FAQ - Nautical Charts

What is a nautical chart?

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A nautical chart is a two-dimensional graphic of a 3-D world. It 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.

The navigator uses the chart to plot courses, ascertain positions, and view the relationship of the ship to the surrounding area. It helps the navigator avoid dangers and arrive safely at the desired destination.

Where can I get a paper chart?

Paper nautical charts can be purchased from a NOAA certified chart agent. It is easy to order a chart online or by and have the chart delivered to your door.

How can I be sure that I have an official NOAA chart?

NOAA certified nautical charts and other nautical products meeting U.S. Coast Guard carriage requirements are available from the following sources:

• NOAA ENC® - can be downloaded for free from our website or purchased from a certified ENC distributor.
• NOAA Paper Nautical Charts - can be purchased from any NOAA certified chart agent.

What is the difference between a map and a chart?

A nautical chart presents the coastline taking into account varying tidal levels and water forms. A map, on the other hand, emphasizes landforms.

Where can I learn more about the different symbols on a nautical chart?

U.S. Chart No. 1 describes the symbols, abbreviations and terms used on all NOAA, NGA and international nautical charts, as well as the symbols used to portray NOAA ENC® charts on an ECDIS.

What is the difference between an ENC and an RNC?

A raster navigational chart (RNC) is a digital image of the corresponding NOAA paper nautical chart. The information is stored as raster data - rows and columns of color pixels. The pattern of the colored pixels gives shape to the individual features on the chart.

An electronic navigational chart (ENC) is a digital chart database stored as vector data - pairs of coordinates that define the position and shape of points, lines, and area features.

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How can I find out which chart I need?

Visit the NOAA Chart Locator to find paper nautical charts and electronic navigational charts (ENCs). The locator can also be used to identify the appropriate Coast Pilot volume to use in a particular area.

Why do I need an updated chart?

Coast Survey cartographers apply thousands of changes to NOAA charts every year. Some changes are minor, but many are critical to safe navigation. Those critical updates can include new shoals, wrecks, and obstructions, and the latest changes to navigation aids. Additionally, shorelines are changing all the time, due to natural forces, storms or infrastructure improvements.

Where do I get chart updates?

The United States Coast Guard issues Local Notices to Mariners, providing up-to-date important navigational information. The National Geospatial - Intelligence Agency issues weekly the U.S. Notices to Mariners for larger vessels, such as those operating in 12 feet of water or more. NOAA's Weekly Chart Updates provide information about chart corrections.

How can I print a chart at home?

Use the NOAA Chart Locator to find the chart that you are interested in. Then look under the "Available Products" section of the Map Selection Information panel on the right side of the Chart Locator window. Click the "PDF" button to download a full-size nautical chart or click the "BC" button to download an 8.5" x 11" BookletChart&#; to your computer. Full-size PDFs can be printed on a large format plotter; BookletCharts can be printed on an ordinary home or office color printer.

How can I get a copy of an old NOAA chart?

NOAA's Historical Map & Chart Collection contains over 35,000 images - charts, maps, sketches, and more - that are available free to the public.

Are there copyright restrictions for printing, publishing, or repackaging chart images?

NOAA's nautical charts are in the public domain. You may use then for any purpose free of charge, with two exceptions:

1. Paper charts that fulfill chart carriage requirements for regulated commercial vessels under Titles 33 and 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations must be purchased from NOAA-certified vendors.
2. Commercial printers must be certified by NOAA to sell navigational charts and publications that are "published by the National Ocean Service."

When republishing a NOAA chart or a portion of a chart image, we request the citation, "Provided by NOAA Office of Coast Survey, nauticalcharts.noaa.gov" be used, although this is not required. More information on how copyrights apply to government publications can be found at U.S. Government Works.

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