I've been looking around the Internet for information about Vector Product Format. I want to put together a project that can read Digital Nautical Chart (http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/DNC.portal), which is in the Vector Product Format, and manipulate the bathymetric data contained within it. I have had trouble finding an API that appears to have the capability to read the raw data, and allow me to work with it. Simply displaying imagery is not enough here; in honesty, the intent is to take that data and use it to terraform in Second Life, which is obviously off the topic of this website, but may give you an idea of what I need. If any sort of API comes to mind, or if there is a detailed specification of the Vector Product Format, that would be wonderful.
Edit: I should make clear that I have to use DNC; I haven't been given a choice.
Edit: Actually, that may not be true. I would like to do research on other databases, starting with GEBCO.