A Brief Overview On Nautical Navigation Tools- Charts

Posted by Harry Voges on October 6th, 2017

Modern day electronic marine navigation tools are quite easy to use, extremely accurate, thoroughly reliable. Though the most crucial computer on board is the skilled human navigator, there are some fundamental tools like nautical charts, recreational and planning charts, tide tables etc. to help with the directions which aid in the protection of life at sea. When all the marine navigation instruments on board fail, these navigational tools provide a ray of hope.

Nautical navigation tools: Nautical Charts

The nautical chart represents a graphic rendition of a maritime area and surrounding coastal regions.

Based on the scale of the chart, it might depict depths of the water altitudes of land, natural attributes of the abyssal zone, intricate deals of the coastline, and potential navigational jeopardies. Along with that, it presents a clear picture of the locations of natural and other man-made aids to navigation as well. It lets one recognize any locations of navigational dangers; the rise and fall of tides and currents. In addition, a nautical chart will help you determine local details of the Earth's magnetic field, and a general topography- human-made structures such as harbors, buildings, and bridges.

Such nautical charts can be basically of two types - paper charts and computerized electronic navigational charts. Such tools are essential belongings of vessels and commercial ships.

Paper charts can be wonderful for exploring the coastline and nosing around little coves and rocky notches of the coast in a dinghy – the detail is all there. If you happen to an enthusiast and wish to rock-hopping along the coast, there is usually more close information on a paper chart or its electronic equivalent to driving you through.

Digital charts have gained popularity these days. One can divide these charts further - Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs) and Electronic Navigational Charts.

Buying admiralty charts online require one to know the difference between the two.

Now, Rastar navigational charts or RNCs comprise of a precise image with pixels, and that is displayed on the screen. With each pixel encompassing different color, the pattern gives shape to the individual features of the chart. Whereas an electronic navigational chart is represented in vector format, achieved by digitizing each feature’s geometry into a specific object. Generally, mariners navigate with an ENC, using an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) that interprets the stored data.

Getting lost in the sea isn’t that difficult. Thanks to nautical navigational charts - they are here to the rescue.