S-201 AtoN information
The IALA S-201 Product Specification defines a standardised digital format for the exchange of information on Aids to Navigation (AtoN) such as buoys, beacons, lights, racons, and AIS AtoNs. It enables competent authorities, hydrographic offices and other stakeholders to share consistent, high-quality AtoN data in support of safe, efficient and sustainable maritime navigation.
Developed under the IALA S-200 framework and based on the IHO S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model, S-201 provides a common structure for describing the position, characteristics, operational status and maintenance information of AtoNs. It also supports metadata such as power supply, moorings, fixing methods, and equipment types, allowing for comprehensive management of marine aids to navigation assets.
Main Features
- Data model: Vector-based, feature-oriented schema aligned with S-100 Edition 5.2.0
- Encoding format: GML (Geography Markup Language) for interoperable data exchange
- Coordinate system: WGS-84 (horizontal reference)
- Metadata: ISO 19115 and S-100 compliant
- Quality assurance: Conformance with S-58/S-158:100 validation checks
- File naming: Standardised dataset naming structure (e.g., 201XXXXYYYY_EEE.GML)
- Scope: Global coverage – applicable to maritime authorities worldwide
Purpose and Use
S-201 datasets allow organisations to exchange AtoN information seamlessly across national and regional systems. The specification supports data sharing for operational monitoring, planning, maintenance and reporting of aids to navigation.
While it complements navigational products such as S-101 (ENC), S-201 is not intended for use in ECDIS. Instead, it provides richer operational and technical details relevant to maritime authorities and service providers.