community, based on observational data and numerical current forecasts.

Organisation and Structure

The S-111 model follows a hierarchical structure compatible with other electronic navigation products (e.g. S-101 ENCs and S-104), ensuring interoperability among different maritime information layers when used in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).

Each S-111 dataset will include the zonal (u) and meridional (v) components of surface currents, together with metadata describing these values — such as data origin, spatial and temporal resolution, and quality indicators.

As they incorporate temporal information with variable resolutions (e.g. 15-minute or 1-hour intervals), these products will be particularly relevant for forecasting, planning, and near-real-time navigation support.

Format and Access

The S-111 data, in accordance with the product specification, will be provided in digital HDF5 format, compliant with the S-100 Edition 5.0 data model.
Once the development and validation processes are concluded, the products will be made available through S-100 data dissemination platforms, serving both institutional users and the maritime community.