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The nautical chart is a type of map, which has unique characteristics and a detailed representation of the coastline. It includes lots of information about local tide ranges and geographical features that are critical to the navigator.
Unlike regular maps that include details about the land and only blue space where there is water, the nautical chart only includes landmarks and features ashore if they might be easy to recognize from seaward, such as a tall building or tower.
Most of the details are in the water, such as depth (or soundings), seafloor characteristics (is it muddy, sandy, rocky?), aids to navigation (buoys and lighthouses), and local information that might be relevant, such as strong currents, protected areas, anchorages, shipping lanes, etc.
A nautical chart is flat, but it represents a round surface.
Latitude Map
Longitude Only Map
Cartographers, or map makers, split the earth into imaginary circles parallel to the equator, which get smaller and smaller as they get closer to the North and South Poles. The circles are called parallels or lines of latitude. Cartographers also divide the earth into imaginary lines radiating out from the poles. These lines are called meridians or lines of longitude.
Meridians and parallels intersect at specific geographic coordinates, or at a specific latitude and longitude, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
Featured image: chart and globe images and information courtesy NOAA Office of Coast Survey.
Did You Know?
The Age of Sail was said to be the domain of “wooden ships and iron men,” but sailing ships also had boys on their official crew lists.
Today, you have to be 14 years old before you can get a job in most states in the US, but in the Age of Sail both merchant ships and navy vessels signed on boys as young as seven years old as regular members of the crew.
What were these kids doing on board sailing ships?