How to Read

a Nautical Chart

Copyright 2004 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Association,

 What you will learn

Understanding of Charts
Chart structure
Chart symbology

Use of Charts with Electronics

Limits of chart accuracy
Limitations of electronics

© 2003, “How to Read a Nautical Chart,” Reprinted with permission 2

 Overview

Part 1 – Nautical Charts

Understanding Positioning in the age of
Electronics
Information of use to the Recreational Boater

Part 2 - Symbology
Highlights of Symbols found on a Chart
Summary of “Chart No. 1”

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 Reference

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 PART 1

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 Chart Accuracy

Historically
Tools were limited
Features were referenced to the coastline

Today
GPS provides astronomical fix
Potential for mismatch

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 Historically

Charts related to Coastlines

Surveys used to mark locations
Grid of survey marks
Shorelines referenced to survey marks
Not related to astronomical fix

Fundamental inaccuracies
Accuracy degraded with distance from survey marks
Each chart related to local coastline

Lack of common reference

Each chart stood alone

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 Historical Perspective

Cartographers
Emphasis on regions of rock or hazards
Did not precisely depict individual rocks or hazards

Emphasis on shipping
Recreational boating did not exist

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 Cartography

Timeline
3rd Century BC - Greeks
Earth is a sphere
Developed concept of Latitude and Longitude
Instituted basic map-making

16th Century AD –
Precise astronomical observations were developed
Means to accurately measure distance and elevation
Basis of many charts still in use

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 Triangulation

A ‘Survey’
Starts from a single point
Astronomical observations
Baseline established
Calibrated metal rods or chains
Miles long, accurate to inches
Triangulation
Precise angles from each end of baseline
Establishes third point
Expanded into a grid of triangles
Mathematical framework for Latitude & Longitude

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 Triangulation

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 Triangulation

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 Triangulation Net

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 Model of Earth

Earth
Not a perfect sphere
Need for a mathematical model
Ellipsoid
Best fit – works for a region, not the entire Earth
Flattened at the poles (23nm greater diameter at Equator)
Early work
Astronomical observations to calibrate ellipsoid
Starting Point & Baseline = GEODETIC DATUM
Clark’s 1866 ellipse for U.S.
Point in Kansas

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 Common Grid
Concept of Grid System
Need for common grid
Unique ‘address’ for each point on surface of the
Earth
Latitude and Longitude
Charts and maps link to common system

Challenges
Need a model for the shape of Earth
Earth is a not a perfect sphere
Diameter at Equator 23miles greater than at poles
Surface undulates
Mathematical Model = ellipsoid
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 Grid System

Need to tie Grid astronomical position

North American Datum 1927 (NAD 27)
Reference point in Kansas
Triangulation grid across U.S.
Errors at ‘corners’ within 165 ft
Based on U.S. ellipsoid

Need for local ellipsoids

Over 20 ellipsoid models used for regions around World
Each is a ‘best fit’ for that region
Need for common reference

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 Today

Satellites permitted first global view

Local grids compared
U.S. updated grid to NAD 83
World Geodetic Surveys to match
Resulted in common reference WGS 84
Based on NAD 83 (the two are compatible in U.S.)
Still errors but ‘best fit’ as a compromise

GPS is based on astronomical position

Uses mathematical model to get grid position
WGS 84 is default, but others available
GPS SETTING MUST MATCH CHART DATUM
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 Issues

GPS uses algorithm to derive WGS 84

Can introduce small errors

Most but not all U.S. Charts on WGS 84

Conversion in process
Differences between NAD 27 & WGS 84 can be 300 ft or
more

Other areas
Slowly converting to WGS 84
Some areas: even WGS 84 errors are significant

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 GPS & Datum

GPS datum
WGS-84 (default on most models)
Other datum options available on GPS
Setup menu

GPS datum must match chart

Some charts use other than WGS-84
U.S. – still some use NAD 27
British Admiralty – less than 1/3 on WGS-84

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 Charts

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 Chart Projections

Chart is 2-D representation of Earth

Each method introduces distortions

Recreational Boaters find 2 types

Mercator Projection – most coastal charts
Polyconic Projection – found on Great Lakes

On Coastal or Local Charts

Very similar features
Grid lines of Latitude and Longitude are perpendicular
Shapes and angular directions are preserved
Straight lines cross all grid lines at the same angle
Called rhumb line – not same as great circle path

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 Mercator Projection

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 Chart Scales

Charts are scaled representations

Scale is expressed as a ratio
Example: 1:40,000:
One inch on chart = 40,000 inches on Earth (.6 nautical mile)

Typical scales
Sailing Chart 1:600,000
General Chart 1:200,000
Coastal Chart 1:80,000
Harbor Charts 1:40,000
1:20,000
1:10,000
1: 5,000
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 Survey Accuracy
Special Order Surveys
Harbors & channels with minimal clearance
Accuracy to within 2 m horizontal, and .25 m depth sounding
Identify bottom features > 1 m3
First Order
Less critical harbors, channels & coastal areas
Horizontal within 5 m + 5% of depth, and .5 m depth sounding
Identify bottom features > 2 m3
Second Order
Depths to 200m
Horizontal within 10m + 5% of depth, and 1.0 m depth sounding
Third Order
Offshore not otherwise covered
Horizontal within 150m + 5%, and 2nd order for sounding
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 Horizontal Accuracy

