Up-to-date and accurate maps of the waterways are a prerequisite for safe and efficient shipping in Germany. Authorities such as the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, but also private harbor operators, are obliged to provide these maps in an up-to-date form at all times. Primarily, the reason is to prevent accidents caused by incorrect or outdated nautical charts. This includes the classification of federal waterways; their length in kilometers; existing locks, lifts, and barrages; and other surrounding waters, places, and borders.

Currently, mapping is carried out by conventional ships with trained personnel, which is time-consuming and expensive. This can result in long intervals between measurements at a particular location.

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