Streamline S-100 Production with ArcGIS: Webinar Q&A
On October 7th, 2025, Esri experts Craig Greene and Paulina Karkauskaite demonstrated how to reduce the resource strain caused by the requirement to produce both S-57 and S-100 standard-compliant products for the next several years, until S-57 is fully retired. By leveraging ArcGIS to produce both S-101 and S-57 datasets using dual-fuel technology, you can generate both products from a single set of features.
We now have the recording available for you to review.
In addition, here are the answers to all the questions that were submitted during the webinar.
1. Is ArcGIS data format certified or signed off by IHO as meeting the IHO S-100 standards?
ArcGIS generates IHO-based formats, which conform to the IHO S-100 standards.
2. Can I store both schemas S-101 and S-124 in one database?
The ability to store multiple S-100 specifications in a single schema is part of the ArcGIS roadmap.
3. Do you have a timeline for similar tools for 401/402 products?
You can currently build a geodatabase from the feature catalogue and edit features. The ability to export to 401 and 402 will come in a future release.
4. Is there any kind of multi-user editorial workflow available?
Yes. ArcGIS supports PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Oracle multi-user environments. You can also support disconnected use cases with database replication, which allows you to extract data from the multi-user environment to a local file database to support contractors or work-from-home scenarios.
Here are some additional resources on multi-user editing:
- A presentation on Enterprise Geodatabase concepts and multi-user editing with ArcGIS Maritime: https://mediaspace.esri.com/media/t/1_iczx0mu9/238781233
- A presentation on disconnected use cases with database replication: https://mediaspace.esri.com/media/t/1_c5tmzmxh
5. Will there be support for creating S-128?
Support for S-128 Catalogue of Products is part of the ArcGIS roadmap. We are working with customers to understand their specific use cases, given S-128 has some requirements that are unique from other S-100 products.
6. With the new user licensing scheme, I would like to know which user is associated with the ArcGIS Maritime and ArcGIS Bathymetry extensions?
ArcGIS Maritime and ArcGIS Bathymetry extensions require either a Professional or Professional Plus user type. If your organization uses other extensions like ArcGIS Data Reviewer, ArcGIS Workflow Manager, and ArcGIS 3D Analyst, then it may be beneficial to acquire a Professional Plus user type as it includes most of the ArcGIS Pro extensions.
7. Does S-102 support metadata within the dataset?
Yes. It is not required to add the S-102 metadata to your mosaic datasets, which are the input to the S-102. However, we provide the Add S-102 Fields tool that adds the S-102 metadata to the database, so that when you generate an S-102, the metadata is included.
8. Was the dual fuel database revised from previous version, which had some issues where backwards conversion was dropping essential objects?
Yes. And we continue to improve the S-101 to S-57 conversion process. In ArcGIS Pro 3.6, which will be released soon, we have implemented most of the IHO S-65 Annex C conversion guidance. This significantly improves the quality of the S-57 datasets that are generated from S-101. The remainder of IHO S-65 Annex C will be implemented in the next release of ArcGIS Pro in Q2 2026.
9. Is Esri going to support S-125 AtNs and S-128 Product catalog in an upcoming version?
Yes, we plan to support the generation of S-125 datasets in the Q2 2026 release of ArcGIS Pro. Please refer to the response to question #5 regarding support for S-128.
10. Does the dual fuel database support multiple S-57 and S-101 products that do not have the same coverage.
Yes. The database does support this. We recommend that you have the same coverage for both the S-57 and S-101 products. The reason is that, if you are editing features in an S-101 product and you have different S-57 product footprints, then you need to understand which S-57 products are impacted. If the footprints are the same for S-101 and S-57, it simplifies this process.
11. Is the database compatible with 20 ENCs? Or should we set up separate DBs for different scale bands and cells?
The S-101 enterprise database stores all datasets across all scale bands and all products. The export tool determines which data is extracted based on the product footprint and metadata.
12. What information is requested by software for digital signature procedures?
The authentication of exchange set data is handled by the inclusion of a digital signature. This digital signature is created using a certificate issued by IHO, or an intermediate certificate that references the IHO root certificate. Your identifying details and certificate paths are managed by the AgencyDetails.xml file. This XML must be appropriately configured for signed exchange sets to be created with the editor.
- To set up for Signing through Direct certificate (data server), AgencyDetails.xml must be configured to point to certificate and key.
- To set up for Signing through Intermediate certificate (domain coordinator), AgencyDetails.xml must be configured to point to certificate and key, as well as the domain coordinator certificate (ancestorCertificate path).
Any configured certificate can be a file that is either PEM or DER encoded.
The software verifies that the configured certificates are authenticated at the root level by the IHO certificate at the time of signing.
13. Is the S-124 product creation multiuser based?
Yes, it is. All products support a multi-user editing environment, meaning multiple users can edit S-124, S-101, and S-57. They're also available as single standalone file databases.
14. What are the benefits of ArcGIS?
ArcGIS is a complete GIS system. As part of this ecosystem, you can manage, produce, and share maritime data formats. For example, you can manage vast archives of bathymetric data and because it's a GIS you can do analysis with the survey data to determine how much sedimentation has occurred between two periods or do volume calculations to discover how much dredging is needed. You can also create seamless surfaces of survey data that have different resolutions and different formats.
ArcGIS also supports a wide range of vector formats that are used in mapping and charting and GIS operations. Products like ArcGIS Bathymetry and ArcGIS Maritime allow you to import, edit, update, and export to generate maritime industry standard data and formats. These products contain specialized tools to support the maintenance of this data.
ArcGIS does not just provide tools for chart production. ArcGIS Enterprise allows you to share data as part of your marine spatial data infrastructure (MSDI). You can publish and share bathymetric and ENC data with internal or external stakeholders to support shore-based voyage planning, provide a common operating picture, situational awareness, or even the production of printed products directly from your ENC data.
15. Does the S-101 database have any S-57-specific features in it?
No, there are no S-57-specific features in the database. Only a few tables get added to the S-101 database to store the S-57 footprints and the S-57 product metadata.
15. Does the exchange set tool have to use Esri exchange sets to bundle sign and encrypt?
No, you can pass any exchange sets into the tool and sign and encrypt those exchange sets using that tool. Meaning, those exchange sets could come from other organizations or from other software applications that you're generating those exchange sets with.
Resources:
Thank you for your interest in this topic.
ArcGIS Maritime Team