NOAA now uses 1st order surveys

As updates are done
Most available charts:
Standard (up through mid-90’s)
Position to within 1.5 mm at scale of chart

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 Accuracy Comparison

Traditional Chart Standards

Horizontal Position within 1.5mm at chart scale
1:80,000 scale chart = position accuracy of 262 ft
1:40,000 = 133 ft
1:20,000 = 67 ft
1:10,000 = 33 ft

GPS Accuracy
Nominal = 50 ft
Typical = 33 ft
DGPS = <15 ft
WAAS = <10 ft

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 Accuracy Conclusion

GPS
With WAAS or DGPS
More accurate than the standards for even Harbor Charts

Inaccuracies accumulate
33 ft on chart + 33 ft on GPS can be a 66-foot uncertainty

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 Vertical Reference

Soundings
MLLW (Mean Lower Low Water) = chart reference datum
Lower of two low tides each day – mean over epoch (typically 19 yrs)
Most NOAA charts

Heights
MHW (Mean High Water) = chart reference datum

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 Sounding Accuracy

Prior in 1940
Soundings in shallow water using lead lines
Accuracy based on skill of operator
Valid only for points measured – not in-between
Today: 50% still based on lead line surveys
Modern
Side-scan and multi-beam sonar
Continuous, accurate measurements

Check Chart
Depth datum (height, soundings)
Source data

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 Depth Accuracy

Affected by:
Accuracy of source sounding
Shifting bottom conditions
Wind-driven tides
Barometric pressure
Rainwater infusion

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 Electronic Charts

Two basic types:

RASTER
VECTOR

Raster
Digital image of paper chart

Vector
Traced (digital vectors) from paper masters

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 Raster vs. Vector

Raster Vector

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 Considerations

Zoom Level
Digital charts can be overzoomed
This can lead to overconfidence
Accuracy is no better than source chart (at its scale)

Quilting
Some cartography ‘quilts’ charts together
Adjacent charts may be of different scales
Leads to different horizontal accuracies

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 Overzoom

perceived
clearance

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 Quilting

different scales
datum mismatch

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 Chart Grids

Nautical Charts – Latitude & Longitude

Latitude
Horizontal grid lines of equal latitude
Latitude is the angle from the Equator to location N or S
Typical grid lines every 5 minutes of latitude angle
Scale
Typical: Degrees, Minutes, Tenths of minutes
Longitude
Vertical grid lines of equal longitude
Longitude is the angle from Greenwich England to location E or W
Scale
Same format as Latitude – different spacing

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 PART 2 - Symbology

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 Chart No. 1
General

Topography
Above the surface

Hydrography
Below the surface

Aids/Services
Help to the mariner

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 Chart Features
Chart No. 1 – Section & Title

Hydrographic source(s)

Chart title
Projection & scale

Notes

Cautionary notes

Inset

Source data diagram

Chart number in national series

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 ChartGrid
Grid

Coastal Nautical Miles

Chart Yards

one
nautical
mile

1/10
nautical

latitude
mile
degrees,
minutes, longitude
tenths min.

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 Chart Grid

Great Statute Miles

Lakes Yards
Chart Meters

latitude
degrees,
minutes longitude

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 B - Compass Rose

True North

Magnetic
Scale
Variation
Reference

Annual
Change

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 Isogonic Lines

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 C - Coastline
Coastline Shore type

Surveyed Flat

Unsurveyed Sandy shore

Stony shore

Dunes
Steep coast

Apparent shoreline

Vegetation
Hillock

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 C – Relief Features

Contour lines Spot height

& spot height

Approximate Form lines

contour lines spot height
& height

Approximate
Height of tree
tops

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 C – Water Features

Intermittent River,
river stream

Rapids, Lakes
waterfalls

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 D – Cultural Features

Ruins, Ruined Landmark

Motorway

Road (hard surfaced)

Track, Path (unsurfaced)

Railway, with station

Cutting

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 D – Cultural Features

Fixed Bridge Draw Bridge

Transporter
Bridge

Opening Bridge
Power
Transmission
Line

Swing Bridge

Lifting Bridge

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 E - Landmarks

Tank Chimney

TV or Radio
Specific Landmark Tower

Radar Mast
Spire

Radome
Cupola
Tank

Tower
Silo
Standpipe Grain Elevator
Water Tower

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 Features
hill
(spot height 800 ft)

monument

marsh
stack

spire

roads

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 Photo Chart

Photo Chart: courtesy, Maptech, Inc.

