Nautical Charts - All That You Need To Know About This Important Tool

Posted by Harry Voges on March 11th, 2019

Nautical charts are maps that indicate the configuration of shoreline and sea floor. They also provide information on depth of water, possible navigational threats, characteristics of navigation, anchorage aids and other features. Nautical charts are essential for safe navigation, this is the reason why they are the most fundamental tool to a mariner. Mariners use charts to plan voyages and navigate ships safely and economically.

Federal regulations require most commercial vessel carriers to carry nautical charts to transit US waters. Electronic charts have become quite prominent for use in marine navigation nowadays. If they comply with the industry standards, they can be substituted with the traditional paper nautical charts. These charts are also referred to as digital nautical charts.

Benefits of digital nautical charts

Digital nautical charts are slowly catching pace with the paper chart systems. The potential of such high-quality electronic charts goes beyond the use of navigation. The data standard to be followed for electronic charts opens up the use of data for a wide range of possible applications. If organized efficiently, these charts can provide maritime administrations access to some powerful, versatile database, to establish a geographic reference database for e.g. Vessel Traffic Services, for search and rescue as well as for various applications in coastal zone management. Digital marine geographic information will soon become part of the evolving global spatial data infrastructure.

Difference between a nautical chart and a map

A nautical chart shows hydro graphic data, along with detailed information on water depths, tide predictions, obstructions to navigation such as rocks and shipwrecks, and navigational aids. A map, on the other hand, focuses on landforms, having info on various geographic and cartographic products. A map usually represents topographical information.

A chart helps a mariner plot courses through open water bodies and in highly trafficked areas. Nautical charts have critical importance in ensuring safe navigation. Nautical charts have a certain level of legal standing and authority. A map, on the other hand, acts as a reference guide and can be used by anyone, which shows predetermined routes such roads and railways.

Details on a nautical chart

Many countries’ hydro graphic agencies publish something as “Chart 1”, which explains all of symbols, terms and abbreviations used on charts that they produce for domestic and international use.

1. Pilotage information - The chart uses symbols to provide information about the nature and position of features such as sea bed information.

2. Depths and heights - Measured depths are indicated by specific numbers shown on the chart. Heights, for e.g. a lighthouse are given relative to Mean High Water Spring (MHWS).

3. Tidal information - Tidal races and other strong currents have special chart symbols.

You can buy digital nautical charts from various on-line stores and use them as an alternative to the physical charts.

Author's Bio : The author is a blogger and the article is about digital nautical charts.