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Lateral Beacons USACE IENC

2025 - Homeland Infrastructure Foundation Level Data HIFLD


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API
REST: https://mapservices.pasda.psu.edu/server/rest/services/pasda/HIFLD_FEMA_PA/MapServer
WMS: https://mapservices.pasda.psu.edu/server/services/pasda/HIFLD_FEMA_PA/MapServer/WMSServer?request=GetCapabilities&service=WMS
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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ABSTRACT
A beacon is a prominent specially constructed object forming a conspicuous mark as a fixed aid to navigation or for use in hydrographic survey (IHO Dictionary, S-32, 5th Edition, 420). A lateral beacon is used to indicate the port or starboard hand side of the route to be followed. They are generally used for well defined channels and are used in conjunction with a conventional direction of buoyage. (UKHO NP 735, 5th Edition) The USACE IENCs coverage area consists of 7,260 miles across 21 rivers primarily located in the Central United States. IENCs apply to inland waterways that are maintained for navigation by USACE for shallow-draft vessels (e.g., maintained at a depth of 9-14 feet, dependent upon the waterway project authorization). Generally, IENCs are produced for those commercially navigable waterways which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) does not produce Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). However, Special Purpose IENCs may be produced in agreement with NOAA.