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 F - Ports

Dyke
Wharf
Levee

Causeway Pier

Breakwater Ruins*

* note dashed lines marking ruins

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 F - Ports

Jetty
(partly below MLLW)

Jetty
Submerged

Jetty
Small scale

Pump-out facilities

Quarantine

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 F – Ports
CANALS
Canal

Lock
on large scale chart

Lock
on smaller scale chart

Dam

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 Features

Chart & photos: courtesy, Maptech, Inc.

© 2003, “How to Read a Nautical Chart,” Reprinted with permission 57

 H – Tides, Currents

Clearance Datum

Tidal Range

Depth Datum

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 I - Depths
CONTOURS

Low Water Line

Depth of
Shallow Water (blue)
may vary by chart,
or two blue colors
may be used

Approximate Depth

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 Features
Drying Height (10 ft underlined) Dredged channel (6ft 1986)

Spot Height (188 ft)

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 I - Depths
SOUNDINGS
Depth Soundings
at true position
[vertical numbers]

Least depth in
Narrow channel
[number in parentheses]

No bottom
at depth shown

Soundings
which are unreliable
or taken from
smaller-scale chart
[sloping numbers]

Drying heights above

chart datum (green)
[number is underlined]

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 I – Depths
Limit of dredged channel

Depth & year of

latest control survey

Unsurveyed
or inadequately
surveyed area

FAIRWAYS, AREAS
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 J – Nature Seabed

Stones, gravel or shingle

Rocky area

Coral reef

Green: area that covers and uncovers

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 K - Rocks

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 K – Rocks, Obstructions

Danger Lines
In general

Swept by
wire drag
or diver

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 K – Rocks
Dangerous
underwater rock
Rock uncertain depth
which does
not cover

Dangerous
Rock underwater rock
which covers known depth
and uncovers

Rock
awash at the Non-Dangerous
level of chart underwater rock
datum known depth

Coral Reef
which covers

Breakers

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 K - Wrecks

Wreck
Wreck* least depth
always dry known (swept)

Dangerous
Wreck* Wreck
uncovers depth unknown

Wreck Sunken
any portion Wreck
of hull not dangerous
at chart datum
Wreck
Wreck safe clearance
Showing mast (swept)
above
chart datum
Foul ground
Dangerous dangerous
Wreck to navigation
depth
unknown

* on large scale charts

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 K - Obstructions

Obstruction Fish Traps,

depth unknown Weirs, tunnys

Obstruction Fish Traps,

least depth
known (sounding) etc, area

Obstruction
least depth Fish haven
known (swept) or artificial reef

Stumps, Piles …
all or part time minimum depth
submerged

Submerged Piles Shellfish

etc. – exact cultivation
position

Fishing stakes

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 M – Tracks , Routes

Roundabout
Direction of Flow
recommended

Separation Line

Direction of Flow
mandatory

Maritime Limit

Restricted Area

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 M – Tracks, Routes

Direction of Flow
mandatory

Direction of Flow
recommended

Restricted Area Ferry

Maritime Limit

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 N – Areas & Limits

Maritime Limit (in general)

Typical: permanent obstructions

Maritime Limit (in general)

Typical: No permanent obstructions

Limit of Restricted Area

look for explanatory notes

Limit of Prohibited Area

look for explanatory notes

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 N - Areas & Limits
International
Boundary

International
Maritime
Anchorage Boundary
Prohibited
Territorial Sea
Baseline

Seaward limit
Territorial Sea
Fishing Seaward limit
Prohibited Contiguous Zone

Ice Pack limit

Military Area COLREGS demarcation

Prohibited
Limit – fishing area

Limit – airport

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 Zones

Restricted
(no fishing designated
no anchoring) anchorage

Channel
(recommended)

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 N – Areas & Limits
Anchorage
large vessels

Anchorage
small vessels

Anchor berths

Swinging Circle

Anchorage Area
in general

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 P - Lights
LANBY [superbuoy]
Sectored-light
[narrow sector
Articulated light to be followed]

Lighted offshore platform

Light-fixed, lighthouse Sectored-light

[on standard charts]
[see notes on chart]

Sectored-light
Lights-in-line [Range] [red marks danger]

All-round light
Aero light [obscured sector]

Private light

Riprap around light

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 Q – Buoys & Beacons

Green & black

[unlighted]

Single colors
[unlighted]

Multiple colors
[horizontal bands]

Multiple colors
[vertical stripes]

Lighted marks
[on standard charts]

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 Buoys

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 Summary

Charts are your resource for key information

Navigable waterways
Ports
Channels
Hazards
Depths
Bottom conditions
Direction and Distance
Landmarks for reference
Navigation Aids
Restrictions & regulations
Information
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 Navigation Electronics

GPS
More accurate than most charts

Can lead to a false sense of security

Tendency to cut corners and venture too close to charted
hazards

© 2003, “How to Read a Nautical Chart,” Reprinted with permission 79

 Boaters’ Response

Understand how to read a chart

Waterways
Hazards

Be aware of potential inaccuracies

Leave extra margin on intended paths

Mark features with GPS

Plot & note features on the chart

© 2003, “How to Read a Nautical Chart,” Reprinted with permission 80