General Nautical Charting FAQ
1. What is a nautical chart?
2. What are the basic elements of a nautical chart?
3. What is the difference between a map and a chart?
4. Where do I get chart updates?
5. Are NOS charts available on the Internet?
6. How do I become an NOS chart sales agent?
7. What is a Coast Pilot?
8. What is hydrography?
9. Are you looking for the "Shore and Sea Boundaries" reference book by Aaron Shalowitz?
10. Where do I get charts, Coast Pilots, and related publications?
1. What is a nautical chart?
A nautical chart represents part of the spherical earth on a plane surface. It shows water depth, the shoreline of adjacent land, prominent topographic features, aids to navigation, and other navigational information. It is a work area on which the navigator plots courses, ascertains positions, and views the relationship of the ship to the surrounding area. It assists the navigator in avoiding dangers and arriving safely at his or her destination. (Back to top)
2. What are the basic elements of a nautical chart?
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1. Chart number in national chart series
2. Identification of a latticed chart (if any): D for Decca/Loran-C Overprinted for Loran C/Omega Overprinted for Omega
3. Chart number in International chart series (if any)
4. Publication note (imprint)
5. Stock number
6. Edition note. In the example: Fifth edition published in May 1989
7. Source data diagram (if any). For attention to navigators: use caution where surveys are inadequate
8. Dimensions of inner borders
9. Corner coordinates
10. Chart title (may be quoted when ordering a chart in addition to chart number)
11. Explanatory notes on chart construction, etc. (to be read before using chart)
12. Seals: In the example, the National and International Hydrographic Organization seals show that this national chart is also an international one. Purely national charts have the national seal only. Reproductions of charts of other nations (facsimile) have the seals of the original producer (left), publisher (center) and the IHO (right).
13. Projection and scale of chart at stated latitude. The scale is precisely as stated only at the latitude quoted.
14. Linear scale on large-scale charts
15. Reference to a larger-scale chart
16. Cautionary notes (if any). Information on particular features to be read before using chart
17. Reference to an adjoining chart of similar scale
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3. What is the difference between a map and a chart?
A nautical chart has special unique characteristics including a very detailed and accurate representation of the coastline, which takes into account varying tidal levels and water forms, critical to a navigator. A map, on the other hand, emphasizes land forms, including the representation of relief, with shoreline represented as an approximate delineation usually at mean sea level. (Learn more...) (Back to top)
4. Where do I get chart updates?
The United States Coast Guard District Offices issue Local Notices to Mariners, providing up-to-date important navigational information. Copies of Local Notices to Mariner can be obtained directly by contacting the appropriate District Office. Local Notices are also available over the Internet from the Coast Guard Navigation Center. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency issues weekly Notices to Mariners containing important navigational information for larger vessels, i.e. those operating in 12 feet of water or more. The weekly Notices to Mariners can be obtained by contacting the NGA. The latest chart updates can be viewed and/or downloaded from this website. (Learn more...) (Back to top)
5. Are NOAA's nautical charts available on the Internet?
Yes. NOAA’s 1,000-plus U.S. coastal and Great Lakes nautical charts are viewable here on-line. Each chart is up-to-date with the most recent Notices to Mariners. NOAA Raster Navigational Charts (NOAA RNC®s) and updates are available for free download here. NOAA Electronic Naviagational Charts NOAA ENC® are available for free download here. Traditional paper charts can be ordered by mail, phone, or the Internet from the FAA. They can also be purchased from a local chart agent. All the ways for obtaining nautical charting products can be found here. You must have a place of business which is open to the public for over-the-counter sales. You must do a net dollar volume of $500.00 per year. Agents will be permitted one year to establish their business. Thereafter an agent not selling a volume sufficient to maintain an active status may be discontinued. You will receive a 40% discount on all of our products. You will have complete return privileges for obsolete charts and publications for full credit to your account. You do not have to prepay orders - they will be billed by invoice. A monthly statement will be generated on the last business day of the month and then mailed to the agent. The monthly statement will list all transactions made during that period. If you are interested in becoming an authorized chart dealer, please mail or fax the FAA Distribution Division your name, address and telephone number so we can send you the appropriate Contracts/Agreements and instructions. Please specify whether you are interested in becoming an aeronautical or nautical chart dealer.
Contact Information:
FAA, National Aeronautical Charting Office
Agent/Government Sales and Services Group
10201 Good Luck Road
Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769-9700
Phone: 800-638-8972
Fax: 301-436-6829
6. How do I become an NOS chart sales agent?
You must have a place of business which is open to the public for over-the-counter sales. You must do a net dollar volume of $500.00 per year. Agents will be permitted one year to establish their business. Thereafter an agent not selling a volume sufficient to maintain an active status may be discontinued. You will receive a 40% discount on all of our products. You will have complete return privileges for obsolete charts and publications for full credit to your account. You do not have to prepay orders - they will be billed by invoice. A monthly statement will be generated on the last business day of the month and then mailed to the agent. The monthly statement will list all transactions made during that period. If you are interested in becoming an authorized chart dealer, please mail or fax the FAA Distribution Division your name, address and telephone number so we can send you the appropriate Contracts/Agreements and instructions. Please specify whether you are interested in becoming an aeronautical or nautical chart dealer.
Contact Information:
FAA, National Aeronautical Charting Office
Agent/Government Sales and Services Group
10201 Good Luck Road
Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769-9700
Phone: 800-638-8972
Fax: 301-436-6829 (Back to top)
7. What is a Coast Pilot?
The United States Coast Pilot® consists of a series of nautical books that cover a variety of information important to navigators of coastal and intracoastal waters and the Great Lakes. Issued in nine volumes, they contain supplemental information that is difficult to portray on a nautical chart. (Learn more...) (Back to top)
8. What is hydrography?
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) defines hydrography as “the branch of applied science which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of the navigable portion of the earth’s surface [seas] and adjoining coastal areas, with special reference to their use for the purpose of navigation.”
A hydrographic survey may be conducted to support a variety of activities: nautical charting, port and harbor maintenance (dredging), coastal engineering (beach erosion and replenishment studies), coastal zone management, and offshore resource development. The primary information of concern for most types of hydrographic surveys is water depth. Of additional concern to most surveys is the nature of the sea floor material (i.e. sand, mud, rock) due to its implications for anchoring, dredging, structure construction, pipeline and cable routing and fisheries habitat. Hydrographic surveying can be thought of as the process of “looking” into the ocean to see what the sea floor looks like. (Learn more...) (Back to top)
9. Are you looking for the "Shore and Sea Boundaries" reference book by Aaron Shalowitz?
This three volume publication summarizes the technical and legal aspects of determining maritime boundaries in the U.S., particularly with respect to the use of data acquired by the Office of Coast Survey and its predecessors. Volumes One and Two were published in 1962 and 1964, respectively, and are considered to be two of the most important references available to the coastal and maritime community. (Click here for download) (Back to top)
10. Where do I get charts, Coast Pilots, and related publications?
Click here for all of your nautical charting needs. |
