Helmut Lanziner – Canadian Electronic Chart Pioneer Awarded
For his contribution to technological innovation and the development of the electronic chart, not only was Helmut Lanziner awarded the Transport Canada Marine Safety Award in May of 2005, but he was also appointed to the Order of Canada. His investiture into that order was on 15th December 2006.
Enthusiasm, vision and perseverance best characterise Helmut Lanziner as he pursued the development and business of electronic charts. Today the electronic chart is an accepted and essential tool of the mariner. Helmut first visualized electronic charts during his early experiences in the Beaufort Sea working for the oil industry. To put that idea into reality Helmut founded Offshore Systems Ltd. (OSL) which he operated for many years. In its early days OSL was an unchallenged world leader in electronic chart systems. Step by evolutionary step, Helmut as the visionary entrepreneur introduced system and functional improvements with each OSL version. Relative motion, heads-up display, and then the radar overlay, are features which he incorporated that made the interpretation of sensor data much quicker and easier. Many a night, Helmut could be found on the bridge of a ferry or container ship while underway, tweaking his latest version for best performance.
Helmut was also very active convincing the industry and government agencies of its benefits to safety and navigation. He played a significant role as a Canadian participant in the promotion and development of the international electronic charts standards.
Helmut Lanziner is undoubtedly to be counted among Canadian pioneers.