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Learn About Nautical Charts

Each NOAA nautical chart contains a vast amount of information unique to the geographic area that it covers. While each chart is unique, it is assembled using standard conventions that are understood by the mariner.

This section gives some background information on some of the standard elements that go into compiling a NOAA chart. Much of the information was taken from The American Practical Navigator, Bowditch, Pub No. 9, 2002.


What is a Nautical Chart?

Chart Projections

Sounding Datum

Elevations Shown on Nautical Charts

Page last edited: February 11, 2016

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