Navigation and Seamanship

1.4.2. Maps and charts

A map is representation, in miniature, on a flat surface, of a portion of the earth’s surface. It shows physical features; cities, towns, and roads; political boundaries; and other geographic information.

A chart is also a representation of a portion of the earth’s surface, but has been specially designed for convenient use in navigation. It is intended to be worked upon, not merely to be looked at, and should readily permit the graphic solution of navigational problems, such as distance and direction or determination of position, in terms of latitude and longitude. A nautical chart has to do primarily with areas of navigable water. It features such information as coastlines and harbors, depths of water, channels and obstructions, and landmarks and aids to navigation.