Description
Charts are your most fundamental and versatile navigational tool. Today’s nautical charts can be read on smart phones, chartplotters, GPS units, and tablet devices like the iPad; but in addition to having a thorough understanding of chart symbols and abbreviations, using today’s charts to your best, and safest, advantage also requires an understanding of the chartmaking process, the differences in electronic chart formats, and an awareness of the limits of accuracy in positions and soundings.
Did you know, for example, that the position provided by your GPS unit may be much more accurate than the chart on which your position is shown? That the discrepancy bwtween the two could land you and your boat on a reef? That a wreck symbol surrounded by a dotted circle means it is considered dangerous? That there are four different kinds of rock symbols, each with a different meaning? And that the definition of “danger” has changed over time and will depend on the age of your charts?
In How to Read a Nautical Chart, trusted boating authority Nigel Calder answers these and hundreds of other questions clearly and concisely. In addition to thoroughly explaining the basic symbology of U.S. and international charts, Calder explores the latest in electronic chart developments, including 3-D charts showing the sea floor, charts whose content is user-generated, and charts that show docks and marinas with real-time water depth. Calder also provides much-needed advice on choosing an electronic chart system for your boat.
How to Read a Nautical Chart – which also contains ALL of Chart No. 1 – should be in every navigator’s electronic or paper library.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.